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New England Revolution vs Toronto FC Predictions: Home Opener

New England Revolution Forward, Bobby Wood, Against Toronto FC

The New England Revolution vs Toronto FC game will be the second MLS game this year for both teams. The Revolution lost their first game while TFC drew their first game against the Revolution.

New England Revolution vs Toronto FC Predictions on Sunday

New England Revolution (2-1-2)

The New England Revolution will enter this game with mixed feelings. Yes, they won both games against CAI in the Concacaf Champions Cup. However, they also lost their season opener 3-1 to D.C. United in their season opener at Audi Field.

However, the Revolution head coach, Caleb Porter, was happy with the performance (source: Rich Thompson of the Boston Herald):

“I really liked that we got three goals and got a clean sheet and I don’t know if they got a shot,” said Revolution first-year coach Caleb Porter. “Partly that was because we controlled the game with the ball but I thought our team defending went really well.”

Nacho Gil, Tomás Chancalay and Mark-Anthony Kaye all scored goals in the second leg against CAI. As a result, the Revolution won the two-leg series by a scoreline of 4-0. However, when looking at New England’s record outside of CAI in their last five games, they have a record of 0-1-2.

Toronto FC (0-2-3)

TFC really played well against FC Cincinnati, the defending Supporters’ Shield champions, to earn a draw on the road, which is not something to overlook (source: The Canadian Press):

“All in all, we were resolute. We showed that fighting spirit,” said Herdman. “We stayed connected right to the end. So, for me, it was a good start to the season.”

Johnson also earned his 100th clean sheet in MLS play with the draw last Sunday. TFC though remains winless this year when including their MLS preseason games. It is also fair to say that defence has somewhat improved, as in their other two preseason games they have not given up more than one goal.

Injuries for Both Teams and Head-To-Head

There are two injuries with the Revolution with left winger, Dylan Borrero, who is out with a cruciate ligament tear since April 29, 2023 while right-back, Brandon Bye, is out with a cruciate ligament injury since August 3, 2023. However, according to transfermarkt, Bye is expected to return on March 12, 2024.

As for TFC, according to transfermarkt, they have no injuries to worry about as of right now. However, there are two players who may not play and/or play limited minutes in tomorrow’s game. One of them includes Lorenzo Insigne, which Toronto FC head coach John Herdman had this to say about Insigne (source: Canadian Press of Lethbridge News Now):

“We’ll manage him so he can play as many games, start as many games as he can,” Herdman added. “But games on (artificial) turf are a problem for him, for sure. The fans will just have to accept that. We just wanted him at his best. And I want him playing at home, every game.”

As one knows, Gillette Stadium uses artificial turf, so Insigne playing limited to no minutes on Sunday is something TFC fans will probably need to accept.

In addition, Laryea, may also not play, as he did not take part in training on Friday. This is what Herdman said about Laryea (source: The Canadian Press of Sportsnet):

“He may be on the bench. We may bring him into the game. But it’s not a priority for this weekend for Richie Laryea,” said Herdman.

In the same Canadian Press, Sportsnet article, it was revealed that Ayo Akinola has returned to training.

The Revolution has a 16-14-9 record against TFC. In particular, the Revolution had the better of TFC as of late. Toronto FC are winless in their last five games against the Revolution, with New England winning three of those games. In addition, two of those three wins came last year against TFC, with Bobby Wood scoring in both of those games.

Players to Watch

READ MORE: FC Cincinnati vs Toronto FC Predictions as Laryea Returns

Johnson, who played really well in a clean sheet against FC Cincinnati, will be a goalkeeper to watch for on Sunday. Also, expect Federico Bernardeschi to potentially have a big game against New England on Sunday.

As for the Revolution, Carles Gil led the team with 11 goals last year. There is also Mark-Anthony Kaye, who will play against his former team for the first time since being traded last July to New England. He will be looking to prove people wrong and just scored in his last competitive game. Also, as mentioned before, Wood will be a player to watch as he seems to play well against TFC.

Recent Acquisition of Matty Longstaff

Matty Longstaff, a 23-year old midfielder, who previously played for Newcastle United, will now play for TFC (as was reported by Craig Hope of Daily Mail North-East Football & England Correspondent). This is what Herdman said about Longstaff coming to TFC (source: Canadian Press):

“I’m thrilled to welcome Matty to our squad,” Toronto coach John Herdman, who comes from just outside Newcastle and grew up supporting the club, said in a statement. “His Premier League experience and dynamic playing style will add depth to our midfield and complement our tactical blueprint.”

READ MORE: Michael Bradley: The Most Important Captain in Toronto FC History

Bringing in a very young midfielder, before his prime, is a big move by TFC. With the recent retirement of Michael Bradley, TFC is in a need for more quality in that position.

Predictions of the Game on Sunday

Predictions: New England Revolution 1 – Toronto FC 1

The Revolution are playing at home but feel like they are playing a bit inconsistently right now. It will still be a hard game for TFC, who were not in great preseason form until their draw against FC Cincinnati. A draw might be a fair result depending on how both teams play tomorrow.

That Sunday game will happen at 2:00 PM ET at Gillette Stadium. It will be shown live on Apple TV.

 

Photo Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports, of a Bobby Wood Headshot, on June 24, 2023.

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