New England vs. Atlanta (Saturday, 6.30pm)
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The playoff hopes of the New England Revolution and Atlanta United could be at stake this weekend when the two sides clash on Saturday at Gillette Stadium.
An Inter Miami victory over Toronto on Friday would eliminate the Revs from the MLS playoff picture, and in the process put the Five Stripes in a must-win situation.
We say: New England Revolution 1-1 Atlanta United
Atlanta have made a valiant effort to get themselves back into the postseason conversation, but they are a little too tentative away from home, while struggling with their composure in front of goal on the road, scoring once or fewer in 12 away matches this season.
New England look defeated at the moment, and this team have not been nearly as sharp in the final third this year, continuously relying on their goalkeeping to bail them out.
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Colorado vs. Dallas (Saturday, 8.30pm)
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The latest round of matches in the 2022 Major League Soccer season sees Colorado Rapids and Dallas go head-to-head at Dick's Sporting Goods Park on Saturday.
Having both suffered defeats in their respective most recent outings, the teams will be aiming to return to winning ways as soon as possible.
We say: Colorado Rapids 2-1 Dallas
With their playoff ambitions on the line, the onus is more on Colorado Rapids to take control of proceedings and ensure that the home crowd get their money's worth. We are tipping them to come away with the victory at the sound of the final whistle in this one.
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Charlotte FC vs. Philadelphia (Saturday, 10.30pm)
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A pair of MLS sides chasing different goals at the moment will square off on Saturday as the Philadelphia Union visit Bank of America Stadium for the first time to face Charlotte FC.
With two matches remaining, the Union are even with Los Angeles FC in the race for the Supporters' Shield, while the Crown are still in the playoff hunt, trailing Inter Miami by four points with three matches still to play.
We say: Charlotte FC 1-2 Philadelphia Union
Charlotte will be a desperate team heading into this encounter, but the Union have plenty to play for as well, including the fact that a victory would guarantee they finish on top of the Eastern Conference standings.
Look for the home side to put a lot of effort into shutting down this dangerous Union attack, but the problem for Charlotte is that there are too many lethal finishers for them to track, while Philly can defend with the very best in MLS.
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Cincinnati vs. Chicago Fire (Sunday, 12.30am)
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Seeking to snap their two-game losing streak, Chicago Fire take a trip to the TQL Stadium to square off against FC Cincinnati on Saturday.
The hosts, who are currently on a run of 12 consecutive games without defeat across all competitions, will look to keep the juggernaut rolling and secure their place in the playoffs.
We say: FC Cincinnati 2-0 Chicago Fire
With two games left to play before the end of the regular season, FC Cincinnati needs one win to cement their place in the playoffs. They head into the weekend in solid form on home turf and we predict they will make use of their home advantage to see off the floundering Chicago Fire side.
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Columbus Crew vs. NY Red Bulls (Sunday, 12.30am)
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Fresh off the back of a 2-0 defeat in the Hudson River Derby, New York Red Bulls take a trip to the Lower.com Field to square off against Columbus Crew on Saturday.
The Crew, on the other hand, are currently on a run of four consecutive games without a win and will head into the weekend looking to end this dry spell.
We say: Columbus Crew 1-2 New York Red Bulls
New York Red Bulls have suffered a slump in recent weeks as they have managed three points from the last nine available. However, they will be backing themselves against a Columbus Crew side who are without a win in their last four outings. We predict a cagey affair at the Lower.com Field, with the visitors claiming a slender victory.
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Montreal vs. DC United (Sunday, 12.30am)
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In search of a third consecutive Major League Soccer triumph, CF Montreal play host to DC United at the Saputo Stadium on Sunday morning.
On the other hand, the away side make the journey aiming to end a two-game losing streak and a run of four matches since their last victory.
We say: CF Montreal 3-1 DC United
The teams have been porous at the back all-season long so we are anticipating an open contest with goals at both ends. That said, we also expect Montreal to have enough about themselves to emerge victorious in the end.
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Earthquakes vs. Minnesota Utd (Sunday, 3.00am)
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Minnesota United's journey to securing a place in the Major League Soccer Western Conference playoffs will continue on Sunday when they travel to face San Jose Earthquakes.
The hosts are currently at the foot of the table, but they could lift themselves out of that position with three points at the weekend in the penultimate game of the season.
We say: San Jose Earthquakes 1-2 Minnesota United
With this being their final home game of the season there is no doubt that San Jose will be wanting to close things out with a victory in front of their fans.
However, the visitors are fighting to keep their campaign alive with a playoff finish, and that should be enough to push them through in this one.
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Vancouver vs. Austin (Sunday, 3.00am)
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Austin FC can officially clinch second place in the Western Conference when they visit BC Place Stadium on Saturday to face the Vancouver Whitecaps.
It is desperation time for Vancouver, who need a win and some help this weekend to remain in the MLS playoff hunt, while the Verde and Black have already booked their place in the post-season.
We say: Vancouver Whitecaps 2-1 Austin FC
It appears as though Vancouver have got their act together, and with Cavallini back in the fold, we should see them come out very determined and aggressive this weekend, though it might still be too little too late for their playoff chances.
With such a big cushion near the top the table, Austin have looked a little too comfortable and complacent of late, knowing that they are already assured of a home playoff game.
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LA Galaxy vs. Salt Lake (Sunday, 3.30am)
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The Los Angeles Galaxy have a chance to claim their first playoff berth since 2019 when they host Real Salt Lake on Saturday at Dignity Health Sports Park.
LA are unbeaten in their last four MLS home fixtures, needing just a single point this weekend to officially claim a postseason berth, as they are currently fifth in the Western Conference, three points above Claret and Cobalt.
We say: Los Angeles Galaxy 3-2 Real Salt Lake
The Galaxy make it a little too easy for opposing teams to get clear-cut scoring opportunities, but they can counteract that with a strong attacking force that we believe is superior to RSL.
It might not be pretty, but the kind of individual quality on the LA side should be enough to book their place into the postseason.
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Barney Corkhill
