MLS Predictions > Jun 15th - 20th

[StevieDay1983]

[StevieDay1983]

Here are the latest odds and ratings for the upcoming MLS matches heading our way. Take a look and share your thoughts with us below! 

[StevieDay1983]

Seattle Sounders FC vs Vancouver Whitecaps

The MLS action returns with some random games thrown in this week before a full schedule returns on the weekend. Here, it's Seattle Sounders FC hosting Vancouver Whitecaps in a 3:30am BST kick-off on Wednesday morning from the Lumen Field in Seattle. Both of these franchises are sitting on the wrong side of the play-off cut-off line so a win is much-needed here to change that.

Seattle Sounders FC might have a rich recent history in the MLS but this season isn't quite going according to plan. You have to wonder how much the team's involvement in the CONCACAF Cup has had on their below par regular season results but the team are in 11th place in the Western Conference. Granted, they are only 2 points outside the play-offs with two games in hand on the teams around them but they need to win those matches. Head coach Brian Schmetzer will be pleased that his team have picked up 3 wins in their last 4 regular season games to lift them up the table but it's a long way to go. There is an expectation that we could be treated to a goal fest here with 7 of the last 8 Sounders home games producing at least 2.5 goals.

Vancouver Whitecaps had experienced a slow start to their season but it now feels like things are beginning to click for Vanni Sartini's men. The Italian gaffer had seen his team win just 1 of their opening 8 regular season games but they have flipped that form around to go on a run of losing just 1 of their last 6 regular season games which is a period that has delivered 4 victories. This form has seen the Whitecaps move up to 10th in the Western Conference and move to within 1 point of the play-off positions. One thing that has become synonymous with the away performances of the Whitecaps is action-packed encounters. Over 2.5 goals have been scored in 6 of their last 7 away matches in the MLS so far this season.

It's not going to please Vancouver Whitecaps fans to read that Seattle Sounders FC are unbeaten in their last 14 meetings. In fact, the Whitecaps haven't got their hands on the Cascadia Cup since 2016. Whitecaps haven't won any of their last 9 visits to Seattle. Could that change here? Possibly. Whitecaps are looking in good form but the Sounders are also bouncing back. 4 of the previous 6 encounters have seen over 2.5 goals scored so I think we can expect goals to fly in. Who will win? I think Sounders will take it.

Seattle Sounders FC to Win & Over 2.5 Goals Scored @ 2.50 with Bet365

Anytime Scorer: Raul Ruidiaz @ 2.50 with Coral

[ALEXXXXXXXX]

New England Revolution @1.67

Analysis:

New England Revolution will play against Orlando City at Gillette Stadium on Thursday.

New England Revolution
They defeated FC Kansas City 1-2 in the last game, getting a seven-match unbeaten run. They are sitting in the sixth place at the table of Eastern Conference, seven points away from the first. To qualify for the playoff, they need to put more effort.

Orlando City
Instead, they lost to FC Dallas 1-3 in the last game. In addition, they tie with Inter Miami CF at Lockhart Stadium and got the final win by penalty. Now they rank fifth at the table of Eastern Conference ahead of New England Revolution.

[harry_rag]

10 hours ago, ALEXXXXXXXX said:

New England Revolution will play against Orlando City at Gillette Stadium on Thursday.

Bookings quite high for this game (58 to sell) which seems reasonable given the ref’s stats. I was surprised to see a red card as big as 4/1 with 365. Looks worth a maximum stakes bet (as in the maximum £1.88 they’re willing to allow me).

A great bet if you’re willing to go with the short term stats (ref has shown 8 reds in 6 of his last 11 games) but only fair to balance that with him showing just 4 in the 44 MLS games prior to that.

All in all, I think the 4/1 makes for a reasonably priced interest bet.

[StevieDay1983]

New England Revolution vs Orlando City SC

It only feels like a couple of days since we previewed a New England Revolution game in the MLS and, funnily enough, that's because it is! They are up for the preview treatment again here in a 12:30am BST kick-off on Thursday morning against fellow Eastern Conference franchise Orlando City SC at the Gillette Stadium in Foxborough. Both teams hold play-off ambitions so winning the games like this are crucial to realising their dreams.

New England Revolution didn't quite play ball with us in their last game as we predicted a draw with both teams to score in their 2-1 victory away to Sporting Kansas City. An 87th minute winner from Ema Boateng killed the draw tip but at least the BTTS bet came in. Head coach Bruce Arena will be looking to continue the team's decent run of results that consists of an unbeaten run of 6 regular season games in this latest test. The victory against Sporting Kansas City showed that the team still has goals in its locker despite the sale of star striker Adam Buksa to RC Lens earlier this month. The Revs have an opportunity to win their first back-to-back matches this season and storm into the play-offs here with the team currently in 8th position and only outside on wins earned.

