MLS Picks - Matchweek: 12

Another weekend of Major League Soccer action is upon us and as usual there’s no shortage of stories and plot lines to draw. Atlanta United look to have found their groove again while the Philadelphia Union continue their strong start to the 2019 season. Here are four tips for the weekend.

Montreal Impact v New England Revolution

Stade Saputo, Saturday 18 May

Bruce Arena is back. Indeed, the American soccer stalwart was appointed the New England Revolution’s new head coach and sporting director following the dismissal of Brad Friedal during the week raising hopes that the Foxborough side can lift their dismal recent form. The Revs have conceded at least four goals in their last three away matches, illustrating the challenge Arena faces.

However, the Montreal Impact haven’t been the most prolific scorers in MLS this season, with under 2.5 goals scored in their last four games at Stade Saputo. The Canadians have lost two of their last three league matches, but will be hopeful of facing a Revolution side that has been in freefall of late. Will Arena’s appointment give them a bounce?

1u - Back Both Teams to Score @ -150

San Jose Earthquakes v Chicago Fire

Avaya Stadium, Saturday 18 May

Working out the San Jose Earthquakes has been difficult so far this season. Matias Almeyda is starting to get his methods and ideas across, but it is taking time and the Quakes have struggled for form over the early part of the campaign, failing to register back-to-back wins from their opening 11 games.

The Chicago Fire, however, have failed to win any of their last 17 away games in MLS, failing to score in their last three trips on the road, while San Jose have been winning at both half time and full time of their last three matches at Avaya Stadium. This is the sort of the game that the Earthquakes should be targeting three points from.

0.75u - Back San Jose Earthquakes Half Time/Full Time @ +215

Philadelphia Union v Seattle Sounders

Talen Energy Stadium, Saturday 18 May

Things are looking good for the Philadelphia Union. Jim Curtin’s side are sitting second top of the Eastern Conference and come into this weekend’s game on the back of three straight wins. The Union, for the first time in a while, are looking like a credible force in MLS this season.

This weekend will be a real test of their credentials, though. While Philadelphia have won their last five home matches, the Seattle Sounders have won their last two games (against the Houston Dynamo and Orlando City) and sit near the top of the Western Conference themselves. There might not be many goals in this game, though, with under 2.5 goals scored in Seattle’s last three games.

1.5u - Back Philadelphia Union @ -133

New York Red Bulls v Atlanta United

Red Bull Arena, Sunday 19 May

This fixture presents a tale of redemption. Three wins in four games has seen the New York Red Bulls make amends for a poor start to the 2019 MLS season. Meanwhile, Atlanta United have won their last five outings in a row, surging up the Eastern Conference table after a dreadful start to life under Frank de Boer.

A tight defence has been key to Atlanta’s resurgence, keeping a clean sheet in each of their last four games. There have also been under 2.5 goals in 10 of their last 12 games. The Reds Bulls have been in decent scoring form of late, but the visitors to Harrison will try to control the game with possession and that could result in a tight affair.

1u - Back Under 2.5 Goals @ +110