Preview: New England Revolution vs. Charlotte FC - prediction, team news, lineups

While the hosts are guaranteed a playoff spot, Charlotte are currently sitting in 13th place in the Eastern Conference with four points separating them from the top nine.

Match preview

After failing to reach the playoffs last term, New England are set to return to the postseason after securing their place with a 2-2 draw against the Chicago Fire.

Despite taking the lead through Tomas Chancalay, New England fell behind following goals from Brian Gutierrez and Gaston Gimenez, before Carles Gil restored parity in the 59th minute to clinch a crucial point.

While sixth-placed New England have made sure of their place in round one of the playoffs, they will still be keen to claim all three points after drawing three and losing one of their last four matches.

As the only team yet to lose an MLS, home match this season, the Revolution will also be looking to maintain their unbeaten record at Gilette Stadium, having won 10 and drawn four of their 14 home matches.

New England will also draw inspiration from the fact they have won their last two meetings with Charlotte, including a 1-0 win when the two sides met in February.

Charlotte, who are competing in their second MLS season, will need to produce a strong finish if they are to reach the playoffs for the first time.

Having won seven and drawn 12 of their 29 MLS matches, Charlotte are four points adrift of ninth-placed New York City with two games in hand.

Christian Lattanzio's side will be desperate to return to winning ways this weekend after failing to win any of their last five matches since beating Los Angeles FC on August 27.

The Crown played out four consecutive draws before they fell to a disappointing 3-0 defeat in their away meeting with Cincinnati last weekend.

With Charlotte without a win in their last seven MLS away matches, they will travel to New England with hopes of claiming their first away victory in the competition since May 28.

New England Revolution Major League Soccer form:

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Charlotte FC Major League Soccer form:

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Team News

New England are still without Henry Kessler and Maciel, while Dylan Borrero and Brandon Bye are ruled out for the rest of the season.

Ian Harkes dropped down to the bench last weekend, but he is set to return to the starting lineup for Saturday's contest.

Defender Andrew Farrell is also in line for a recall after losing his place in the side for the 2-2 draw with Chicago.

As for the visitors, midfielder Ben Bender is a doubt for Saturday's away trip after missing the defeat to Cincinnati through injury.

Jere Uronen is set to come in at left-back, which will allow Nathan Byrne to move over to the right side of defence.

Enzo Copetti is set to make a fourth consecutive start, and he will be joined by Brecht Dejaegere and Justin Meram.

New England Revolution possible starting lineup:

Edwards Jr; Farrell, Gonzalez, Romney, Jones; Harkes, Kaye; N. Gil, C. Gil; Chancalay; Vrioni

Charlotte FC possible starting lineup:

Kahlina; Byrne, Privett, Malanda, Uronen; Bronico, Westwood, Swiderski; Dejaegere, Meram, Copetti

We say: New England Revolution 2-2 Charlotte FC

New England remain unbeaten on home turf this season, and having won their last two meetings with Charlotte, we think they will claim another victory on Saturday to continue their impressive home form.

How to watch

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