The second set of matches in the first round of the MLS Cup Playoffs 2023 conclude on Wednesday night when two famous teams in the Eastern Conference continue their tie as the New England Revolution square off against Philadelphia Union at Gillette Stadium.
The Union head to New England with the advantage having won the opening game of the series so the Revs will need to come out on top on their home turf if they are going to keep their season alive. Philadelphia will be out to secure a semi-final with FC Cincinnati here and now.
Where to watch
The match will be shown live and in full via the MLS Season Pass on Apple TV with the build-up beginning at midnight and the kick off a few minutes later. Non-subscribers can watch the game via the bookmaker live streams.
New England Revolution
The New England Revolution have had their issues over the course of the campaign but they made it into the postseason in comfortable fashion and now they know they have to win a home game to keep their season alive and have a free go at the Union over the weekend to potentially set up a clash in Cincinnati and keep their chances of winning MLS Cup alive. When you consider that the Columbus Crew were the only team to win here in the regular season, New England will be confident here.
Only Cincinnati picked up more points on home soil this term and won more matches so New England have made Gillette Stadium a tough place to go. They have only conceded 16 goals on their home patch this term and scored 37 which highlights how well they play in front of their own fans with the likes of Carles Gil pulling the strings and things. New England will also know that they beat Philadelphia here on Decision Day a couple of weeks ago.
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Philadelphia Union
By virtue of finishing fourth in the Eastern Conference standings, Philadelphia Union knew they would have two goes in front of their own fans where they are very tough to beat in order to get this tie done and having taken advantage of the opening match with a 3-1 win, they now get what might be considered a free hit to get the tie won here and now and ensure that they get the maximum recovery and preparation time ahead of the trip to Cincinnati.
Philadelphia certainly won’t be short of motivation in this match. They lost the last time they were in this part of the world but they also want to go one better in MLS Cup than they managed last season and clearly winning here would boost their chances as they won’t have to play an extra match over their semi-final opponents. Their away form is not great though it has to be said so they will need to use the fact this is a free hit to their advantage if they are going to win this one.
Betting
I don’t think we can avoid the respective home and away records of these two sides this season. Only five teams have been to Gillette Stadium in MLS and left with anything to show for their efforts and given how recently Philadelphia were there and were beaten I don’t think we can guarantee they will be the latest to do that, especially when they are now without influential left-back Kai Wagner for the next three games after he was banned by the league.
The important thing for the New England Revolution is that they have captain Carles Gil available for this one despite him going off injured during the first game. They are a much better side with him around and they are not short of attacking options, which could also be key in a match where they have to win. Furthermore, Philadelphia could be without Julian Carranza which would take a lot of heat off the Revolution defence were he not to lace it up. I think the Revs have enough going for them to get the series levelled up here.
Tips
Back New England Revolution (-0.25AH) to beat Philadelphia Union for a 3/10 stake at 1.95 with William Hill
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