Verdict: Home win
Best odds: 6/10
Bookmaker: Betfair
On Sunday at the Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, New England Revolution will play host to Minnesota United FC in what should be an interesting clash, even though New England won the last three matches between them.
New England Revolution
New England Revolution have started an excellent run of results in the MLS. The only defeat they suffered in the last six matches they played came in the round of 16 of the U.S. Open Cup, 1-0 at the hands of New York City. The remaining five were a 2-2 draw away to Atalanta United, a 2-3 triumph away to FC Cincinnati, a 1-1 home draw against Philadelphia Union, a 1-2 win away to Sporting Kansas City, and a 1-1 draw at home against Orlando City.
It could be argued that they could’ve won at least one of those home matches on one hand, but on the other, manager Bruce Arena and his team have to be credited for maintaining decent form even though they’ve lost one key player in January when winger Tajon Buchanan joined Club Brugge in Belgium, and they’re about to lose two more in goalkeeper Matt Turner, who is about to join Premier League side Arsenal, and striker Adam Buksa, who is set to move to Lens in Ligue 1 at the end of the month.
Even though they’re sitting sixth in the Eastern Conference at the moment, there’s just six points separating them from New York City at the top, with Philadelphia, Montreal, New York Red Bulls and Charlotte FC squeezed in between.
Team News
With Turner poised for departure, 22-year-old Djordje Petrovic, his standard replacement, will likely stand between the posts again after a fine display in the Orlando game.
Midfielder Matt Polster is currently a doubt, having been replaced in that match with a head injury. Centre-back Henry Kessler could also be left out due to a leg problem, and if that proves the case, Jon Bell is the likeliest candidate to replace him in the starting XI once more.
Minnesota United FC
Minnesota had a very good spell at the back-end of April, comfortably winning three matches in a row, but they haven’t exactly been showing the same spark since. Their last six matches in all competitions saw them lose 3-1 away to Seattle Sounders, draw 1-1 at home against LA Galaxy, win 1-2 in Dallas, lose 1-2 at home to Union Omaha in the Open Cup round of 16, lose 0-1 at home to New York City, and eventually beat 2. Bundesliga side Paderborn 4-3 at home in a friendly game.
Adrian Heath’s team are currently ninth in the Western Conference table with 18 points to their name from 14 matches played this season. With Houston Dynamo in eighth on the same tally (as well as Colorado Rapids in 10th) and Seattle just one point above (providing it stays that way after their clash with Los Angeles FC on Saturday), Minnesota are still in with a decent chance of finishing inside the top seven and making it into the play-offs.
Team News
Heath will have five players returning to the squad from international duty – goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair, defender Michael Boxall, midfielders Kervin Arriaga and Robin Lod, as well as striker Bongokuhle Hlongwane.
On the other hand, injuries sustained by midfielder Hassani Dotson (knee), goalkeeper Tyler Miller (stomach), winger Patrick Weah (knee) and defender Romain Metanire (hamstring) will force the manager to seek for alternative solutions for his lineup.
Conclusion
Having drawn the last couple of games at home, this could be a good opportunity for the Revs to break the chain and finally book a win.
Verdict: Home win
Best odds: 6/10
Bookmaker: Betfair
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