Orlando City SC are enjoying life right now in 5th place on the conference and just 5 points off the pace of league leaders New York City FC. It has been two regular season matches without a win now but Oscar Pareja's men have always followed up their league defeats this season with a win. That has happened on four separate occasions now so you can't doubt the character of this Lions squad. Away form has been a shining light for this team this season having lost just 1 of their 7 regular season games on the road. The fact that 7 of the last 9 matches involving Orlando City SC have witnessed over 2.5 goals scored as well shows they are big entertainers.

It's now 5 meetings undefeated for New England Revolution against Orlando City SC with three of those ending in victory for the Revs. You can't deny that over the last month or so it's the home team that have displayed a higher level of consistency with their results and performances but the away team know how to grind out results on their travels. I think consistency is key in the MLS though and it'll help Revolution continue their march up the table and into the play-offs.

New England Revolution to Win @ 1.71 with SBK

Total Goals Scored Over 2.5 @ 1.66 with SBK

[harry_rag]

8 yellows but no red! 

[StevieDay1983]

Seattle Sounders FC vs Los Angeles FC

It's a double header in the MLS on Saturday (in the UK anyway!) and we're looking to bounce back from Thursday morning's disappointment with this clash between Seattle Sounders FC and Los Angeles FC which is set to kick-off at 8pm BST from the Lumen Field in Seattle. The home team helped us to a double win earlier in this round of games but it's a tougher challenge they face this time around.

Seattle Sounders FC not only managed to pull off the win with over 2.5 goals scored that we predicted earlier in the week as they beat Vancouver Whitecaps by a 4-0 score but striker Raul Ruidiaz also popped up with his brace to seal that bet win too. That made it back-to-back regular season wins for Brian Schmetzer's side and it's now 4 wins from their last 5 regular season matches. That win has helped moved the Sounders up to 7th in the Western Conference table and inside the play-off positions with a game in hand on most teams around them. That last win also made it 3 home league wins in a row for the Sounders. The double that Ruidiaz scored also made it 5 goals in 5 league games for the Peruvian front man.

Los Angeles FC remain the team to beat not only in the Western Conference but also in the race for the Supporters' Shield. Head coach Steve Cherundolo hasn't had his team in action since their 3-2 win over San Jose Earthquakes back on 28th May so they should be fresh for this game. That win made it back-to-back regular season victories for LAFC and that was much-needed after a winless streak of 3 games prior to that. The interesting statistic heading into this game is that LAFC don't draw their away games in the MLS it would seem. 4 wins and 2 losses from their 6 away matches suggest they aren't satisfied with drawing games on their travels. 

Recent meetings have been relatively evenly balanced between these two teams with 2 wins each and a draw from the last 5 encounters. The away team haven't managed to take the win in the last 7 meetings though. It's a tricky one to call here because Seattle Sounders look like they are getting back to their best but you simply can't write off Los Angeles FC at the moment. I'm going to shirk it and back a draw.

Draw @ 3.60 with VBet

BTTS @ 1.62 with William Hill

[StevieDay1983]

LA Galaxy vs Portland Timbers

The second game on Saturday evening, for UK followers, in the MLS is the 10pm BST start between LA Galaxy and Portland Timbers at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson. It's an all-Western Conference affair as the home side look to consolidate their play-off position against a visiting team that are in desperate need of picking up some positive results if they want to move up into play-off contention this season.

LA Galaxy have struggled for consistency all season so far but with the team currently positioned in 5th and just 6 points behind league leaders and local rivals Los Angeles FC there is a feeling that they're not far off achieving something special this season. Head coach Greg Vanney witnessed his team run out as convincing 4-1 winners in their last MLS game at home to Austin FC. The team also have a US Open Cup Quarter-Final home tie coming up against Sacramento Republic FC next week so how much will that fixture be in the back of the manager and players' heads during this game?

Portland Timbers are looking to get their disappointing start to the MLS season back on track. The Oregon-based franchise might have been runners-up in the MLS Cup Final last season but life moves fast in football and the old saying goes that you're only as good as your last game. Head coach Giovanni Savarese's men are down in 12th place and only 2 points off the bottom of the table in the Western Conference. The 15 points the team have earned after 15 games is their lowest points tally at this stage of a season ever. Three regular season defeats in a row suggest that maybe the wheels have now fully come off. 7 goals conceded in those 3 matches show that defensive frailties need to be addressed urgently. Otherwise this season is going to disintegrate before their very eyes.

