MLS expert Luke Beaumont (@_LukeBeaumont) analyses Saturday night's action from across the pond.
Atlanta United v New England Revolution | Saturday 6th October 2018, 20:30
All things considered, Atlanta United are the best team in Major League Soccer – but they do have their faults. Those faults were effectively exploited by the New York Red Bulls last weekend who have blown the Supporters’ Shield race open once more.
Atlanta lead the Eastern Conference and they looked like inevitable Supporters’ Shield winners until that costly 2-0 defeat in Harrison, New Jersey last weekend. It has now come down to a three-game shootout between Atlanta and the Red Bulls to see who will become regular-season champions.
This Saturday, Tata Martino’s Atlanta host Brad Friedel’s New England Revolution and this is simply a must-win game for the Five Stripes.
The last time these two sides met at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, New England were handed a 7-0 battering.
After a frustrating and hard to take defeat last time out, Atlanta will be hoping to inflict more of the same and I fancy them to do just that.
Atlanta United to win and Over 3.5 Goals (5/4 Bet365) is the call.
FC Dallas v Orlando City | Sunday 7th October 2018, 01:00
FC Dallas vs Orlando City is a meeting between two sides who have had very different fortunes over the course of the 2018 season.
Texan side, FC Dallas lead the way in the Western Conference and have already guaranteed a place in the play-offs, whilst Orlando sit bottom of the East with a measly 25 points – effectively having nothing but pride to play for.
Toyota Stadium has been a fortress for Dallas and it is arguably the hardest venue to collect points as a visiting side in Major League Soccer. Oscar Pareja’s side have only lost once in their last 21 outings on home soil.
It is difficult to imagine any other scenario than a comfortable FC Dallas win. They will see this as an important game to pick up three points as they know a top two finish in the West will secure a first round bye going into the post-season.
Back FC Dallas to score 3+ goals at 11/10 (SkyBet).
Best Bets
Atlanta United v New England Revolution – Atlanta United to win and Over 3.5 Goals (5/4 Bet365)
FC Dallas v Orlando City – FC Dallas to score 3+ goals (11/10 SkyBet)
