The Bent Musket Predicts: Timbers at Revolution

The Revs return home for one of their last four regular-season matches at Gillette this year, desperately needing three points to stay afloat in the Eastern Conference playoff race. A victory would also end their eight-game winless skid. They entertain Portland Timbers FC, who are back above the red line in the West after snapping a four-match losing streak with a midweek home win over Toronto FC.

New England hasn’t scored a goal since Wilfried Zahibo’s equalizer three weeks ago when the Union were in town. The Revs ultimately lost that match 3-2, severely hampering their playoff pursuit. They’ve since endured two straight road shutouts to conference rivals. In fact, it’s been over 205 minutes since New England has found the back of the net.

Leading-scorer Teal Bunbury may be back this weekend to contend with a so-so Timbers road defense. Can the Revs break through? More importantly, can they secure full points? Their postseason hopes may depend on it.

Results Comparison: Same Opponent/Same Venue

@NYRB: POR - L NE - L

@CHI: POR - D NE - D

@OCSC: POR - L NE - D

vNYCFC: POR - W NE - D

@SJ: POR - W NE - D

vSEA(1): POR - W NE - D

vLAG: POR - D NE - L

vSKC: POR - D NE - W

vMTL: POR - D NE - W

vPHI: POR - W NE - L

@DCU: POR - L NE - L

vSEA(2): POR - L NE - n/a

vTFC: POR - W NE - W

Overall: POR 5-4-4 NE 3-4-5

Here are The Bent Musket staff picks for this week:

Seth: Revs 2 Timbers 2

Comment: The Revs need three points, which could happen since their opponent just broke a four-game losing streak. That said, Portland is a good team that knows how to put the ball in the back of the net. I’m expecting a shootout on Saturday night.

Tony: Revs 2 Timbers 1

Comment: The Revs are due for a win; it’s the law of averages. They’re also due to score, especially at home where they’ve tallied at least two goals in three of their past four matches at Gillette. Additionally, Portland has allowed two or more goals in three of their last four matches on the road (and four of five in all competitions).

Summary

NE win: 1

POR win: 0

Draw: 1

*Point allocation: Result = 3; Score (both teams) = 2; Score (one team) = 1

What do you think? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section below!