It's been three wins on the bounce for LA Galaxy in their meetings with Portland Timbers. When you see that the Timbers have only won 1 of their 8 matches on the road this season it's hard to find just reasoning to see that changing here. The home team have won 6 of their 9 matches played at home in all competitions and I can certainly see them extending that winning statistic here.

LA Galaxy to Win @ 1.77 with SBK

Total Goals Scored Over 2.5 @ 1.63 with VBet

[StevieDay1983]

New York Red Bulls vs Toronto FC

The Eastern Conference is the focus of our attention for the first game in the MLS in the small hours of Sunday morning as New York Red Bulls play Toronto FC in a midnight kick-off from the Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey. The home team are well and truly in the hunt for the top spot in the conference as they welcome the visit of a franchise that need a win to stay in the play-off conversation.

New York Red Bulls currently sit in 4th place and just 3 points off the pace of conference leaders New York City. Head coach Gerhard Struber has seen his team lose just 2 of their last 9 matches but it is now 2 losses from their last 3 MLS regular season games and 1 win in their last 6 league matches. A 2-0 loss away to Charlotte FC in their last league outing was a disappointment especially because they beat the same team just a couple of weeks earlier to book their place in the US Open Cup Quarter-Finals. It's now been 7 MLS games without a clean sheet which will be a concern for Struber. Home form could be their saviour here though with the Red Bulls having gone unbeaten in their last 5 matches at home across all competitions.

Toronto FC continue to struggle at the wrong end of the conference table but there is reason for the Reds to be optimistic as they head into this next phase of the season. Head coach Bob Bradley will have the services of former Napoli front man Lorenzo Insigne at his disposal from the start of next month. The team have also ended a 5-game losing streak by picking up a 2-2 draw away to DC United followed by a victory in a 3-2 win against Chicago Fire at home. Granted, not the most challenging of opponents but those pair of results have moved the team up to 12th above both of those sides and now just 4 points off the pace of the play-offs. The team is still yet to keep a clean sheet in their conference games though.

It's not surprising to read that New York Red Bulls are unbeaten in their last 6 meetings with Toronto FC and based on where both sides are in the Eastern Conference I can see this game ending in yet another positive result for the team from the big apple (or just outside based on their stadium location!). I can foresee goals as well with neither defence exactly providing their respective head coaches with confidence right now.

New York Red Bulls HT/FT @ 1.95 with Coral

New York Red Bulls & BTTS @ 3.00 with Betway

[StevieDay1983]

CF Montreal vs Austin FC

Two teams battling to push for the Supporters' Shield go toe-to-toe in a 12:30am BST kick-off on Sunday morning in the MLS as Eastern Conference franchise CF Montreal play host to Western Conference club Austin FC at the Saputo Stadium in Montreal. These two teams might be at the top end of the overall table but they've both hit a couple of losses recently. Will either team falter again here?

CF Montreal enter a third game out of four to be played at home in the regular season and it's been a mixed bag on home turf for Wilfried Nancy's men so far. A 2-1 loss against Real Salt Lake was followed by a return to winning ways in a 4-3 victory over FC Cincinnati. The entertainment levels may have been high in those last two home matches but the management team and fans will certainly want to see a more resolute performance from the back-line. Overall form remains impressive though for the Impact having won 7 of their last 10 MLS regular season games. The team also still has no problem scoring now having bagged 28 goals in their 14 league games. The Canadian Championship Semi-Final tie with Toronto FC awaits in a few days so it'll be interesting to see what line-up Nancy fields for this game.

Austin FC will make just their second trip to Canadian territory in the MLS for this game with Josh Wolff's side having lost their previous visit north of the border by a 2-1 score away to Vancouver Whitecaps last season. The Texans only have 1 win from their last 5 MLS regular season games and it's their sole focus now having been dumped out of the US Open Cup in the 3rd Round with a 2-1 loss after extra time away to San Antonio FC. 2 defeats from their last 3 away league games suggests that away form isn't the best but they did pick up a shock 2-1 win away to overall league leaders Los Angeles FC not too long ago. So they definitely have a surprise 3 points in their locker on their travels.

