MLS Picks - Matchweek: 31
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 as the 2019 regular season comes to a close. There are still play-off places to be decided, with scheduling issues also still be determined by what happens this weekend. Here are four picks for this Sunday in MLS.
Atlanta United v New England Revolution
Mercedes Benz Stadium, Sunday October 6
Frank de Boer’s Atlanta United side secured their place in the play-offs a long time ago, but they are still fighting to finish second behind New York City FC in the Eastern Conference for the benefits it could have in the scheduling of the post-season. However, Atlanta will be without top scorer and figurehead Josef Martinez for this match.
The hosts come into this game on the back of a 4-1 defeat away to NYC FC and a draw away to the Montreal Impact. Atlanta United do tend to be stronger at home, though. In the New England Revolution they will face a team also certain of their place in the play-offs. Bruce Arena has made the Revs tougher to beat and come into this match on a four-game unbeaten run.
1.5u - Back Both Teams To Score @ -212
FC Dallas v Sporting KC
Toyota Stadium, Sunday October 6
There isn’t a great on the line on Decision Day this season with the vast majority of the play-off places already secured, but there is still a spot up for grabs in the Western Conference. FC Dallas currently occupy the all-important seventh place, but there’s just one point between the Texans and the San Jose Earthquakes.
Defeat to the Colorado Rapids last time out opened up the race for the last play-off spot in the West again. However, an FC Dallas win here would see them close that race back up again. They will fancy their chances given that the Sporting KC are without a win in their last five matches. This season has been truly dismal for them, but there is very good value in a draw here.
1u - Back Draw @ +350
Los Angeles FC v Colorado Rapids
Banc of California Stadium, Sunday October 6
The Colorado Rapids are one of the teams that can snatch the last play-off place in the Western Conference, although it’s true that a lot of pieces will have to fall into place for that to happen. Indeed, the Rapids will have to pick up three points here against the Supporters’ Shield winners and hope that San Jose lose and that FC Dallas lose by enough to make up the goal difference between the two sides which currently stands at five.
Facing Los Angeles FC at this time might be a good thing, though. The Californians finally got their hands on the Supporters’ Shield last week and so there’s a chance they will be looking ahead to the play-offs with their team selection. The Rapids come into this match on the back of wins over Sporting KC and FC Dallas. They at least have a chance.
2.5u - Back Over 2.5 Goals @ -350
Portland Timbers v San Jose Earthquakes
Providence Park, Sunday October 6
The Portland Timbers are staggering into the post-season, drawing three and losing two of their last five games. Meanwhile, the San Jose Earthquakes still stand a chance of snatching a play-off spot if they can win at Providence Park and FC Dallas lose their final game of the regular season.
We perhaps shouldn’t expect much in the way of goals, though. Both Portland and San Jose are struggling to find the back of the net right now, with the Quakes going five matches without scoring more than a single goal in a game. There will be tension given what’s on the line and that could make this a tight encounter.