New England Revolution look towards New York City FC

On Wednesday, May 31 the New England Revolution head to New York for the second week in a row, this time to take on NYCFC.

Last week could have gone better for the New England Revolution, who fell to the New York Red Bulls 2-1 on Saturday. Luckily for the Revs, their Eastern Conference rivals, NYCFC are also coming off a loss.

This year the Revs have had trouble holding onto the ball, leading to many opportunities for opposing attackers. NYCFC had similar problems against Atlanta United last week, giving up a ton of costly turnovers.

Both teams are looking to get back into their winning ways so let’s take a look at this mid-week matchup.

New England Revolution

Last week’s loss puts the Revs in 9th place in the Eastern Conference, three spots shy of the playoff line. A win this week could put them in 6th on goal difference with Columbus.

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Atlanta and Philadelphia both have a chance to move back ahead during their matches this week, however. Atlanta has played one less game this year and is two points ahead while Philly is above the Revs on goal differential.

All of that makes this game against No.3 NYCFC that much more important. The Revs really need to prove they can take out the stronger teams if they have any hope of making the playoffs.

Despite playing the stronger New York team, the Revs will be at full strength again. Both Andrew Farrell and Benjamin Angoua are back from suspension and will solidify the defense.

Other than the boost at defense Head Coach Jay Heaps shouldn’t fiddle with the lineup much more. With a stronger defense, all that’s needed is some more attacking-minded players.

Projected Starters:

Cody Cropper – Andrew Farrell, Benjamin Angoua, Antonio Mlinar Delamea, Chris Tierney – Xavier Kouassi, Kelyn Rowe, Diego Fagundez, Lee Nguyen – Juan Agudelo, Kei Kamara

New York City FC

Sitting in the third spot in the Eastern Conference should be calming. Not for NYCFC at the moment who, at 20 points, are only up on goal difference.

Orlando City and NY Red Bulls both have 20 points as well with Columbus just one point behind and Atlanta just two. A loss from NYCFC this week could even drop them out altogether.

NYCFC’s Head Coach, Patrick Vieira said that he will likely make some lineup changes coming into the game. City fans hope it won’t end up like their loss against Real Salt Lake with a weakened lineup.

Alexander Ring will be out of the game on a suspension which opens up a midfield slot. This could be the opening for Andrea Pirlo to return to the lineup.

Projected Starters

Sean Johnson – RJ Allen, Alexander Callens, Maxime Chanot, Ben Sweat – Maximiliano Moralez, Mikey Lopez, Thomas McNamara – Jonathan Lewis, David Villa, Jack Harrison

Prediction

The New England Revolution haven’t won a road match yet this season and not in their last nine total (7L-2D). NYCFC, on the other hand, is 3-1-1 at home this season.

In the all-time matchup, however, the Revs have the advantage with three wins to two. It’s even at Yankee Stadium.

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At the end of the day, I believe that the Revs will finally triumph on the road. Lee Nguyen is averaging .6 goals against NYCFC and I see him knocking in the winner in this one.

Revs will win 3-2.

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