Cincinnati and New England Revolution will battle it out in MLS this weekend with the top two in the Eastern Conference set to go head-to-head in what could end up being the biggest game of the season so far.
Cincinnati have been incredible this season and are top of the overall table in MLS and into the semi-finals of the U.S. Open Cup as they aim to do the league and cup double - no side in the modern era has done this before.
#CINvNE prep. pic.twitter.com/K22yLoUO8d— FC Cincinnati (@fccincinnati) June 28, 2023
#CINvNE prep. pic.twitter.com/K22yLoUO8d
The overall table leaders did, however, lose for just the second time this season in their last outing when they were beaten by D.C. United in Washington. At the same time, Ian Murphy was also sent off in that game and is now suspended for this one - Joey Akpunonu likely takes his spot in the starting XI as a result.
Cincinnati's only other loss this season came in a 5-1 hammering from St. Louis City away from home. Since then, the club have gone on to beat Montreal, D.C. United, Portland Timbers, Colorado Rapids and Columbus Crew throughout April, May and early June.
Recently, the club have gone on to defeat Toronto 3-0 and Chicago Fire 1-0 alongside victories in the U.S. Open Cup, although it has also drawn with Vancouver Whitecaps and lost to D.C.
Cincinnati have managed to win 13 games this season and drawn four games after scoring 30 goals and letting in 19 goals too. Nevertheless, despite a recent defeat, they are heading into this game as easily the best team in North America this season.
As for New England, they have moved into second in the table after bettering Nashville's recent run of form with them now winning 10 games from 19 outings with just three losses too. The club are the third-highest scorers in the Eastern Conference with them bagging 33 times.
On the other hand, the club have let in 23 goals this season after beating Toronto 2-1 which was the third game in a row they've failed to keep a clean sheet.
During this spell in the past month, the Boston side have beaten Inter Miami and Orlando City 3-1 alongside draws with New York City, Chicago Fire and Atlanta United - they let in three goals in the draws with New England and Atlanta.
Forebet predicts a win for New England in this one and for the game to see over 2.5 goals.