New England Revolution vs Alajuelense Predictions: All Cards are on the table.

New England Revolution will host Alajuelense in the round of 16 of the CONCACAF Champions League. The game contested over 2 legs will be contested on both club grounds and the first leg will be at the Gillette Stadium, home ground to New England Revolution. As expected, New England Revolution will be hoping to use the advantage to their favor and get a win by all means necessary. And for Alajuelense, getting a goal or more, while failing to concede will surely tilt the scales in the favor ahead of the return leg. 

New England Revolution

American club New England Revolution are currently ranked 27th in the MLS after they lost their opening game of the season against DC United last month. However they have been fantastic so far in the CONCACAF Champions League this season. They were involved in the previous round, where they took on Panama club side CA Independiente de la Chorrera over two legs. New England Revolution won 3-0 and 1-0 over both legs to qualify for the round of 16.

New England Revolution manager Caleb Porter deployed a 4-2-3-1 formation in both games and he is most likely to maintain that shape ahead of the round 16 clash. 

New England Revolution were absolutely dominant in both games against CA Independiente de la Chorrer. In the most recent game, they had around 65% possession. They also had 4 shots on target and 4 corner kicks. They created 3 big chances and hit the woodwork once during the game.

Nachi Gil was unstoppable on the right flank and he was instrumental in the victory as well as scoring a goal himself. He played for 85 minutes before he was replaced by Mark-Anthony Kaye.

Caleb Porter has the squad available from the last game and he is most likely to retain the starting lineup for the coming game.

Alajuelense

LD Alajuelense play in the Costa Rica Primera Division Clausura league and they are 2nd on the table, 7 points behind league leaders Herediano. This will be their first game of the CONCACAF Champions League this year and they are hoping to get a good result ahead of the return leg. 

Alajuelense are coming off a 4-0 win over Santos in the Primera Division Clausura. Santos are currently at the bottom of the Clausura league. 

Alajuelense coach Andres Carevic deployed a 4-2-3-1 formation against Santos and the team responded with a dominant display and the right results. They had 65% possession, 6 shots on target and 8 corner kicks. Joel Campbell was arguably the best player for the side after scoring 2 goals and giving 1 assist in the game.

Andres Carevic will most certainly retain the same team for the trip to the Gillette Stadium and players such as Joel Campbell will play a key role. He's surely one to look out for in the upcoming fixture.

Head to Head

There's no h2h record between the two clubs.

Analysis and Predictions

New England Revolution are going to need to step up and fight for a win at home. There's really little chance of redemption for them if this first game goes sideways. Alajuelense will also be prepared for a tough game and I expect that they are to respond by keeping things tight at the back and at least salvaging a point. Alajuelense have conceded first in 5 of their last 7 matches. That should be a worry for them ahead of the clash.

• New England 3 Way Total Over 1 Goal at 1.68 Odds
• New England 3 Way Total Over 1 Goal at 1.68 Odds
• New England to Win 2-1 at 8.50 Odds