Revs vs. Union: Match Preview

The Revs are coming off of a 4-1 loss against Manchester United last Wednesday at Gillette Stadium. They will be home Sunday Nigh to face the Philadelphia Union at Gillette Stadium. The match takes place at 7:00 PM EST. The game will be shown on Comcast SportsNet New England, and also can be heard on 98.5 The Sports Hub.

The New England Revolution (3-8-7, 16 points), in their last league match drew 3-3 with Real Salt Lake. The Revs scored 2 goals early to take a commanding lead. However, Real Salt Lake would come back, and level the match early in the second half. Both clubs would score again in the second half. The Revs will be looking for all 3 points on Sunday against the Union.

The Philadelphia Union  (7-4-7, 28 points), are currently tied for first place in the Eastern Conference. In their last match last Saturday they played a 0-0 draw against the San Jose Earthquakes on the road at Buck Shaw Stadium. The Union have been undefeated in their last 4 matches, and will be looking to extend their streak against the Revs.

The Revs do have injury concerns for this match. According to Revolutionsoccer.net, here are the injuries for the club.

Probable: Andrew Sousa (wrist surgery)

Out: Ousmane Dabo (knee irritation) ,  Kheli Dube (whiplash)

The Revs also have other changes going into this match with the Union. The Revs announced on Friday the release of Didier Domi. Also, Ryan Cochrane and Shalrie Joseph are both for suspended for this match with Philadelphia. With these transactions the Revs could be a little shorthanded for this game.

Key players to watch in this match for the Revs are Chris Tierney and Benny Feilhaber. Tierney could play a vital role with his service on free kicks. His delivery could really set up goals for the Revs in this match-up. Feilhaber will probably be responsible for controlling the midfield with the suspension of Joseph. It is important that Feilhaber is able to get the ball up to Lekic.

Key players to watch for the Philadelphia Union are forwards Danny Mwanga and Sebastien Le Toux. Mwanga is tied for the team lead with 5 goals this season. Le Toux leads the team with 6 assists, and has also scored one goal. The Union certainly have plenty of firepower up front. The Revs defenders could have their hands full.

This is the last Revs home game in the month of July. The Revs will be on the road the rest of the month. I see this match as another important opportunity to get all 3 points.

It certainly won't be easy against a club who is playing very well right now. However, I am encouraged by how the Revs played against Real Salt Lake, and then against Manchester United. With that said, I am predicting the Revs to win 3-1 against the Philadelphia Union.