As the MLS season heads into its final stretch, Charlotte FC and New England Revolution face off this weekend in a clash that could shape their playoff destinies.
New England Revolution are in a precarious position, sitting 15th and five points off the playoff spots, with their hopes of back-to-back playoff appearances dwindling due to just two wins in their last 10 matches.
Match preview
Charlotte are struggling with a six-match winless run in the MLS, including three consecutive defeats, with their most recent 2-0 loss to Orlando City intensifying their need for a turnaround to keep their playoff hopes alive.
The hosts' home form has been troubling, with only one win in their last five matches at Bank of America Stadium; their lone victory came in June against DC United, followed by two draws and two losses.
The significance of this fixture is heightened by Charlotte's challenge against a New England Revolution side that has won four of their last five encounters; Charlotte's only victory came in their first-ever MLS meeting in 2022 with a 3-1 home win, while New England have since secured narrow victories in each of their last four encounters.
With only two points separating them from NYCFC in sixth place, Charlotte recognise the crucial need to secure all three points in this match, knowing that Toronto FC, who are just two points behind, could overtake them if they fail to achieve a positive result.
New England Revolution enter this weekend's fixture in 15th place in the Eastern Conference with 28 points from 28 matches, having endured a disappointing season with only eight wins, 16 losses and four draws.
The visitors' recent form has been particularly poor of late, picking up just two points from an ongoing four-game winless run and squandering a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with Montreal in their last outing.
The Revolution's defensive vulnerabilities have plagued their season, with 56 goals conceded in 28 matches – the third-worst defensive record in the Eastern Conference.
New England's away form provides some hope, with four wins from their last 10 away games, including a convincing 5-0 victory against Montreal, but their record is marred by losses in four of their last five road matches, such as a 2-0 defeat to Real Salt Lake and a 3-0 loss to Orlando.
With the Revolution five points adrift of the playoff spots and time running out, every game is a must-win and while a victory over struggling Charlotte could spark a late post-season charge, New England's uphill battle is evident with only two wins in their last 10 matches.
Team News
Patrick Agyemang's return from injury as a substitute in the last game was a welcome sight for Charlotte FC, and he is now poised to make his first start, providing a timely lift to the team's attack.
Jahlane Forbes remains out of action for the hosts, nursing a hip injury that will keep him out of the lineup until mid-October.
The visitors will miss Brandon Bye and Will Sands as both are listed as questionable, with Bye dealing with an ankle issue and Sands struggling with a foot problem.
Tomas Chancalay's ongoing knee injury will keep him out of the lineup for New England, adding to the team's injury woes.
Charlotte FC possible starting lineup:
Kahlina; Byrne, Malanda, Ream, Uronen; Westwood, Diani; Biel, Bronico, Vargas; Agyemang
New England Revolution possible starting lineup:
Ivacic; Lima, Arreaga, Romney, Miller; Polster, Kaye; Langoni, C Gil, Bajraktarevic; Vrioni
We say: Charlotte FC 2-0 New England Revolution
Charlotte will look to capitalise on their home advantage, while New England's recent form and injury concerns might impact their performance, so we are backing the home side to secure an easy win here.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
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