MLS Picks - Matchweek: 9

Another weekend of Major League Soccer action is upon us and as usual there’s no shortage of stories and plot lines to draw. Once again, the headline act comes on Sunday when the Seattle Sounders and Los Angeles FC face off for the second time in a week, but there is plenty to draw the eye elsewhere. Here are four tips for the weekend.

Toronto FC v Portland Timbers

BMO Field, Saturday April 27

The Portland Timbers snapped their poor run of form with a win over the Columbus Crew last weekend, but now they come up against a Toronto FC side that has really found their groove, at least in front of goal, in the past few weeks. Indeed, Greg Vanney’s side have scored 18 times in their last six MLS outings, making them the league’s second top scorers only to Los Angeles FC.

There have been over 2.5 goals scored in each of TFC’s last 12 home games, with over 2.5 goals also scored in each of Portland’s last seven away trips. So it’s safe to assume that there will be goals in this match. Toronto FC have also scored at least two goals in 11 of their last 12 games at BMO Field.

2.5u - Back Over 2.5 Total Goals @ -238

Atlanta United v Colorado Rapids

Mercedes Benz Stadium, Saturday April 27

Just when it appeared Atlanta United, last season’s MLS Cup champions, might have turned a corner, they suffered a new nadir. Defeat to FC Dallas last week was Atlanta’s third of the season so far, although this was the first time they’d lost in front of their own fans at Mercedes Benz Stadium. The verve of the Tata Martino era is gone and it has been replaced by the insipid football of Frank de Boer.

The Colorado Rapids have lost eight of their last 10 away games, so they are hardly in the best of form either, but Atlanta United are struggling desperately for goals at the moment. Indeed, de Boer’s side are currently the lowest scorers in MLS after six games and there is no sign of their teeth being sharpened any time soon.

1u - Back Under 1.5 Home Goals @ +215

Minnesota United v DC United

Allianz Field, Sunday April 28

After the midweek draw against the LA Galaxy, Minnesota United remain undefeated in their new stadium. However, the Loons are also still without a win at Allianz Field, so might their duck be broken this weekend? They will come up against a DC United side whose form has fallen off a cliff in recent weeks, winning just one of their last four games. However, DC United are unbeaten in their last five away trips.

Minnesota United have conceded at least two goals in nine of their last 11 MLS matches, so don’t expect a clean sheet from the home side, but they have also scored twice or more in seven of their last eight outings. The Loons will fancy their chances against DC United this weekend.

1.5u - Back Both Teams to Score @ -192

Seattle Sounders v Los Angeles FC

CenturyLink Field, Sunday April 28

I know what you’re thinking - didn’t we just watch this game? Yes, we did. But such is the quirky nature of MLS scheduling, the Seattle Sounders and Los Angeles FC will face each other just a week after the Californians came out on top in a 4-1 win at Banc of California Stadium. This time, however, the clash will take place at CenturyLink Field. That changes things.

Seattle have won their last eight home matches in succession and have scored two or more goals in seven of those games. These two teams have set the early pace in the Western Conference, with LAFC winning five of their last six matches in the league. Bob Bradley’s side are also MLS’s top scorers so far. This will be another blockbuster clash.

0.75u - Back a Draw @ +260