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- Philadelphia Union vs New England Revolution, MLS Cup Playoffs Round One
- October 26, 2023
- 5 PM EST
- Subaru Park, Chester, Pennsylvania
- Apple TV (Free)
To open up the postseason festivities, two familiar foes will face off in Round One of the MLS Cup Playoffs. The Philadelphia Union will host the New England Revolution in the early hours of the evening on Saturday. The two clubs played each other last week, with the Revolution prevailing at home with two goals from Gustavo Bou. Continue reading to access an expert Philadelphia Union vs New England Revolution prediction and stats on the MLS Playoffs 2023.
Philadelphia Union vs New England Revolution Prediction: Who do Sportsbooks Favor?
Despite their recent loss to the Revolution, Philadelphia remains the odds-on favorite at Subaru Park. The club is priced to win this match at (-145) for an implied probability of 59.2%. New England will play the role of underdog, at least in this first match, as they are listed at a market-best (+365) at highly-rated online sportsbook BetOnline. A draw, an outcome in which the scoreline is level after regulation time, is currently lined at (+340).
MLS Cup Round One 
Philadelphia -145 -150 -150 -152 -152 New England +365 +350 +350 +350 +350 Draw +338 +340 +340 +320 +320
To better understand the 3-way moneyline (1X2) market, see our soccer betting tips and learn how to make bets online.
Keep in mind, this match represents the first match of the MLS Cup Playoffs Round One. Round One is a best-of-three series, meaning a home-and-home series will be played between opponents. If both teams take one game, a 3rd match will be played. In the event both teams are level after 90 minutes plus any required stoppage time, games will immediately enter a penalty kick shootout. No extra time will be played. For bettors, any bets on the moneyline are only valid for the regulation time. If you back a side and the club wins via penalty kicks, your bet will not cash out.
MLS Playoffs 2023: Bracket and Schedule for Postseason Cup
The second edition of this fixture in the last two weeks pits the Philadelphia Union vs New England Revolution in the first match of a best-of-3 series. Whoever wins two games will advance to the Eastern Conference Semifinals. This will most likely result in a matchup against Supporter’s Shield winners FC Cincinnati. However, one of the Wild Card teams could upset the number one seed and find their way into the second round of the MLS Cup as well.
Following Round One, matches will be played in a typical tournament format as seen in the FIFA World Cup, for example. After 90 minutes and any required stoppage time, 2 15-minute extra time periods will be played prior to a potential penalty kick shootout. There will be no double-leg ties, also known as home-and-home series. It will be winner-take-all all the way through the Final, with venue given to the higher seeding.
The perfect recipe for a deep playoff run is a strong defense, a great record at home, and a front line that can consistently put the ball in the front of the net. Luck is a massive part of the MLS Cup, as a grueling season comes down to a stretch of winner-take-all games. Variance in finishing ability is expected, but if enough shots are taken, the battle of fortune can be overcome.
Recent Head-to-Head Matchup and Success at Gillette
These two clubs squared off on Decision Day, with the Revolution winning by a score of 2-1 at home. New England’s home field advantage is unique in that they play on turf, an artificial surface that they have grown accustomed to playing on. The turf affects the way the ball is physically played, leading to higher-paced games with plenty of scoring.
Visitors often have difficulty at Gillette Stadium as they get caught off-guard by the velocity and bounce of the ball. This has led to an impressive streak of success for the Revolution in Foxborough. The team has lost only once in the last 16 MLS matches at home. Philadelphia will be dreading a potential showdown in Gillette to determine who advances if they are to lose this weekend.
New England Revolution Front Office in Shambles
The headlines surrounding the New England Revolution certainly do not paint a pretty picture of the inner workings of the organization. A mysterious and concerning report by The Athletic indicated Bruce Arena’s time with the club had come to an end after “insensitive” remarks. Nothing more has come out since, and an investigation by the MLS was launched. In the meantime, assistant Richie Williams took over as boss. However, he lost the spot shortly after due to his involvement in the investigation as well.
Now, interim head coach Clint Peay commands the Revolution in the MLS Cup Playoffs, a position he has held since September 12. Peay’s tenure has not been a bountiful one so far for the New England Revolution. The club has won just one of their last 7 MLS matches and will look to regroup defensively after a series of poor performances on the back line.
Philadelphia Union vs New England Revolution Prediction and Free Betting Pick
Prior to their loss to New England, Philadelphia ran up a 8-match unbeaten streak that gave them hopes of a top-2 spot in the Eastern Conference. Now relegated to just a number-4 seed, the Union must capitalize on a home game before heading up to New England.
I think Philadelphia considers this spot a must-win scenario, and should be lined at higher odds to win than their current price accordingly. New England has more troubles off the pitch than on it at this point, and their results are beginning to show it. A win over Philadelphia last time out has given us better odds than we could have hoped for. Take Philadelphia to settle this match in 90 minutes at (-145), currently avaiable at BetOnline, one of the best MLS betting sites.
Odds are accurate at the time of writing but are subject to change.
Top Sportsbooks for the MLS Playoffs 2023
Explore some of the best sportsbooks for online betting below. Each website is reviewed by MyTopSportsbooks for user experience, customer service, new member promos, and more.
