Revs vs. Rapids: Match Preview

The Revs are coming off of an ugly 3-0 loss on the road against Chivas USA. They will next be in action Saturday Night at home at Gillette Stadium to face the defending MLS Cup Champion Colorado Rapids. The match takes place at 7:30 PM EST. The game will be shown live on an alternative Comcast SportsNet New England Channel. Please check this link of alternative channels courtesy of Revolutionsoccer.net. The game can also be heard on 98.5 The Sports Hub.

The Revolution (2-2-3, 9 points) in their last match went to the west coast for the third time this season. Unfortunately, this game was not a pleasure trip for the Revs against Chivas USA . After the Revs started strong in the first 20 minutes, Chivas USA took advantage of their scoring opportunities to get two first half goals. They would score once more in the second half to beat the Revs 3-0. New England will be looking to rebound against the Rapids at home.

The Colorado Rapids (4-3-1, 13 points) in their last match got an important road victory against Houston. They came from behind with 2 late goals to beat the Dynamo 2-1. They will be looking to get another road victory Saturday Night against the Revs.

The Revs do have injury concerns for this match. According to Revolutionsoccer.net, here are the injuries for the club.

Probable: Rajko Lekic (knee sprain)

Doubtful: Pat Phelan (shin contusion),  Otto Loewy (gastroc strains)

Out: Marko Pervoic (Knee Sprain),  Didier Domi (quad strain)

Key players to watch for the Revs will be Shalrie Joseph and Benny Feilhaber. These two players will need to control the midfield play in this match-up. Colorado is a physical team, and will challenge Joseph and Feilhaber. They will have to win their battles, and also get the ball up front to their strikers.

Key players to watch for the Rapids are midfielder Pablo Mastroeni and former Revs player Jeff Larentowicz. These players can control the game for the Rapids. If these teammates are winning their battles, then the Revs could be in trouble.

This is a match that could be won in the midfield. That is the area of the field that you might want to focus on in this game.

I see this match as a tough one for the Revs to win. The Rapids are a very accomplished team, and the Revs are still coming together as a unit. However, I do expect the Revs to rebound from a poor effort against Chivas USA. They will keep this game close, but I think it will be tough one to come away with all 3 points. I am predicting a 1-1 draw for the Revs against the Colorado Rapids.

This article was originally posted on http://bosfans.com/ .