:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/32151157/20131106_ajl_sm8_405.0.jpg)
About the Teams
Sporting Kansas City
Sporting Kansas City has been a machine as of late, winning three out of their last four matches and bringing a strong Real Salt Lake team to a draw in the other one. In their last match against Montreal, Dom Dwyer scored a brace as Sporting KC won 4-0. They were also able to get three run of play goals against Colorado a few weeks ago, maybe a sign that the offense is coming alive this season. Their only injury concern for the starting XI is Aurelien Collin, who felt a twinge in his hamstring last week and has no official word on whether he will play against New England.
New England Revolution
The Revs are coming off of a wild draw with Chicago and currently sit sixth in the Eastern Conference, but they have also played one more match than fifth place DC United. This match will only be their third home match of the season after they started out with five of seven on the road, but they'll also be missing Jose Goncalves and Kelyn Rowe with Diego Fagundez looking iffy as well. This will also be the first time that former Sporting Kansas City man Teal Bunbury will play against his former team.
Who to Watch
Sporting Kansas City- Benny Feilhaber
Whenever Feilhaber has a chip on his shoulder, he seems to play above and beyond his normal playing potential. We've seen it as the World Cup gets closer and closer as he hopes to be on the plane to Brazil and we've also seen him play well against his former team last year. He's been an integral part of Sporting KC's offense in 2014 and with the Revs' defense hurting, he should be able to have a very successful game. If he can work the middle of the field and keep New England from getting the ball upfield then Sporting KC should have a very fun night.
New England Revolution- Teal Bunbury
Bunbury was a big offseason acquisition for the Revolution and has played every minute of the young season for New England but is yet to score a goal. He has only four shots on goal in seven matches and 14 shots overall. However, as the Revs start to play more home games, that may start to change. His speed is going to be better on turf and with either a hurting Aurelien Collin or Lawrence Olum at centerback, Sporting KC may leave a vulnerability to get burned by Bunbury.
Why They'll Win
Sporting Kansas City
While New England has a tough defense, the injuries they've accumulated leave them vulnerable for Sporting KC's high pressure offense to take over. Benny Feilhaber is going to be able to control the midfield better without Rowe in the way and Dom Dwyer will be able to get behind the Revs defense with Goncalves out. If Fagundez is out as well for the Revs, their attack will be significantly downgraded and Sporting KC will be able to take advantage.
New England Revolution
The biggest weakness in Sporting Kansas City's lineup is the centerback position where it'll be a hurt Aurelien Collin or Lawrence Olum playing. This will allow Teal Bunbury to use his speed to get behind the back line and get some offense in. They'll have some problems getting the ball upfield to Bunbury but a counterattack with these issues factored in could spell doom for Sporting KC in this match.
Predictions
Lineups
Sporting Kansas City: Kronberg - Sinovic, Besler, Olum, Myers - Rosell, Nagamura, Feilhaber - Zizzo, Dwyer, Zusi
New England Revolution (From Corey Major): Shuttleworth - Tierney, Soares, Farrell, Barnes - Dorman - Davies, Nguyen, Kobayashi, Sene - Bunbury.