DC United v New England Revolution – MLS
DC United v New England Revolution - MLS
DC United are expected to make changes to the side which won in midweek. Franklin is pressing for a start in the right back role, with Korb most likely to drop out. In midfield, Canouse has impressed lately and should keep his place, whilst going forward Arriola has eased the creative responsibility on Acosta. Mullins and Brown competing for starting role in the attack, both have different strengths. The hosts aren't quite favourites here, having a 0 handicap to overcome. Back to back wins have lifted morale in the home side, who are determined to get all 3 points against an opponent directly above them on the table. DC United will sit deep without the ball and look to play on the break, scoring first would make the hosts tough to break down. DC United have struggled in front of goal all season, with a lack of creativity costly. The 2.75 goals line could suggest a low scoring affair which seems fair, DC United will aim to stay in the contest for as long as possible and utilise the counter attack. If they take the lead they would be content to defend deep rather than search for more goals and take unnecessary risks.
New England welcome back Watson for this match, the full back was suspended for the previous match and faces a battle to get back into the side. A new centre back pairing was used in the last match, Dielna and Mlinar Delamea are expected to continue in the centre of defence. In midfield, changes are possible with Nguyen adding quality on the ball and cutting edge in the final third. The visitors come into this match evenly placed and are facing a 0 handicap. Despite sitting above the hosts in the table, New England are not favourites for this match. This seems fair as the visitors have yet to win a game on the road all season, the players are lacking belief when playing away from home. The first goal will be key. New England are still searching for their first away win of the season, as a result the visitors would take any margin of victory in this match. The 2.75 goals seems fair, however, if New England were able to find the early breakthrough the game could become more open. The longer the game stays level the more risks the away side will take, with a draw viewed as a disappointing result.
Verdict & Prediction
DC United can take confidence from their previous fixture against New England, in which they got a hard earned draw away from home. The hosts are highly unlikely to reach the end of season playoffs, the main motivation is to avoid finishing bottom of the league table. Opponents just above them. With 3 of their next 4 league matches at home, DC United have an opportunity to reward the fans, who have had little to celebrate this season. Their opponents have yet to win away from home this season, DC United should take confidence from this, with their opponents anxious on the road.
Prediction: DC United +0.00 Asian Handicap
Odds: 1.89 SBOBET
Another MLS betting preview: Orlando City – Vancouver Whitecaps
Tags: DC UnitedNew England Revolution
Orlando City v Vancouver Whitecaps – MLS
Liverpool v Arsenal – Premier League