This will be the first ever time that these two franchises have met in league action. There's only one position and 1 point separating these two clubs in the overall standings but you have to say that it's CF Montreal who are in arguably the better form right now. Austin FC are struggling to find some consistency and unless they shore up that leaky back line that hasn't kept a clean sheet in 6 league games then they'll continue to find wins hard work to come by.

CF Montreal to Win @ 2.00 with Bet365

Total Goals Scored Over 2.5 @ 1.58 with SBK

[StevieDay1983]

Columbus Crew vs Charlotte FC

The second preview from our four-game batch of 12:30am BST kick-offs on Sunday morning from the MLS is Columbus Crew versus Charlotte FC from the Lower.com Field in Columbus. Both of these teams are in and around the play-off discussion heading into this game but it's clear that the home side could do with the win a lot more than the away team. Will they earn it though?

Columbus Crew come into this game knowing they need to start picking up some wins otherwise their fading hopes of the play-offs will completely vanish before they know it. Head coach Caleb Porter has seen his team win just 2 of their last 10 MLS games leaving the team down in 10th place in the Eastern Conference and 3 points off the play-offs. However, the Crew do boast games in hand on the teams above them so a win here could change that picture entirely. Unfortunately, home form hasn't been too much of an advantage to the Ohio-based side with the franchise losing 3 of their last 4 conference matches played at home.

Charlotte FC may well be without a permanent manager right now but they remain in 7th position and inside the play-offs in the Eastern Conference heading into this match. Interim head coach Christian Lattanzio started his temporary reign with a solid 2-0 win at home to New York Red Bulls which was a very pleasing result for the team. It was a first clean sheet in 5 matches in all competitions and helped to put the team in the play-off positions. It remains a concern that Charlotte's away form is down there with the worst this season suffering 6 losses and 1 draw from their 7 MLS regular season games on the road.

This will be a first meeting between these two sides in the MLS and it'll be a big test for both teams but for differing reasons. Columbus Crew need to improve their overall season form or they will fall short of play-off expectations and Charlotte FC continue life in their maiden MLS season with an interim gaffer in charge without an away win to their name yet. That away form of the away team is a big nagging point for me and even though Crew aren't anything special right now they should be looking to win this.

Columbus Crew to Win @ 1.83 with Unibet

BTTS @ 1.80 with William Hill

[StevieDay1983]

Orlando City SC vs Houston Dynamo

Up next in our 12:30pm BST Sunday morning kick-off previews in the MLS is the battle between the play-off hopefuls when Orlando City SC host Houston Dynamo at the Exploria Stadium in Orlando. The home team could put the pressure right on New York City FC at the top of the Eastern Conference with a win here against a visiting side that will want a victory to move into the Western Conference play-off positions.

Orlando City SC might well be at the right end of the table but Oscar Pareja's men are on a bit of a dry spell with no win in their last 3 league games now. The 1-1 draw away from home against New England Revolution in midweek is an improvement after the 3-1 home loss against FC Dallas in the previous game to that but they will be demanding more of themselves as the season starts to get serious. One encouraging statistic is that Orlando City SC might have lost their last home game but they have bounced back with a win the home game following a home loss on the last two occasions. It remains a worry that just 1 win in 5 MLS regular season matches suggests form isn't great right now. The fact that sole victory came against a poor Toronto FC side as well doesn't offer much comfort.

Houston Dynamo are one of the experienced names in the MLS but they're still struggling to break into the play-offs and stay there this season. Head coach Paulo Nagamura has seen his team lose 5 of their last 7 league games leaving the team in 8th position and 1 point outside the play-offs. Qualification for the play-offs would see that feat achieved for the first time in 5 seasons so it's a satisfying campaign so far but this continuing poor run needs to end as soon as possible. It looked as if the 3-0 win away to LA Galaxy had addressed issues but all that hard work came undone the following game with the 3-0 loss away to Real Salt Lake. This run of away matches won't be doing the legs any good and 3 losses from their last 4 away league games shows how they're are struggling on their travels at the moment.

It may come as a surprise to read that Houston Dynamo are unbeaten against Orlando City SC in their last four meetings but the last two encounters played in this state have ended in 0-0 draws. I think this game is there for Orlando City SC to win. Houston Dynamo are on a downward trajectory and even when the team shows periods of turning it around they lack the consistency to make that positive change stick.

Orlando City SC to Win @ 1.80 with Sporting Index

Total Goals Scored Over 2.5 @ 1.87 with Betfair

[StevieDay1983]

Philadelphia Union vs FC Cincinnati

The top end of the Eastern Conference table is the focus of the next preview as top spot chasers Philadelphia Union take on play-off hunters FC Cincinnati in a 12:30pm BST kick-off on Sunday morning from Subaru Park in Chester. It's been an impressive start to the season for the home side but it could've been even better. Can they really crank the pressure up on the league leaders with a win here against a travelling team that have hit a poor run of form?

