NY Red Bulls vs. Columbus Crew (Sunday, 9.30pm)
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New York Red Bulls play host to Columbus Crew in the next game of their MLS playoff tie having prevailed in the opening game.
Should the home side come through at the Red Bull Arena on Sunday night, it would see them book their place in the next round without the need of a third and deciding fixture.
We say: New York Red Bulls 1-2 Columbus Crew
While New York Red Bulls are essentially defending an advantage here, Columbus Crew must throw caution to the wind if not in a winning position. However, that may benefit them, to a certain extent, and it leaves us predicting a crucial away success for the visitors.
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Houston vs. Seattle (Sunday, 11.30pm)
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Houston Dynamo will welcome Seattle Sounders to the Shell Energy Stadium on Sunday for the second game of their MLS Cup first-round tie.
After triumphing in a penalty shootout in the first meeting, the visitors head to Texas knowing a victory on the day would see them book their Conference semi-final place with a game to spare.
We say: Houston Dynamo 1-0 Seattle Sounders
Given both teams' tight defensive records, the two strongest in the Western Conference this term, and the tight nature of the first fixture on Tuesday, we anticipate another close contest at the weekend which could be settled by a single goal.
Needing a victory to keep their hopes alive, we back Houston Dynamo to make home advantage count and take the tie to a decider with a first victory over Seattle Sounders since 2021.
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Vancouver vs. Los Angeles (Monday, 1.45am)
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Aiming to overturn a 2-1 defeat in the reverse leg, Vancouver Whitecaps are set to host Los Angeles FC at BC Place on Monday morning in the second game of the best-of-three series in the first round of MLS Cup playoffs.
The hosts qualified for this round with a 5-0 victory over Portland Timbers in the wildcard round, while the visitors qualified directly to this stage after finishing top of the Western Conference.
We say: Vancouver Whitecaps 1-2 Los Angeles FC
While the hosts demonstrated their ability to pose a threat to the visitors in the first leg, the Black and Gold are undoubtedly the superior team, and we anticipate they will secure a victory here to advance to the next round.
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Ben Knapton
