Two MLS Cup title contenders collide on Sunday as the New England Revolution go head-to-head with defending champions LAFC at BMO Stadium.
LAFC got their MLS Cup defense off to a winning start last weekend with a 3-2 victory over the Portland Timbers and netted three times again in CONCACAF Champions League action in midweek.
Meanwhile, the Revolution are off to a strong start of their own, picking up maximum points from their first two league games. This included a comfortable 3-0 win over the Houston Dynamo last weekend.
Read more in our free LAFC vs New England Revolution picks and predictions for a closer look at this March 12 showdown.
LAFC vs New England Revolution best odds
LAFC vs New England Revolution picks and predictions
The Revolution were one of the biggest MLS disappointments last season, finishing in 10th just a year after topping the Eastern Conference in 2021. However, this is still a good team and they are driven by a hunger to put 2022 behind them.
There’s no better statement game for New England than this visit to face the defending champs, and I expect Bruce Arena’s men to turn in a professional road performance on Sunday. Two straight wins are a nice feat for the Revolution, and they’re still fitting in the new addition of striker Giacomo Vrioni to the lineup.
Gil remains the straw that stirs the drink, but it’s encouraging that the Revolution’s four goals this season have come from other sources. Strikers Dylan Borrero and Bobby Wood both netted last weekend against the Dynamo, and their matchup against LAFC center-backs Giorgio Chiellini and Jesus Murillo could be decisive. Vrioni — a team-mate of Chiellini at Juventus — also gives the visitors real depth in attack.
With LAFC coming off a midweek trip to Costa Rica and largely playing a first-choice team in the 3-0 win over Alajuelense, early-season fatigue could be a real factor here. The hosts are still getting their conditioning up and only have one league game under their belt after bad weather caused the cancellation of their El Trafico fixture against the LA Galaxy.
I wouldn’t be shocked if New England cashed in and grab all three points here, but I’m taking the double chance, with the visitors likely to view a draw as a positive result too.
My best bet: Double chance — Draw/Revolution moneyline (+150 at bet365)
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LAFC vs New England Revolution side analysis
Seemingly, the oddsmakers aren’t buying into the Revolution’s strong start to the season, with LAFC installed as big favorites to take the three points on Sunday on home turf. There’s no arguing with the hosts’ firepower in the final third, but their opponents have looked well-organized defensively in their first 180 minutes of action.
The Revolution are starting to look more like the team that took the East by storm in 2021, but there was a lot to like in the 3-0 win over Houston last time out. In that game, New England registered 11 shots and five on target.
As irresistible as the LAFC attack can look when they’re rolling, the hosts almost blew a three-goal lead against the Timbers last weekend. This is exactly the type of fragility that the visitors can exploit here.
LAFC vs New England Revolution Over/Under analysis
The Revolution have a pair of clean sheets to start the season, but a trip to face this free-scoring LAFC team is a different proposition. New England has been content to soak up pressure — having less than 50% of the ball in their two outings so far — but may need to be more adventurous to counter the hosts’ slick passing and movement.
There’s enough of a goal threat on both teams to suggest we’ll get chances here. LAFC will count on veteran striker Carlos Vela alongside Denis Bouanga, who stole the show in midweek with a clinical hat-trick — and I’ve already covered the varied attacking weapons that the visitors can call on.
The BTTS odds are worth a long look here in what should be an even and entertaining battle, and there’s also some appeal with the Over 2.5 total goals too.
LAFC vs New England Revolution game info
| Location: | BMO Stadium, Los Angeles, CA |
| Date: | Sunday, March 12, 2023 |
| Time: | 10:30 p.m. ET |
| TV: | Apple TV+ |
LAFC vs New England Revolution key injuries
LAFC: Maxime Crepeau GK (Out).
New England Revolution: Jack Panayotou CM (Questionable), Nacho Gil AMC (Doubtful), Andrew Farrell CB (Doubtful), Jacob Jackson GK (Out), Maciel CM (Out), Tommy McNamara FWL (Out).
LAFC vs New England Revolution weather
It should be a cool and dry night in Los Angeles, with no rain in the forecast and temperatures expected in the high 50s.
