New England Revolution will be eager to claim their first victory of the 2025 MLS campaign when they welcome Columbus Crew to Gillette Stadium on Sunday.
The Revs have endured a torrid run against the Black and Gold in recent years, failing to win any of their last nine encounters, drawing six and losing three.
Match preview
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New England headed into the new season with optimism after a solid pre-season, winning four of their six matches, drawing one and losing one.
However, they were unable to carry that momentum into their league opener, settling for a goalless draw away at Nashville SC last weekend.
Caleb Porter's men were second-best for much of the contest, registering fewer attempts, fewer shots on target and seeing less of the ball.
Last season was a difficult one for the Revs, as they finished second-bottom in the Eastern Conference with just nine wins from 34 matches, while they also struggled at both ends of the pitch, scoring the fewest goals (37) while conceding the second-most (74).
Sunday's clash presents an opportunity for New England to secure maximum points in their first home fixture of the season. However, history is not on their side, as they have lost their last two home meetings with Columbus.
The hosts are also winless in the last four encounters between both teams at Gillette Stadium, drawing twice and losing twice, although their last victory in this fixture came on home soil in May 2021.
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Columbus Crew, the 2023 MLS champions, endured a disappointing title defence last season, bowing out in the first round after losing a best-of-three series against New York Red Bulls.
Wilfried Nancy's side also arrived at this campaign in unconvincing form, losing 4-1 to Nashville SC before suffering a 1-0 defeat against Houston Dynamo in pre-season.
However, they bounced back in style last weekend, coming from behind to claim a thrilling 4-2 victory over Chicago Fire, with Diego Rossi netting a second-half brace to seal the win.
The Crew will be confident of taking something from this match, having historically fared well against New England, and additionally, they are unbeaten in normal time across their last six away matches, a record that will give them added belief heading into Sunday's showdown.
Team News
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New England Revolution remain without Tomas Chancalay, who has been sidelined since May last year with a serious knee injury.
American defender Peyton Miller is also unavailable due to a groin problem, while midfielder Matt Polster is ruled out with a thigh injury.
Columbus Crew will be without Lassi Lappalainen, who continues to struggle with a thigh issue, while French defender Rudy Camacho is also sidelined with a similar problem.
Young American defender Taha Habroune misses out for the same reason, while goalkeeper Nicholas Hagen is also unavailable after suffering a hand injury.
New England Revolution possible starting lineup:
Ivacic; Bye, Fofana, Ceballos, Feingold; Langoni, Yueill, Yusuf, Ganago; Gil, Campana
Columbus Crew possible starting lineup:
Schulte; Cheberko, Moreira, Amundsen; Arfsten, Chambost, Nagbe, Zawadski, Farsi; Rossi; Russell-Rowe
We say: New England Revolution 1-2 Columbus Crew
New England Revolution will be desperate to end their winless run against Columbus Crew, but history favours the visitors, and we expect the Crew's attacking quality to trouble the Revs' defence, helping them edge the clash.
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