NY Red Bulls vs. Nashville (Saturday, 1.00am)
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The New York Red Bulls will look to climb into a playoff position in the Eastern Conference when they host Nashville SC at Red Bull Arena on Friday.
New York have won three straight games at home, while Nashville erased a two-goal deficit for a third time this season, drawing Atlanta United 2-2 in their last match.
We say: New York Red Bulls 1-1 Nashville SC
New York have only allowed one goal in their last three home fixtures and have conceded four shots on target or less in their four home games, and they are only two points back of Nashville for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
Nashville are always a rugged defensive unit to break down, so expect a limited number of chances both ways, with two sides eager to come away with at least a point rather than risking coming away with nothing.
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Salt Lake vs. Vancouver (Saturday, 3.00am)
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A pair of sides on the outside looking in when it comes to the MLS playoff picture will do battle on Friday as Real Salt Lake host the Vancouver Whitecaps at Rio Tinto Stadium.
Claret and Cobalt have drawn their last three matches before the international break, while the Caps have lost their previous three encounters away from home.
We say: Real Salt Lake 2-1 Vancouver Whitecaps
There has been very little to choose between these two sides in the last two seasons, with the Whitecaps winning both encounters in 2020 by a 2-1 score and Real Salt Lake winning both games in 2019, 1-0.
With both teams struggling to earn results, and desperate not to fall too far behind in the playoff race, it could come down to a piece of individual brilliance, and for that, you have to give the edge to Salt Lake, who have match-winners like Rubio Rubin and Damir Kreilach at their disposal.
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Barney Corkhill