Philadelphia Union are 2nd in the Eastern Conference and just 1 point behind top team New York City FC but having drawn 6 of their last 7 MLS regular season games their fans will be wondering just how good this season could have been going right now. Head coach Jim Curtin deserves a lot of praise for getting the team to where they are now but if we're being brutal with the statistics he'll also be wary that they have actually only won 1 of their last 8 league games. The longer that next win takes to arrive, the more doubt will begin to creep into their Supporters' Shield hopes. Hungarian Daniel Gazdag will be a player to watch in this game having scored 7 goals in the MLS already this season and he also scored in Hungary's shock 4-0 win away to England in the UEFA Nations League this past week.

FC Cincinnati come into this game in 8th position in the Eastern Conference and only outside the play-off places due to an inferior goal difference. Pat Noonan has generally been doing a decent job as head coach but he'll be concerned with the back-to-back defeats that ended the team's superb 4-game winning streak in the league. Defence is a big issue for the Orange and Blue. That's not just a recent problem either with the team conceding 7 goals in their last 2 losses. The team has also conceded 25 goals in their 14 league games so far with only CF Montreal and Toronto FC conceding more goals in the Eastern Conference. Having finished bottom of this conference for the last three seasons, this is still an improvement for Noonan's side and it may take a while yet before the owners press the panic button.

I have to say that you can't deny being impressed by Philadelphia Union so far this season. Yes, the drawing run does feel like it's held them back from storming away in the Supporters' Shield table but they are also still not losing games and that's what great teams do. They find a way to get points on the board when they aren't at their best. I can see them getting back to winning ways against an FC Cincinnati team that has some serious defensive concerns to address.

Philadelphia Union to Win & Total Goals Scored Over 2.5 @ 2.50 with Bet365

Anytime Scorer: Daniel Gazdag @ 3.60 with Unibet

[StevieDay1983]

Chicago Fire vs DC United

It's the battle for the wooden spoon in the Eastern Conference (or whatever the US equivalent of being bottom of the table is called!) on Sunday morning at 1am BST when bottom side Chicago Fire host DC United at the Soldier Field in Chicago. The home team knows a win is mandatory if they're to avoid falling adrift at the foot of the conference table against a second from bottom visiting franchise who could lift themselves right up the table with a victory.

Chicago Fire are desperate to drag themselves off the bottom of not only the Eastern Conference table but the overall MLS table. Head coach Ezra Hendrickson knows the Fire fans aren't used to success but nobody wants to be last in the US. It's now 10 regular season games without a win and that includes losing 6 of their last 7 league games. It's crazy to think that Hendrickson began his reign at the franchise with just 1 loss from their opening 7 league games. Long gone are those halcyon spring days of unbeaten runs and two goal cushions. Scoring goals is certainly the problem though. Only 13 goals scored in their 14 league games whilst defensively they have conceded less goals than DC United, Toronto FC, Inter Miami CF, FC Cincinnati, New England Revolution, Orlando City SC, and CF Montreal... and that's just in the Eastern Conference!

DC United can see this game as a metonym for this season. Take the win and they can potentially move to within 2 points of the play-offs. Suffer a defeat and they'll only be saved the ignominy of bottom spot due to boasting a better wins record than Chicago Fire. A draw and they'll certainly be feeling the demoralising impact of that. Chad Ashton is the interim head coach for the franchise and did well to stop the losing streak the team were suffering under former gaffer Hernan Losada but you can't really say his management has had any real noticeable difference to the club's fortunes over the last month or so. Just 1 win from their last 6 games has kept them down just one place off the bottom of the conference table and conceding at least 2 goals in each of their last 4 league games shows their defence needs tightening up with urgency.

You can label this as a "must-win" game for both teams or you could say it's a "must-not-lose" game for both teams. Asides from the obvious aesthetics of points on the board, it's almost inconceivable the damage a loss for either side could do to the morale of the squad. That's why I think both teams will set up with the approach that they won't want to lose this game but DC United have only won 2 of their last 15 visits to Chicago. So I'm going to back a home win to blow the battle to avoid the bottom wide open.

