The MLS Cup Playoffs are still over a month away, but a playoff-caliber matchup is in store this weekend when the New England Revolution visit Sporting Kansas City in a battle between two of the top three seeds in the Eastern Conference.
Defending champions Sporting have been faltering of late, leaving them very little margin for error against a Revs team that, until recently, had been in red-hot form.
Meanwhile, in the Premier League, the fast-burning ship that is Manchester United may be in tough again against a West Ham team that has surprised this season. Read our complete preview of that game here, and read on for more on this top of the table MLS clash.
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Sporting Kansas City vs. New England Revolution Preview
Where: Sporting Park, Kansas City
When: Friday, September 26, 7:00 PM ET
Line: New England Revolution at Sporting Kansas City– view all MLS lines
What’s at Stake
Second-place Sporting are currently just three points ahead of third-place New England in the Eastern standings with five games left to play.
[sc:MLB240banner ]For Sporting, a win would set them up nicely for their top of the table clash with leaders D.C. United in early October, and tighten their grip on second place at the very least.
For New England, a playoff spot is still no certainty, with just two points separating them and fifth-placed Columbus. A win would strengthen those playoff chances, as it puts them into a tie with Sporting for second in the East.
Betting on Sporting Kansas City
Sporting KC finally broke their disastrous run of four-consecutive losses with a convincing 4-0 away win over bottom club Chivas USA. Prior to the win, the defending champs had won just one game with five defeats in seven since the beginning of August.
Star striker Dom Dwyer scored the first and decisive goal, his 19th of the season, which broke the club’s single-season scoring record. It also marked the striker’s third-straight game with a goal and his sixth game-winning goal of the season.
Dwyer’s goal was expertly set up by U.S. Men’s National Team veteran Graham Zusi, who supplied his seventh assist of the season. Zusi also added the team’s third goal five minutes into the second half.
Dwyer missed their most recent meeting against the Revolution earlier this month due to suspension, and was dearly missed as Sporting lost, 3-1. But he’s back now, and with him and Zusi in fine form, Sporting will be very dangerous going forward.
Their big issue, however, has been on the other side of the pitch, where they’ve been unable to shut teams down defensively. At the end of last month, they allowed three goals at home to the Houston Dynamo, who are currently tied for the second worst attack in the league.
But despite their struggles, there’s still undeniable quality in the middle of that defense with the battle-tested and championship-winning partnership of captain Matt Besler and Aurelien Collin. The performance of those two will be key to the team’s success (or failure) against the Revs.
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Betting on the New England Revolution
The New England Revolution’s terrific five-game winning streak, which began at the tail-end of last month, finally came to an end as they fell 1-0 away to the Columbus Crew. It was also the first time the Revs were shut out in 10 games.
However, the Revs remain unbeaten when midfielder Jermaine Jones has started. The U.S. World Cup star, who was acquired in August, only came on at halftime in their loss to the Crew. But in his three previous appearances in the starting 11 which began earlier this month against Sporting, New England has won all three matches.
With a game of this magnitude, expect Jones to return at the heart of a very talented five-man Revs midfield, which includes top scorer Lee Nguyen. Nguyen powered the Revs’ recent winning run by scoring five of his team-leading 13 goals in those five games, including a brace in their 3-1 win over Sporting.
The likes of Teal Burnbury and Kelyn Rowe are also capable of contributing on offense (each has scored two goals in the last six games), but the Revs will need Nguyen firing on all cylinders to complete the season sweep against defending champs.
The Revs have won both meetings so far against Sporting this season, but both games were played in New England. Going out and winning on the road will be an entirely different proposition. New England has lost six of its last seven games away from home.
Writer’s Prediction
The in-form Dwyer strikes again while the defense holds up en route to a Sporting home victory.
