DC United vs New England Revolution Preview
DC United begin their MLS season by hosting the New England Revolution at the Audi Field this week. The two sides had a poor end to the 2023 season and will be aiming for a good start this time around.
DC United come into the season with another new coach as Troy Lesesne replaced Wayne Rooney, after the Englishman parted ways last season. They have traded in as many as five players, and signed two more during the off-season. It truly is a new season, a new squad, and a new manager for the side from the capital.
Tomás Chancalay is the big new signing for the New England Revolution, as he will be key in the attack for them. Nick Lima, who was traded from Austin FC, should be another player to keep an eye on, as he will be slotting right into the starting XI at right-back.
Henrich Ravas will become their third goalkeeper in less than a year after he was signed from Widzew Łódź. Đorđe Petrović left for Chelsea in the summer of 2023, while his replacement, Tomáš Vaclík, left for Spanish second-division side Albacete in the off-season without playing a match for the MLS side.
Jacob Jackson and Earl Edwards Jr played as the goalkeepers for New England in the second half of the season but are expected to make way for the new signing. They were involved in CONCACAF Champions Cup action earlier this week and won 1-0 against Independiente.
DC United vs New England Team News
DC United are set to be without two key players for their season opener against New England Revolution. Tyler Miller and Steven Birnbaum are out, while Russell Canouse is facing a late fitness test but is expected to start.
Miller underwent a shoulder surgery and is not expected back any time soon. Birnbaum is dealing with a knee injury and is expected back towards the end of March or early April.
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Mark-Anthony Kaye is suspended for the first match of the season because of a red card he picked up last season. Brandon Bye and Dylan Borrero are going to be on the injury list for the New England Revolution for the majority of the first half of the season, as both players are recovering from ACL injuries.
DC United vs New England Predicted Lineups
Troy Lesesne is expected to go into the game with a 4-2-3-1 formation and should be looking to get the basics right this weekend. A lot of changes are not expected from their pre-season teams as this is their first MLS game under the new manager.
Bono should be the chosen one in goal, with Herrera, Bartlett, Peltola, and Santos making the back four in defense. Canouse and Klich are expected to be the sitting midfielders, with Stroud, Pirani, and Ku-DiPietro making the attacking trio in midfield.
Christian Benteke should be the one leading the attack. The formation could easily switch to a 3-4-1-2 in attack.
Predicted XI: Bono; Herrera, Bartlett, Peltola, Santos; Canouse, Klich; Stroud, Pirani, Ku-DiPietro; Benteke
New England Revolution will have a few fresh faces in the starting XI with the new season starting. They have declined the option on several players, and they will have to work with another new goalkeeper – their third change in less than a year.
Tomáš Vaclík’s exit has seen them sign Henrich Ravas from Widzew Łódź. He is expected to be the main goalkeeper this season and should be starting this week.
Another new signing, Nick Lima, should be the one to start at right-back and will be joining Farrell, Romney, and Jones in defense. Buck, Polster and Carles Gil will be the ones to form the field with the Spaniard in an attacking role.
Bajraktarevic and new signing Chancalay are expected to be the ones on the flanks, with Vrioni leading the attack.
Predicted XI: Ravas, Lima, Farrell, Romney, Jones, Buck, Polster, Gil, Bajraktarevic, Chancalay, Vrioni
DC United vs New England Revolution Head-to-Head & Prediction
New England Revolution 4-0 DC United
- DC United 1-2 New England Revolution
- New England Revolution 1-0 DC United
- DC United 3-2 New England Revolution
- DC United 2-3 New England Revolution
DC United vs New England Prediction:
Goals galore in every game between DC United and New England Revolution. The two sides have not played out a draw in the last ten meetings, but that could change this weekend.
New England Revolution have won nine of the last ten games against DC United, including a 2-1 win at Audi Field last season. Their only loss to the team from the capital was in an away game – 3-2 in the meeting back in 2022.
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However, the away side will not be fresh like the DC United players as they were involved in CONCACAF Champions Cup action in the mid-week. Both teams have a lot of fresh faces in the squad, and it could see things evened out.
Prediction: DC United 1-1 New England Revolution
DC United vs New England Betting Tips
Draw or New England Revolution win.
Both Teams To Score: Yes.
Over 3.5 Goals: No.
DC United vs New England Odds
DC United Win: 2.00
Draw: 3.70
New England Revolution Win: 3.45
DC United vs New England Revolution Timings & Telecast
Audi Field – 25th February – 00:30 GMT
India: MLS Season Pass
United Kingdom: MLS Season Pass
US: Fox, Fox Desportes and FS1