Revolution vs. Toronto FC: Preview, Projected Lineups and How to Watch

Saturday represents a fresh start for the Revolution, as the club will hit the field without Jay Heaps for the first time in six years. To make good on the opportunity, interim coach Tom Soehn must rally his team against Supporters’ Shield-leading Toronto FC. Here’s what to expect from the matchup:

Current Form

New England: L-W-W-L-L
Toronto: W-W-W-W-L

Chances to Win

The Revolution serve as a rare home underdog this weekend. According to FiveThirtyEight, the Revs have a 29 percent chance of winning, compared to a 47 percent chance for Toronto. The two teams stand a 29 percent chancing of playing to a draw.

Number that Matters Most

4

That’s how many matches Toronto has lost in 30 outings this season. By contrast, the Revs have lost four matches since August 20.

Club Leaders

The Revolution find themselves in an attacking cold spell. After outscoring opponents 5-0 in two early-September matches, the club conceded 10 goals and scored just one in its next two matches. Teal Bunbury finished the lone goal. Over the past three months, Bunbury has served as the hottest Revolution attacker, netting all seven of his goals since July 7. Lee Nguyen leads the team with 14 assists, second most in MLS.

For Toronto, it’s all about the attacking trio of Victor Vazquez, Sebastian Giovinco and Jozy Altidore. Vazquez leads MLS with 16 assists (he has created 69 chances in 27 appearances). Altidore and Giovinco have scored a combined 28 goals.

Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

How to Watch

Kick-off time: 5:00 p.m. ET
Location: Gillette Stadium, Foxboro, Mass.
TV Broadcast: CSN-NE (New England), TSN (Toronto)
Streaming: MLS Live
Radio: 98.5 The Sports Hub (New England)

Injuries and Absences

The Revolution will enter Saturday’s match with one surefire absentee: Krisztian Nemeth, who picked up a red card last weekend for elbowing Graham Zusi. Kelyn Rowe (knee) is listed as questionable but is not expected to make the gameday 18. Nguyen (muscle spasms) is also listed as questionable.

Toronto’s injury report lists five players, including several household names. Midfielder Benoit Cheyrou (calf) and defender Nick Hagglund (MCL) will not play. Attackers Giovinco (lower body tightness), Altidore (lower body tightness) and Vazquez (fever) will serve as game-time decisions.

Projected Lineups

New England: Cody Cropper; Andrew Farrell, Antonio Delamea, Claude Dielna, Chris Tierney; Gershon Koffie, Xavier Kouassi; Diego Fagundez, Juan Agudelo, Teal Bunbury; Kei Kamara

Toronto: Alex Bono; Steven Beitashour, Eriq Zavaleta, Drew Moor, Chris Mavinga, Justin Morrow; Marky Delgado, Michael Bradley, Victor Vazquez; Armando Cooper, Tosaint Ricketts