Nashville SC
- Nashville SC enter their MLS opener coming off a 2-0 competitive win at Atletico Ottawa in the CONCACAF Champions Cup on Feb 17.
- Goals from Woobens Pacius and Sam Surridge, who also scored in the Champions Cup, suggest this team has some serious firepower for opponents to deal with.
- B.J. Callaghan’s proactive style of play has delivered the 2025 U.S. Open Cup to Nashville, who are a ball-progression, high-tempo pressing side that also have the ability to play on the counter.
- His tactical system, which can deploy in either a 4-2-2-2 or 3-2-5 shape, always looks to get bodies wide and exploit the half-spaces, where the team’s creativity and speed can flourish.
- Sam Surridge remains the most advanced goal threat, but the signing of Cristian Espinoza in January has boosted the front line’s quality and Pacius provides a decent secondary option.
- In Hany Mukhtar, the club possesses one of MLS's most creative playmakers, and his ability to create and get into the box was a major factor behind his stellar 2025 campaign.
New England Revolution
- In preseason, Mitrović has rotated his squad extensively and is still looking for a settled starting eleven.
- The 4-3-3 system he favours has involved lots of structure, coordination and pattern play to get the ball into the wide areas where New England like to play.
- The Revs had some issues at the back in two narrow preseason friendlies, but they went on to rout Hartford Athletic 6-1 on Feb 14 and that is the level of quality that lies beneath the surface.
- Carles Gil is the beating heart of this team, controlling the midfield, set-pieces and most of the play in general.
- Matt Turner will bring experience and leadership to the goal, but is yet to lock down the starting place in preseason.
- Youngsters like Griffin Yow and Brooklyn Raines will get a chance to inject some pace and directness into the attack on Sunday, having impressed in their preseason outings.
Head-to-Head
Nashville won 3-2 away at Gillette Stadium in June 2025 with a hat-trick from Surridge .
Key Players
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Nashville
- Sam Surridge
- Woobens Pacius
- Hany Mukhtar
- Cristian Espinoza
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New England
- Carles Gil
- Matt Turner
- Griffin Yow
- Brooklyn Raines
Betting Insights
The game odds reflect the home advantage and recent form of Nashville in their favor, with the hosts priced at 1.74 , New England at 4.1 and the draw at 3.85 .
Prediction
- We think this opener could be close, but Nashville have momentum after their Champions Cup success and are playing some good soccer, so we’re backing them to edge a game with over 2.5 goals in it.
- A 2-1 home win might be a decent choice in the correct score markets as New England will get their chances in the attacking third as well as from set pieces.
