The Bent Musket predicts: Atlanta United FC at New England

The Revs face yet another top-tier club at Gillette, as first-place Atlanta United FC comes to town on Wednesday night. New England hasn’t fared so well against their predecessors, going only 1-2-1 vs NYCFC, FC Dallas, Sporting KC, and Columbus on the fake grass.

Atlanta United FC is off to a torrid start, scoring 26 goals and earning 25 points from just 12 matches. However, they’ve cooled recently, losing two of their past three, both at home. Their only other loss on the season occurred in week 1, prior to the highly-anticipated arrival of Argentine prodigy Ezequiel Barco. That’s also their only defeat away from home in 2018.

Nevertheless, if we run through the often-futile exercise of comparing results vs common opponents/same venue, not much separates Atlanta United FC and the Revolution this season. To wit:

at HOU: NE win / ATL loss

vs NYCFC: NE draw / ATL draw

vs MTL: NE win / ATL win

vs SKC: NE win / ATL loss

So, based on this data, 3-0-1 NE > 1-2-1 ATL, right?

Let’s leave it up to The Bent Musket staff to tell you what will transpire at Gillette on Wednesday:

Seth: Atlanta United FC 3, Revolution 2

Comment: Let there be goals! With both teams having problems along the back line, I doubt we see anyone post a shutout. I’m expecting a back-and-forth affair that ends in an Atlanta victory. One thing that could be a factor is the fact that this is a mid-week game.

Tony: Atlanta United FC 2 Revolution 1

Comment: Barring some unusual circumstances like an Atlanta red card, a rash of significant injuries, or a Bigfoot sighting, I just can’t see how the Revs will hang. Oh sure, they’ll be competitive and put up a good fight, but how will a defense that allowed three to a marginal Vancouver side hold up against the top scoring attack in the league? Almiron can counterattack all by himself, and Martinez is just plain filthy on the ball. And then there’s the Barco kid who’s getting quite comfortable in MLS, a scary prospect for every team not named Atlanta United FC. Really hope I’m wrong because a result would be huge for New England, but it just doesn’t seem likely. And, oh, by the way, Atlanta hasn’t played in 10 days. The Revs just played on Saturday — 4 days ago — and had to fly 6 hours to British Columbia, and then 6 hours back home. Not. Fair.

Sean: Atlanta United FC 2 Revolution 1

Comment: This is the first time that I’m picking against the Revs this year because I think the uncertainty surrounding their defense as of late is going to hurt them in this game. With the Revs playing at home, I think they’ll keep Atlanta to only two goals, but I wouldn’t be surprised if this game features 2-3 goals from each side. The Revs attacking trio that consists of Fagundez, Penilla, and Bunbury is in good form since last game, so I expect one of the three to score.

Summary:

NE win: 0

ATL win: 3

Draw: 0

What do you think? Feel free to share your comments below!