Chicago Fire to Win @ 1.97 with SBK

Total Goals Scored Over 2.5 @ 1.79 with SBK

 

[StevieDay1983]

FC Dallas vs Vancouver Whitecaps

The MLS action continues deep into Sunday morning's early hours with this 2am BST kick-off between FC Dallas and Vancouver Whitecaps from the Toyota Stadium in Frisco. The home team are on a mission to chase down the Supporters' Shield leaders Los Angeles FC as they face a Canadian opponent who have really struggled to pick up any points on the road in the Western Conference so far.

FC Dallas are having a season to remember so far with the team in 2nd place in the Western Conference and just 4 points behind Los Angeles FC. The Burn had only lost 1 of their first 11 league games of the season but then suffered back-to-back defeats. Fortunately, any question marks hanging over this team after those losses soon evaporated with the 3-1 win away to Orlando City SC in their last MLS regular season game. Nico Estevez's team can now focus all their attention on going for the MLS Cup after being eliminated from the US Open Cup by Sporting Kansas City in the last 32 stage. The franchise also doesn't have any involvement in continental competition to distract them. It's also worth noting that FC Dallas also boast the joint top scorer in the MLS so far in striker Jesus Ferreira with 9 goals. He hasn't scored in 3 games so is surely due one soon!

Vancouver Whitecaps continue to struggle this season with the team down in 11th position in the Western Conference and only 4 points off the foot of the table. The team had shown improvement under Vanni Sartini with 1 loss from 6 MLS regular season matches which also included 4 wins in that run before suffering a brutal hammering away to Seattle Sounders by a 4-0 score. It's now 28 goals conceded in 15 MLS games for the Whitecaps which isn't good enough for a team that is only managing to score just over 1 goal per game. There are obvious concerns over the away form of the Whitecaps with the team losing 7 of their 8 away games in the league with the team conceding 20 goals in those matches.

Despite FC Dallas being the better-performing team this season and Vancouver Whitecaps being quite frankly dreadful on the road, it may surprise you to read that Vancouver are actually unbeaten in their last 5 meetings. The last three meetings played in Texas have ended in draws so they've not picked up wins here recently. I can see FC Dallas ending that winless streak here though.

FC Dallas HT/FT @ 2.30 with Sporting Index

Anytime Scorer: Jesus Ferreira @ 2.45 with Unibet

[StevieDay1983]

Real Salt Lake vs San Jose Earthquakes

It's a battle between two franchises fighting at opposite ends of the Western Conference in this 2:30am BST kick-off on Sunday morning in the MLS as Real Salt Lake host San Jose Earthquakes at the Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy. Can the home team notch up another win in their pursuit of the Supporters' Shield or will they come up against a stubborn opponent in a visiting side that have made themselves tough to beat recently?

Real Salt Lake appear to be their own worst enemies so far this season. Every time Pablo Mastroeni's side build up a run of form they suffer a disappointing defeat that holds them back. This was exemplified when their recent 3-game winning streak was ended by a surprise 2-1 loss away to a lowly Vancouver Whitecaps in their last regular season outing. The Claret and Cobalt are still in 3rd place in the Western Conference and only 4 points behind conference leaders Los Angeles FC so it's still all to play for. The team remain unbeaten at home in the league so far this season and that includes winning each of their last 3 home matches. 

San Jose Earthquakes will be looking to get their recent solid form back on track after a 4-game unbeaten run came to a prompt end in their 3-2 loss away to Los Angeles FC but they did stop the rot with a 0-0 draw away to Nashville SC in their last MLS game. This is their final game in this road run and they'll be aiming to avoid defeat once again as they look to move up the table from their 13th place and just 2 points off the bottom of the conference table. Interim head coach Alex Covello is still trying his hardest to deliver a first away win in the Western Conference for the franchise this season with the team suffering 2 draws and 5 losses from their 7 away games so far.

Even though a number of positions separate these two franchises in the Western Conference, this is likely to be a closer match than their league placings suggest. Real Salt Lake will have been hurt by that loss the last time out but San Jose Earthquakes just can't buy a win on the road. Last season, both meetings saw the away team win 4-3 but I can't see a repeat of that here. I can still see it being a high-scoring game but I think backing the home team for the win is best price.

Real Salt Lake to Win @ 1.87 with SBK

Total Goals Scored Over 2.5 @ 1.73 with SBK

[StevieDay1983]

Atlanta United vs Inter Miami CF

The play-off battle in the Eastern Conference intensifies on Sunday evening in the MLS when Atlanta United play Inter Miami CF in an 8pm BST kick-off from the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Both of these two teams are flirting with the prospect of pushing into the top 7 but with the home team struggling for form recently can they earn a win against an improving away side?

