New England Revolution take on Atlanta United in the Eastern Conference of MLS on Saturday, with both sides aiming to maintain their unbeaten record so far this season.
Both teams won last time out, with New England beating DC United 1-0, and Atlanta defeating Chicago Fire 3-1.
Match preview
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Having lost five MLS finals in their history before reaching the semi-final last season, New England will be hoping that this is the year they can finally break their hoodoo.
Led by former United States national team manager Bruce Arena, who was appointed as head coach in 2019, they certainly have the coaching expertise to do so.
Some may argue they lack a little bit of stardust on the field to go all of the way, though, with former Aston Villa midfielder Carles Gil not exactly one of the more glamorous leading designated players in the division.
However, Arena's side have made a promising start to the campaign, coming back from two goals down to snatch a point against Chicago on the opening day, before DC United defender Brendan Hines-Ike's own goal handed New England three points in a cagey encounter.
Arena will be looking to secure another win against Atlanta, who finished outside of the top eight last season, although he will be more than aware of the threat they possess.
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Indeed, having only joined the MLS in 2017, Atlanta won the title in only their second season, which must have frustrated New England in particular after suffering so many near misses over two decades.
Atlanta also recently reached the quarter-final of the CONCACAF Champions League for the third straight season, once again bowing out after a 3-0 defeat to Philadelphia Union on Tuesday.
Former Manchester United defender Gabriel Heinze, who was appointed as the club's manager in December 2020, turns his attention back to the MLS on Saturday, then, ahead of a tricky trip to New England.
Like their forthcoming opponents, Atlanta have began the season impressively, claiming a 0-0 draw away to Orlando City on the opening day before former Bournemouth midfielder Emerson Hyndman's late strike sealed a 3-1 victory over Chicago last time out.
Having missed out on the playoffs last season, the Argentinian will be keen to ensure his players do not fall short of the minimum mark expected of them once again.
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Team News
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New England are likely to remain without defensive midfielder Luis Caicedo, who is struggling with a leg injury.
Having had no match during the week, Arena is unlikely to make any changes to the XI which dispatched DC United last weekend, with Adam Buksa leading the line once more.
Heinze, on the other hand, may look to rotate after the disappointing defeat to Philadelphia in midweek.
The likes of Jake Mulraney, Brooks Lennon, Anton Walkes and former Lyon striker Lisandro Lopez started in last weekend's victory over Chicago before dropping to the bench in midweek, so may return to the starting XI.
Alec Kann, Matheus Rossetto and Mo Adams are likely to remain out due to injury, though.
New England Revolution possible starting lineup:
Turner; Bye, Farrell, Kessler, Mafla; Polster, Kaptoum; Gil, Traustason; Buksa, Bou
Atlanta United possible starting lineup:
Guzan; Lennon, Robinson, Walkes, Bello; Hyndman, Sosa, Barco; Mulraney, Lopez, Moreno
We say: New England Revolution 1-1 Atlanta United
New England should have fresher legs than Atlanta after benefitting from a free week, which should help them secure a positive result.
However, we can envisage both sides maintaining their unbeaten records via a share of the spoils, with Atlanta arguably possessing greater individual quality to overcome any potential fatigue.
Top tip
Data Analysis
Our analysis of all available data, including recent performances and player stats up until an hour before kickoff, suggested the most likely outcome of this match was a New England Revolution win with a probability of 53.21%. A win for Atlanta United had a probability of 23.41% and a draw had a probability of 23.4%.
The most likely scoreline for a New England Revolution win was 1-0 with a probability of 10.08%. The next most likely scorelines for that outcome were 2-1 (9.78%) and 2-0 (8.93%). The likeliest Atlanta United win was 0-1 (6.23%), while for a drawn scoreline it was 1-1 (11.03%). The actual scoreline of 2-1 was predicted with a 9.8% likelihood. Our data analysis correctly predicted that New England Revolution would win this match.
