MLS Picks - Matchweek: 30
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 play-offs are coming into sight and teams are scrapping to make the post-season. Here are four tips for the weekend in MLS.
New England Revolution v New York City FC
Gillette Stadium, Sunday September 29
Bruce Arena has done a good job of steadying things at the New England Revolution since his appointment at Gillette Stadium earlier in the season. The Revs still have a little bit of work to do in securing their place in the play-offs, with the Chicago Fire just four points behind them in eighth place in the Eastern Conference.
New England are tough to beat and are undefeated in 17 of their last 19 league fixtures, while New York City FC are undefeated in their last eight league matches. NYC FC claimed a statement 4-1 win over Atlanta United during the week and will be favourites to claim another victory at Gillette Stadium this weekend.
0.75u - Back Draw @ +300
New York Red Bulls v DC United
Red Bull Arena, Sunday September 29
This is an original rivalry in MLS and there’s still a real edge to this fixture. The New York Red Bulls and DC United have both secured their place in the play-offs so this match is about bragging rights and building momentum ahead of the post-season. DC United come into this game on the back of three consecutive clean sheets in the league. They have tightened things up at the back recently.
In general, DC United have improved their form in recent weeks, winning their last three matches on the spin. They have also been winning at half time and full time in all three of those games. On the flip side, there has been under 2.5 total goals scored in the New York Red Bulls’ last four matches in front of their own supporters.
1u - Back Under 2.5 Total Goals @ +140
LA Galaxy v Vancouver Whitecaps
Dignity Health Sports Park, Sunday September 29
Not so long ago, the LA Galaxy looked to be in a spot of bother in their efforts to make the play-offs in the Western Conference. However, three straight wins have lifted them up to third place in the place and are within a point of securing their place in the post-season and they have Zlatan Ibrahimovic to thank, with the Swede in tremendous form.
The Vancouver Whitecaps are rooted to the foot of the Western Conference and are already reflecting on what has been a dismal season. The Caps beat the Houston Dynamo and drew against the Columbus Crew in their last two games at BC Place, but Vancouver have lost their last three away games. There have been over 2.5 goals scored in six of their last seven away matches.
1u - Back LA Galaxy To Score 2+ Goals @ -250
Sporting KC v Portland Timbers
Children’s Mercy Park, Sunday September 29
The Portland Timbers are still fighting for their place in the play-offs with the midweek draw at home to the New England Revolution setting them back. Indeed, Portland have failed to win any of their last four matches and have drawn a blank in three of those last four matches. The Timbers need two good results to make sure they don’t slide out of the top seven in the West.
Sporting KC have lost their last four games after the midweek defeat to Minnesota United. Peter Vermes and his players can’t wait for this season to be over. Sporting KC have been one of the most consistent teams in recent MLS history, but this has been a season to forget. There have been over 2.5 goals scored in their last three games so that will give Portland encouragement.
0.75 - Back Portland Timbers To Win @ +250