Prediction: New England Revolution vs Orlando City

Verdict: Double chance Orlando City

Best odds: 11/20

Bookmaker: ZetBet

Orlando City travels to Foxborough attempting a win against the New England Revolution that will see their playoff chances boosted. The game will be played at packed Gillette Stadium where more than 60, 000 fans hope to witness their favourites’ 8th seasonal win.

New England Revolution

Starting their season with the handbrake pulled, the New England Revolution had a disastrous opening to their campaign with four defeats in the initial four rounds. Despite facing accessible opponents, the hosts’ dismal output against DC United, Toronto, Cincinnati and Atlanta United, was an alarming sign the team will embark on another disappointing spell.

While a short recovery run with 4 points won in the following two games gave fans a better outlook, three consecutive defeats in the next rounds pilled the pressure on manager Caleb Porter who failed to impress since taking over the helm back in December 2023. Although the MLS is the only popular football competition that doesn’t have a promotion/relegation system, the clubs compete to finish in the play-off positions.

Still, a disastrous run that stems back from the beginning of the season with only a pair of wins in the opening 14 rounds played was surprisingly turned around with four consecutive wins in the following games. Although the hosts faced tough opponents, New England got back in the play-off position battle by defeating Nashville, New York RB, Vancouver and Cincinnati.

However, despite this incredible run, The Revs had a home reality check where they lost to Columbus Crew with a shameful 5-1. Even if this major fall was expected to continue in the next round, the hosts bounced back quickly defeating Atlanta United in front of their fans. Being positioned two points below the play-off, New England needs to bounce back from last week’s away defeat to Seattle with a positive result against Orlando City.

Team News

With seven players out injured, Caleb Porter will have a headache lining up a competitive formation. However, the Albanian striker Giacomo Vrioni is expected to pull another masterclass performance after netting a double in the previous home game against Atlanta United.

Orlando City

Opening their 2024 campaign with a home goalless stalemate against Montreal, Orlando City was unrecognizable in the following games after a complete surrender in the next three rounds. Although losing away at Inter Miami was somehow expected, the score (5-0) was one of the heaviest defeats suffered by the visitors.

The Lyons’ season mirrors New England’s results illustrating a rollercoaster ride going from four undefeated games to four games without a win. While this lack of consistency prevails at many MLS teams, Orlando City remained five points above their opponent in a playoff position.

Furthermore, Oscar Pareja’s team plays better on the road winning more games (4) than playing in front of their fans (3 wins). This result boosts Orlando City’s hopes to leave Gillette Stadium undefeated further consolidating their table position. Yet the visitor’s recent trips to New England are nightmarish following a record of 2 draws and 6 defeats, Oscar Pareja hopes to break the Gillette Stadium deadlock and return victorious from Foxborough.

Likewise, a pair of consecutive wins before travelling to NorthEast is the perfect set-up to offset the odds, a feat the visitors achieved this term four times. Still, Lyon’s mood is at red hot high after dispatching home DC United with a shocking 5-0 win.

It was the perfect game played by the Orlando City stars who were 3-0 up before the halftime whistle, a high tempo maintained during the second term with two more goals scored late in the game to bring DC United one of the most painful defeats.

Team News

Right-back Michael Halliday is out following a terrible knee injury that will see him long-term off the pitch. The young USA Under 20 player already missed 12 games and is not expected to make a full return anytime soon. Centre forward Duncan McGuire is keen to score after missing the mark in the last two games.

Key factors to consider

• New England won 5 games in the last 7 rounds
• The hosts are undefeated against Orlando City
• The visitors are in great form following two consecutive wins in which they scored seven goals
• Oscar Pareja is keen to record the first win for The Lyons at Gillette Stadium

Conclusion

Orlando City travels to Gillette Stadium aiming to get their first win on this turf. While New England displayed recovery signs lately, the visitors’ latest results point to a tight battle and a 3rd consecutive game without defeat for the visiting team.

Verdict: Double chance Orlando City

Best odds: 11/20

Bookmaker: ZetBet