Soccer Weekend: Revs readying for hard-charging Toronto in massive 6-pointer

A little housekeeping, if I may…

Since we last spoke, the Eastern Conference table has changed a touch. This weekend’s opponent, Toronto FC, is no longer in seventh place thanks to Montreal’s 2-1 midweek win over Vancouver. They are eighth, sitting on 37 points and only moved down due to L’Impact’s win total (11 to TFC’s 10).

Even with that known, Saturday’s Eastern Conference clash with the Reds is still a massive tilt for the Revolution. A win for the Revs coupled with a Montreal win over DC United at Stade Saputo will see New England rise to fifth place. A Revs loss or draw could potentially see the Foxborough outfit drop below the playoff line, depending on other results.

There’s something else. Earlier this week, Antonio Delamea returned to training full time following a hamstring injury, and he will look to supplement — maybe rejoin? — a backline that has given up five goals in the last three games that he has missed.

And with Edgar Castillo out for a while, his help in the back will be needed against a potent Toronto club that is looking to get back above the playoff line.

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This weekend the Revs will look to reverse their fortunes against TFC, which have won the last two meetings between the two sides — including March 17’s 3-2 loss in the last 15 minutes. In Toronto last September, TFC put a 4-1 hurting on New England, which came after four straight unbeaten.

Last week, Toronto played a 4-1-4-1 against Montreal, as well as a 3-4-3 against Columbus, with Alejandro Pozuelo settled back into the No. 10 role. It should be noted that TFC played a 3-4-3 against the Revs back on March 17.

In the 3-4-3, Toronto does not hesitate to sink two and sometimes even three players from the midfield — to be fair, Auro, Jr and Justin Morrow are wingbacks, and they can be used as right and left backs, respectively, in any other side — to help supplement the defending.

Defensively, though, the Reds are organized with Drew Moor and Chris Mavinga. However, they do have the tendency to give up a lot of free kicks in the area of the box, and can be carved on the counter. And while organized, they can lose their shape.

TFC also has options offensively, between Jordan Hamilton and Jonathan Osorio. And don’t forget that large presence of Jozy Altidore up top. He can burn a defense that isn’t prepped for his right end-like size and presence.

Also in the league this weekend

On Saturday, the Red Bulls take on Colorado in Harrison, while Columbus takes on Chicago. Montreal also has DC United in a match Revs fans will want to keep their eye on. Philadelphia will take on an Atlanta United side coming off short rest given its 2-1 win over Minnesota in the US Open Cup Final on Tuesday, while FC Dallas hosts FC Cincinnati. Also, Sporting Kansas City hosts Houston, Vancouver hosts New York City FC, and Portland hosts Real Salt Lake. San Jose hosts Orlando City in a late game, the final game on Saturday.

On Sunday, Seattle hosts the Galaxy (6:30 p.m., FS1), while LAFC hosts Minnesota United.

In the USL Championship, the Charlotte Independence host Charleston Battery on Friday night, while North Carolina FC is at Loudon United Saturday night; Loudon played Birmingham to a 1-1 draw at midweek.

On Sunday, Hartford Athletic is on the road with a match at Saint Lous FC.

Birmingham will be at Atlanta United 2 on Wednesday.

In the Premier League, Saturday’s football begins with Southampton hosting Manchester United (7:30 a.m.), followed by six 10 a.m. fixtures: Chelsea hosts Sheffield United, Crystal Palace hosting Aston Villa, Leicester City hosts Bournemouth, Manchester City hosts Brighton Hove & Albion, Newcastle United hosts Watford, and West Ham hosts Norwich City. In the 12:30 lunchtime fixture, Burnley hosts Liverpool.

On Sunday, Everton hosts Wolverhampton (9 a.m.), and Arsenal hosts Tottenham Hotspur in the North London Derby (11:30 a.m.)

Absolutely gutted for Bury FC in League One, after their takeover fell apart on Tuesday. Right now it looks like Bolton Wanderers will be sold, allows them to stay in the Football League.