Atlanta United will have started this season with high hopes as the defending US Open Cup champions but after just 1 win from their last 8 league games leaving the team in 11th position in the Eastern Conference and 3 points off the play-offs there is a risk expectations might not be met. Head coach Gonzalo Pineda will be demanding an improvement in home form from his Five Stripes team. It's just 1 win from the last 5 regular season home games and that needs to be better if they want to qualify for the play-offs. There is no doubt that this Atlanta side is suffering from key players being out injured but finishing outside the play-offs will surely be deemed a disaster for this side.

Inter Miami CF have a reputation as perennial strugglers in the MLS and this season appears to be hardly any different. However, the appointment of head coach Phil Neville could prove to be a shrewd one with the Herons currently in 9th position in the Eastern Conference and just 1 point off the play-off pace. Throw in the fact that the team have gone unbeaten for their last 4 MLS games including winning back-to-back conference games. Away remains a struggle for the team though with them only managing 1 win from their last 6 away league games and that includes failing to win or even score in their last 3 league matches on their travels. 

It has been the home side that has prevailed victorious in each of the last three meeting between these two and that means it was Inter Miami CF who drew winning blood most recently over Atlanta United. The home team are in a bit of a rut right now but they've remained within touching distance of the play-offs. If they can get a win against this visiting team that have had their troubles on their travels then there's no reason they can't start rising back up the table again. I think they will win this one.

Atlanta United to Win & Total Goals Scored Over 2.5 @ 2.32 with Betfair

Atlanta United HT/FT @ 2.35 with Coral

[StevieDay1983]

New York City FC vs Colorado Rapids

The penultimate game on Sunday evening in the MLS throws us the clash between Eastern Conference leaders New York City FC and Western Conference play-off hopefuls Colorado Rapids in a 10pm BST kick-off from the Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York. What a venue this is to host a football game and especially one of this significance that could have a big say on the season hopes of both these teams.

New York City FC are undoubtedly the team of the moment in the MLS right now. Head coach Ronny Deila might have departed the franchise to take over at Belgian First Division A club Standard Liege but the team has been left in the trusty hands of interim head coach Nick Cushing. The former Manchester City Women gaffer has experience of winning all the domestic trophies in the women's game in the UK so this is a massive opportunity for him. The team are top of the Eastern Conference and haven't suffered a defeat in 8 MLS matches now. It's a run that includes 7 victories and 7 clean sheets. The club is also set to play a crunch US Open Cup Quarter-Final game away to city rivals New York Red Bulls next week so that is going to be on their minds here. Home form has been so important to the team's success in the MLS with 6 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss so far.

Colorado Rapids might not be smashing it like their opponents for this game but head coach Robin Fraser will be delighted that his team are firmly in the chase for a play-off spot. The Denver-based franchise are in 10th position in the Western Conference but only 1 point adrift of the play-offs. Inconsistent form has prevented the team from pushing on up the table with the last 6 league games producing an alternate win-loss streak. Unfortunately, the Rapids come into this game with one of the worst away records across the whole MLS taking just 1 point from their 6 away league games thus far. The fact they have conceded 13 goals in those games shows you that the defensive stability needs to be improved on considerably.

OK, so it will please New York City FC fans to know that not only are they appearing more superior than Colorado Rapids in the MLS this season but they are also undefeated in each of their 5 meetings with the Rapids to date. There is the potential wildcard factor of City beginning life after Deila but I think they have enough quality and confidence in their ranks that they should navigate past this challenge at home.

New York City FC to Win & BTTS @ 3.20 with Bet365

New York City FC HT/FT @ 2.30 with SpreadEx

[harry_rag]

On 6/16/2022 at 11:52 AM, StevieDay1983 said:

Seattle Sounders FC vs Los Angeles FC

Recent meetings have been relatively evenly balanced between these two teams with 2 wins each and a draw from the last 5 encounters. The away team haven't managed to take the win in the last 7 meetings though. It's a tricky one to call here because Seattle Sounders look like they are getting back to their best but you simply can't write off Los Angeles FC at the moment. I'm going to shirk it and back a draw.

Draw @ 3.60 with VBet

BTTS @ 1.62 with William Hill

I've bought Hollingshead's goal rush plus for 3 points at 2 with SPIN. Essentially getting him at 12.5 anytime when he's 3s or less with most firms (5s and 13/2 in a couple of places). Defender who scores enough goals to look worth backing at double digit odds.

