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New England Revolution back at home for Red Bulls bout

By Tommy Butler

FOXBORO, MA - MARCH 12: The starting lineup for the New England Revolution before their game against the D.C. United at Gillette Stadium on March 12, 2016 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
FOXBORO, MA - MARCH 12: The starting lineup for the New England Revolution before their game against the D.C. United at Gillette Stadium on March 12, 2016 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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Home sweet home, at least that’s what the New England Revolution are hoping for in this mid-week match.

After three consecutive losses, the New England Revolution are glad to be back in Gillette Stadium. They haven’t earned a single point in MLS play since their stunning win over Toronto FC over a month ago.

Now, with only 20 points on the season, the Revs could bring themselves level with NY. The Red Bulls lost their last match and have 23 points on the year.

This is the second match between these two teams. New York won 2-1 back in May in Red Bull Arena.

With a long home stand starting this week, it’s a great opportunity to gain momentum.

New England Revolution

Good news: Diego Fagundez is back from his suspension and ready for action.

CHESTER, PA – MARCH 20: Lee Nguyen
CHESTER, PA – MARCH 20: Lee Nguyen /

Bad news: The three players on international duty won’t be. Two of them are regular starters in Juan Agudelo and Kelyn Rowe.

It’s looking like another challenge for the Revs’ thin squad this week. Last week did not go well against the Philadelphia Union. New England had an incredibly tough time finding shot opportunities.

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With Fagundez back, the offense should flow much more smoothly. With the combo of Lee Nguyen and Fagundez the Revs at least have a chance to be as dangerous as usual.

Defensive form will likely be a big factor in the match. Let’s hope Gillette Stadium’s early season magic comes back.

Possible Starters

Cody Cropper— Donnie Smith, Antonio Delamea, Benjamin Angoua, Andrew Farrell — Diego Fagundez, Gershon Koffie, Scott Caldwell, Teal Bunbury — Lee Nguyen, Kei Kamara

New York Red Bulls

The Red Bulls are coming off a loss to their local rival. Not only was is NYCFC’s first ever win at Red Bull Arena, but it was only their second win against the Red Bulls.

Not only are they coming off of a deflating loss, but the Red Bulls are missing many players as well.

Two suspensions, two international players, and two injuries are lined up against New York. Their midfielder Felipe is also only one yellow card away from suspension.

With these two teams returning to face each other next week in the US Open Cup, New York might not risk Felipe getting suspended as well. Unlikely, but possible.

Possible Starters

Luis Robles — Connor Lade, Aaron Long, Aurelien Collin, Sal Zizzo — Sean Davis, Felipe — Daniel Royer, Sacha Kljestan, Alex Muyl — Bradley Wright-Phillips

Prediction

New England nearly came back right at the end of their last match. Now with the home crowd, that near comeback might become reality.

Hopefully it won’t have to be a comeback though.

In 69 regular season matches between these two teams, New England holds the advantage with 29 wins. The advantage is much more pronounced at Gillette.

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In 33 meetings in Foxborough, the Revs won 21 of the matches and drew seven. Only five wins for the Red Bulls.

New England wins 2-1.

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