New York City Football Club host New England Revolution on Saturday afternoon.
For this edition of 'The Away End' presented by Berkeley College & Rennert International, we spoke to Michael Sandland, host of the NE Revs UK show...
How long have you been a fan of the Revs?
I started keeping an eye on their score lines around 2015 but 2017 was the season you could probably pinpoint as supporting them.
What has been your highlight in that time?
I think talking to the fan base and club representatives over social media and making some genuine friends across the pond.
What are your thoughts on the team’s start to the season?
I see hints of our 2021 form, in the way we grind results out despite not playing our best. It's hard to sit here and say it's not been great when we are sitting 4th in the East and 5th overall. However, I feel we have only really played to our fullest potential in 2 games so far this season. Yes, we have injuries, but so do other teams. We should have a roster built for injuries. Despite all of that, I am happy where we are in the league but not always in the performance. We really need to kick on and showcase just how good we are. I want the other team to fear playing the Revolution.
What are your hopes for the 2023 season?
Playoffs are the absolute minimum. I mean I'd be lying if I didn't say win the MLS Cup.
What do you think will be the deciding factor in Saturday’s game?
Our Starting XI.
As mentioned before, we have injuries. What Bruce does with the XI will dictate what type of game NYCFC will get. If we can get Gil, Bou, and Vrioni in our starting XI from the off that would be interesting for sure. However, it's our defence where my concern is.
And have you been able to take a game in yet in person?
I have just got back from two days in Foxborough (as well as three days in Boston) Brain Bilello was kind enough to fly me out to a game at Gillette Stadium. I went to see the Revs take on Chicago in a 3-3 thriller. It was my first experience of a New England Revolution game. It was incredible.
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