MLS Multiplex
Fansided

Philadelphia Union vs New England Revolution: Preview and how to watch

By Daniel Shulman

MONTREAL, QC - OCTOBER 22: New England Revolution defender Benjamin Angoua (2) runs after the ball during the New England Revolution versus the Montreal Impact game on October 22, 2017, at Stade Saputo in Montreal, QC (Photo by David Kirouac/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
MONTREAL, QC - OCTOBER 22: New England Revolution defender Benjamin Angoua (2) runs after the ball during the New England Revolution versus the Montreal Impact game on October 22, 2017, at Stade Saputo in Montreal, QC (Photo by David Kirouac/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Both the New England Revolution and the Philadelphia Union are hoping to begin 2018 with a bang following miserable 2017 seasons for both squads.

The New England Revolution and Philadelphia Union face-off on MLS Opening Day, with both sides looking to use 2018 as a redemption year. The Revs finished just below the red line in the Eastern Conference in seventh place while an underachieving Philly team finished eighth.

Both sides have made some big improvements in the offseason, addressing their main team needs. The Philadelphia Union added a goal-scoring play-maker in David Accam up front along with Borek Dockal in the midfield. New England, meanwhile, improved defensively by acquiring left-back Gabriel Somi and defensive midfielder Wilfried Zahibo.

The opening match is crucial for New England, which struggled on the road last year going 1-13-3. Not only is it a chance for the Revolution to grab an early road victory, but also the debut for first-year coach Brad Friedel. Brought in during the offseason, Friedel’s arrival has sent shockwaves of positivity and optimism through the squad, giving the Revs a newfound sense of motivation and looseness.

New England Revolution

C.J. Sapong
C.J. Sapong /

Last Season’s Record: 11-14-9 (42 pts., 8th place)

Preseason Accomplishments: Participant in Sun Coast Invitational

Player to Watch: Borek Dockal – The DP signing is carrying heavy expectations into his first MLS season. Dockal will fill the role of the no. 10 midfielder, serving as the major creator for Philly’s forwards. Dockal has some big shoes to fill by replacing Chris Pontius, who enjoyed a nice resurgence while in Philadelphia. The question as to if the Czech international is the man for the job should be answered on opening day.

Why they Win: David Accam is the type of forward who can dictate a match with his pace and scoring prowess. For Philly clicking on all cylinders, Accam will have to play at his best. Not only will he be required to provide service for C.J. Sapong, he will also be looked to as a leader and scorer himself. Accam is on the verge of becoming a dominant force in MLS, and Philly might just be the right fit for him to do it. And against a team with some defensive doubts like New England, Accam will easily be the difference.

Why they Lose: Philadelphia has a young defensive corps with not much quality depth at the center back position. New England’s attack is dynamic, featuring several different options up front and a layered attack-first formation. With a relatively untested Auston Trusty slated to start, the Revolution will make his introduction to MLS unwelcome. Juan Agudelo and Krisztian Nemeth are both healthy and their creativity could make for a miserable afternoon in Philly.

Predicted Starting XI:

  • Formation: 4-1-4-1
  • Goalkeeper: Andre Blake
  • Defenders: Keegan Rosenberry, Jack Elliott, Auston Trusty, Fabinho
  • Midfielders: Haris Medunjanin; David Accam, Fafa Picault, Borek Dockal, Alejandro Bedoya
  • Forward: C.J. Sapong

Score Prediction

How to Watch

Where: Talen Energy Stadium, Chester, Pa.
When: Saturday, March 3, 2018 at 7:00 p.m.
Channel: MLS Live, myTV38 (NE), PHL17 (PHI)

Home/Eastern Conference