If you believe in omens, I was talking briefly to a guy yesterday who mentioned in passing that his surname was Hollin(g)shead. I don't, and only remembered that just after I placed the bet, but it will be an amusing coincidence if the bet lands. No doubt I'll embark on a series of conversations with strangers in pubs! 

[StevieDay1983]

Nashville SC vs Sporting Kansas City

The penultimate game of the weekend in the MLS that we're taking a look at is the clash between Nashville SC and Sporting Kansas City in an 11pm BST kick-off on Sunday evening from Geodis Park in Nashville. This is a game that the home team will certainly be looking to win to boost their play-off hopes against a visiting side that cannot buy a win for love nor money right now.

Nashville SC sit comfortably inside the Western Conference play-offs in 6th position with a 5 point buffer keeping them safe inside the top 7. Head coach Gary Smith has seen his team go unbeaten in the last 5 matches across all competitions. This run has also led them to a Quarter-Final tie with Orlando City SC away in the US Open Cup. The 0-0 draw at home to San Jose Earthquakes in their last outing was a stark reminder that no team can be taken lightly and no game is guaranteed 3 points. Still, that draw did extend the undefeated home run of the team to 25 games in all competitions. The last time they tasted defeat on home turf was back on 4th November, 2020 in a 1-0 loss to FC Dallas. Attacking midfielder Hany Mukhtar remains the big goal threat with the former Germany under-21 international scoring 8 goals in all competitions.

Sporting Kansas City are experiencing a torrid season so far with the club down in 14th place which is rock bottom of the Western Conference having also played more games than teams above them. It's not a very good time to be a Wizards supporter. Head coach Peter Vermes has now seen his team go winless for 4 games now and it's just 1 win from the last 11 MLS regular season matches. The team are yet to pick up a win on the road and have lost the majority of those games with 5 losses coming from those 8 away games. Ill discipline has also cost the team recently with the team suffering 3 red cards in their last 6 matches. You need all 11 players on the pitch for the full 90 minutes if you're going to claw your way out of situations like this.

Both of the two previous encounters between these sides have ended in 2-1 victories with Nashville SC earning the win in the most recent meeting and Sporting Kansas City taking the win back in 2020 before covid hit. I really can't find any justifiable reason to back Sporting Kansas City to get anything here. Nashville SC are a beast at home and when you combine that with the dire away form of Kansas it all points to a solid home victory.

Nashville SC to Win @ 1.72 with Bet365

Anytime Scorer: Hany Mukhtar @ 2.50 with BetVictor

[StevieDay1983]

New England Revolution vs Minnesota United

Finally, we reach the last game of the weekend in the MLS and it's a 1am BST kick-off on Monday morning when Eastern Conference play-off chasers New England Revolution host Western Conference play-off contenders Minnesota United at the Gillette Stadium in Foxborough. Can the in-form home side continue their purple patch against a visiting team struggling to put wins together at the moment?

New England Revolution are really building some momentum up right now. Bruce Arena's team let us down earlier in this thread by failing to pick up the expected win at home to Orlando City SC but they have a chance to bounce back here. It's now 7 MLS regular season games without defeat leaving the team in 6th place in the Eastern Conference and firmly looking up at the teams above them rather than over their shoulder. The Revs are now looking a lot more like the team that stormed to the Supporters' Shield last season. It will be a game full of emotion for the Revs as the team bids farewell to goalkeeper Matt Turner who leaves to sign for Arsenal after this game. Will he keep a first clean sheet in 7 league games before he departs for the Premier League?

Minnesota United will be looking to pull themselves out of this disappointing spell of results. Head coach Adrian Heath is a man rich with experience in the US having previously managed in the league system for over 10 years now with this franchise and Orlando City SC over two spells. The team are knocking on the door of the play-off right now in 9th position in the Western Conference and only 1 point outside the top 7. It's only 1 win from the last 6 league games though for the Loons and 4 of those results have ended in defeat. That said, the team did win their last road game in a 2-1 win away to FC Dallas so they have every reason to feel they could sneak a result here.

This will be just the fourth time that these two franchises have met in the MLS due to them competing in different conferences. Each of those games have ended in the home team taking the win. New England Revolution are undoubtedly the form team here as well so it seems that all signs point towards backing that. It won't necessarily be easy though. Minnesota United have shown they can be a tough nut to crack on their travels so it's going to be a close one. It's also worth remembering that the Revs have drawn their last three home league games too.

New England Revolution to Win @ 1.69 with SBK

BTTS @ 1.61 with SBK