Cincinnati vs. Inter Miami (Sunday, 12.30am)
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A first-place showdown in the Eastern Conference of Major League Soccer will see FC Cincinnati host Inter Miami on Saturday at TQL Stadium.
Thanks to a narrow 2-1 victory over Charlotte FC, the Herons remain above Cincy by two points in the Supporters' Shield standings, with the latter claiming a 3-2 triumph over DC United.
We say: FC Cincinnati 2-1 Inter Miami
Inter Miami have proven they can win without Messi or Suarez but have not faced a side with as much overall talent as the Orange and Blue.
Having a decisive difference-maker in Luciano Acosta available this weekend could give Cincinnati an edge against Miami in the race for first overall.
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Columbus Crew vs. Toronto (Sunday, 12.30am)
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Two MLS sides, currently going in opposite directions, will face each other on Saturday at Lower.com Field as the Columbus Crew host Toronto.
On Wednesday, the reigning MLS Cup champions won a third successive league fixture, 2-0 over Nashville SC, while the Reds lost 2-1 to Orlando City, their fifth straight defeat in this competition.
We say: Columbus Crew 2-0 Toronto
Toronto have yet to clean up their defensive issues and will be up against a dynamic attacking unit in fantastic form, and we believe they will be a handful for the Reds this weekend.
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Montreal vs. Vancouver (Sunday, 12.30am)
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Canadian rivals CF Montreal and the Vancouver Whitecaps will face each other on Saturday at Saputo Stadium, the first meeting between the two in the 2024 MLS campaign.
Earlier this week, Montreal were beaten 2-0 by New York City FC, while the Caps walked away with a 3-1 victory over Minnesota United.
We say: CF Montreal 1-2 Vancouver Whitecaps
When Vancouver's top attacking players are clicking as they are right now, they are difficult to slow down, and the Caps should find their share of openings against a Montreal backline that have been unstable all season.
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Orlando City vs. DC United (Sunday, 12.30am)
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Aiming to record consecutive league victories for the first time in 2024, Orlando City will lock horns with basement dwellers DC United at Inter&Co Stadium in MLS on Saturday night.
The Lions travelled to Canada last time out and returned following a narrow success over Toronto, whilst the Black and Red came out on the losing side of a five-goal thriller with FC Cincinnati.
We say: Orlando City 2-1 DC United
Orlando have struggled to find consistency throughout the campaign, although this weekend's visit of the Eastern Conference's bottom side represents a great chance for the Lions to secure back-to-back wins.
DC United are stumbling from one defeat to the next, and even with the return of Benteke, we believe that the Black and Red will slump to another loss on Saturday evening.
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Philadelphia vs. NY Red Bulls (Sunday, 12.30am)
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Philadelphia Union are set to host New York Red Bulls at Subaru Park in an Eastern Conference clash on Sunday that could solidify the visitors' grip on their MLS Cup qualification spot.
The home side are 14th in their conference with 20 points and are four from the final MLS Cup playoff position, while the away side hold an automatic qualification spot in fifth with 35 points and are 11 clear of the playoff positions.
We say: Philadelphia Union 2-3 New York Red Bulls
Although New York Red Bulls are not in particularly strong form, it is difficult to overlook the outright poor form of Philadelphia.
Additionally, considering that both sides have been among the Eastern Conference's best offensive teams, fans could be in for an entertaining clash on Sunday.
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Austin vs. NY City (Sunday, 1.30am)
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For the first time in the Major League Soccer regular season, Austin FC and New York City FC will face each other on Saturday at Q2 Stadium in the Texas capital.
The Verde and Black ended June with a 2-0 defeat versus Sporting Kansas City, while New York City began July with a 2-0 win over CF Montreal.
We say: Austin FC 1-1 New York City FC
The Boys in Blue are still looking for that decisive attacking quality away from home that can make the difference between one and three points, and we expect that will hamper them on Saturday.
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Salt Lake vs. Atlanta (Sunday, 2.30am)
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Real Salt Lake take on Atlanta United at America First Field on Sunday in a clash between two sides in different MLS conferences.
The home team sit joint-top of their conference with 40 points, while the visitors are eighth with 24 points, clinging onto the final MLS Cup playoff spot in their division.
We say: Real Salt Lake 2-1 Atlanta United
While Atlanta seem to have a new lease of life under their manager, Salt Lake are one of the best performing teams in MLS this year and have been particularly strong at home. The hosts won this fixture the last time they were at home, and we think they will edge it again.
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Seattle vs. New England (Sunday, 3.30am)
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Seattle Sounders will be looking to pick up three wins on the bounce for the first time since April 2023 when they play host to New England Revolution at Lumen Field on Saturday.
While they all ended in stalemates, the last three meetings between the two sides have seen a combined 12 goals scored, and we anticipate another action-packed contest this weekend.
We say: Seattle Sounders 2-2 New England Revolution
Seattle Sounders and New England Revolution have put together a fine run of form in recent weeks and will be looking to keep the juggernaut rolling. Schmetzer's men are unbeaten in their last six home games against the Revs and we predict both sides will hold out for a share of the spoils once again.
