Top-dogs Toronto can punish New England

MLS
1am Saturday

Eastern Conference leaders Toronto have collected 20 points from a possible 24 in home matches this season and look solid odds-on favourites to defeat divisional rivals New England Revolution at BMO Field.

Toronto were fairly circumspect with their transfer dealings in the off-season and seem to be benefiting from keeping a settled squad.

At plus 13, they have the best goal difference in Major League Soccer and the third-best defensive record having conceded just 15 goals.

Toronto's star attacker Sebastian Giovinco has been troubled by injuries, featuring in just 11 of the 16 matches, but he has netted six times and is fully fit after completing all 90 minutes of last Saturday's 2-0 victory at home to DC United.

Giovinco's absences have not been too costly because USA international Jozy Altidore has come to the fore, scoring four goals in his last seven appearances.

And the pair are likely to pose a substantial threat to New England, who are still searching for their first away win of the season.

The Revolution have collected just three points from eight road trips in 2017 and have won just once in their last 18 MLS away fixtures.

Head coach Jay Heaps has been relying almost exclusively on home results but the pressure told last Saturday with a 2-1 home loss to Chicago Fire.

The most recent of New England's five home wins this term was a 3-0 success over Toronto at the Gillette Stadium just three weeks ago.

However, only an improvement in their away performances is going to lift them into playoff contention.

New England are just two points outside the top six but they are 12 adrift of leaders Toronto, who are likely to further increase the pressure on the chasing pack.

Recommendation
Toronto
1pt 3-4 Betway