Toronto FC vs New England Revolution ~ 730pm ET ~ Gillette Stadium ~ TSN
After Wednesday night’s loss to Seattle, a trip to the terrible turf in foxy Foxborough sounds mildly terrifying. With the list of Toronto players in sick bay growing seemingly every day (Victor Vazquez and Nicolas Hasler now added to the list), having the team play where Danny Koevermans’ ACL went to die is mildly worrisome. However, that is the card they’re dealt with, so everyone cross your fingers and get out your #HamStrong™ bracelets.
The tea terrorists are one of the teams that still kind of have Toronto’s number, they’ve got the edge in wins historically, they won both games at Gillette last season (yes, TFC won the match at BMO), but these are usually matches to be wary of. TFC are starting to get to that desperately in need of points moment – I know, I know; the MLS season is long, and a slow start can be overcome, and Toronto is a very talented team, but….if you’re not feeling a bit worried can you pass your coping techniques on to me? Appreciated.
New England have a few injury woes of their own – not nearly as many as Toronto, but then again who does – they’ll be missing Juan Agudelo with a hamstring injury (they’re all the rage right now), so that’s good news for TFC. They’re also now officially without Lee Nguyen, who was finally set free on trade deadline day to go frolic in LA. However with everyone’s least favourite colour, and the VMP’s favourite swear word playing well, Toronto aren’t out of danger – expect some goals on this one.
Now time to guess what the starting XI dartboard gives us today. Wednesday night’s all midfielder extravaganza didn’t work terribly, but it didn’t work well, especially once Vazquez left the game. So what does Vanney do tonight? This is my best guess:
I put Irwin in not because I think he’s playing poorly, but given the rate of injury, the number of games that have been and still need to be played – having some fresh legs (and a very competent player getting minutes) isn’t a bad thing. I do think two strikers is the way to go – someone for Seba to play off of, as well as hold up the ball/distract the defence etc, would be valuable. The attack lacked sharpness on Wednesday, additional options could help.
I’m not expecting a pretty game, I think this will be a grind and no clean sheets. Hopefully TFC can get at least a point to keep them barely afloat in the basement. Going with 2-2.:
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