Still in search of their first victory of the 2025 MLS campaign, the New England Revolution will lock horns against Philadelphia Union at Gillette Stadium on Sunday.
The hosts were beaten in both of last season's meetings against their visitors, who will head into this weekend's affair aiming to maintain their 100% start so far.
Match preview
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Following a poor 2024 season where they finished bottom but one in the Eastern Conference, the New England Revolution were expected to kick off the new campaign with a point to prove, but the early evidence suggests last season's horror show might not have been a one-off.
Caleb Porter's men played out a drab goalless stalemate against Nashville SC to get the ball rolling two weeks ago before losing out to the Columbus Crew 1-0 when the teams went head-to-head on Sunday.
While the Revs seem to have significantly tightened up at the back after conceding an average of over two goals per game last time out, they are yet to get going at the top end of the pitch, having now drawn blanks in three of their last four MLS matches, either side of a 6-2 demolition against Inter Miami.
A return to winning ways this weekend would be a much-needed boost for New England Revolution, given their record against the opponents lying in wait with no wins from the most recent five encounters.
Following their most recent home defeat, Sunday's hosts will, however, bank on their record of having not lost consecutive matches in front of their fans since May 2024 as they look to kick-start their league journey on home turf.
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After drawing the curtain on last season with three straight losses, the Philadelphia Union were also beaten in their subsequent three warm-up outings to make it six consecutive defeats.
Bradley Carnell's men managed to get themselves back to winning ways in their final pre-season outing against CF Montreal before kicking off the new campaign with a thrilling 4-2 win over Orlando City SC.
In keeping with their heroics from the opening weekend, the Union also hit FC Cincinnati for four in their sophomore MLS fixture last time out in a comfortable 4-2 victory at Subaru Park on Sunday.
Following up on his brace against Orlando, Tai Baribo was the driving force for the Philadelphia Union once again as he grabbed a stunning hat-trick to move up to five league goals for the season already.
Six points and eight goals from their two outings undeniably make Sunday's visitors the team to look out for so far ahead of this weekend's involvement on the road, where they managed just 20 possible from a possible 51 last time out.
Team News
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Twenty-six-year-old Tomas Chancalay is out of contention for New England Revolution with a knee problem that has kept him on the sidelines since May.
American duo Peyton Miller and Matt Polster are also unavailable for the home side through groin and thigh injuries respectively, although the former is nearing a return to action.
Israeli international Tai Baribo has flown out of the blocks in the race for the Golden Boot and will be looking to deliver the goods for Philadelphia Union once again this weekend.
Forward Bruno Damiani had a debut to remember for the away side last time out when he came on to find the back of the net against Cincinnati in the 4-1 triumph.
New England Revolution possible starting lineup:
Ivacic; Bye, Ceballos, Fofana, Feingold; Yusuf, Yueill; Langoni, Gil, Ganago; Campana
Philadelphia Union possible starting lineup:
Blake; Westfield, Makhanya, Glesnes, Wagner; Sullivan, Jacques, Lukic, Gazdag; Baribo, Uhre
We say: New England Revolution 1-2 Philadelphia Union
The Philadelphia Union have flown out of the blocks so far, while the New England Revolution are yet to take off heading into this weekend's meeting.
Albeit by only a narrow margin, we are backing the away side to steal a victory come the sound of the final whistle.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Adepoju Marvellous
