MLS Picks - Matchweek: 26
Another weekend of Major League Soccer action is upon us and as usual there’s no shortage of stories and plot lines to draw upon. The New York Red Bulls are looking to bounce back after a derby defeat, while the Seattle Sounders welcome the LA Galaxy to CenturyLink Field. Here are four tips for the weekend in MLS.
New York Red Bulls v Colorado Rapids
Red Bull Arena, Saturday August 31
The New York Red Bulls will still be hurting after their defeat to New York City FC last week while the Colorado Rapids are coming into this match on the back of a 2-0 defeat to Real Salt Lake. And so both these sides will be looking to bounce back with a victory this weekend, certainly in the case of the Red Bulls whose recent form has been somewhat patchy.
The Colorado Rapids have failed to win any of their last seven away games in Major League Soccer and have also conceded two or more goals in five of their last six matches on the road. Florian Valot will be missing for the home side, while Kei Kamara is ruled out through suspension after being sent off in the defeat to RSL.
1u - Back New York Red Bulls To Win To Nil @ +194
Philadelphia Union v Atlanta United
Talen Energy Stadium, Saturday August 31
Atlanta United come into this game on the back of a win in the US Open Cup final, meaning Frank de Boer’s side now hold three trophies - MLS Cup, Campeones Cup and the US Open Cup. This will be a tough test for Atlanta as they travel north to take on the team that are currently tied with them at the top of the Eastern Conference.
There have been over 2.5 goals scored in eight of the Philadelphia Union’s last 10 league games, but on the other hand Atlanta United have won six of their last seven MLS matches home and away. What’s more, Atlanta have managed to keep a clean sheet in five of their last seven games and Philadelphia have scored two or more goals in their last five matches at Talen Energy Stadium.
1u - Back Both Teams To Score @ -225
Portland Timbers v Real Salt Lake
Providence Park, Saturday August 31
The Portland Timbers have suffered back-to-back defeats at Providence Park, losing to Atlanta United and the Seattle Sounders, and so Gio Savarese’s side have something of a point to prove as they play host to Real Salt Lake. Indeed, the Timbers have conceded two or more goals in their last three home games.
RSL claimed a 2-0 win over their rivals, the Colorado Rapids, last weekend and have claimed four wins from their last five league matches, lifting them up to second place in the Western Conference. Real Salt Lake have reacted well to the dismissal of Mike Petke as head coach and are a force to be reckoned with right now.
0.75u - Back Real Salt Lake To Win @ +320
CenturyLink Field, Sunday September 1
Both these teams come into this match on the back of positive derby results last weekend, with the Seattle Sounders beating the Portland Timbers and the LA Galaxy drawing away to Los Angeles FC. There have been over 2.5 goals scored in nine of the Sounders’ last 10 league matches, while there have been over 2.5 goals scored in the Galaxy’s last five games away from Dignity Health Sports Park.
However, the Seattle Sounders have conceded at leats twice in their last three matches at CenturyLink Field. Everywhere you look, there are omens that there will be goals in this match this weekend. This could be an entertaining fixture between two heavyweights of the Western Conference.
2u - Back Over 2.5 Total Goals @ -225