MLS expert Luke Beaumont (@_LukeBeaumont) gives his thoughts on Saturday night's Stateside action.
Chicago Fire v New York Red Bulls | Sunday 12th August 2018, 01:30
Chicago Fire host New York Red Bulls this weekend in what should be an entertaining Eastern Conference clash. The Fire’s remaining games should be considered must-win as they find themselves outside of the playoff debate. It’s a different story for the Red Bulls, however, as they are in second place with games in hand over league leaders, Atlanta United.
Both teams to score has landed in seven out of Chicago Fire’s last eight games at Toyota Park, and I can only see the same thing happening in this fixture. The Red Bulls don’t have an issue with getting on the scoresheet on the road, they have managed to score in all but two away games so far this season and have picked up some impressive wins along the way.
The odds for both teams to score is short (like it was for Atlanta vs Toronto last weekend) so again, I would recommend the combination of Over 2.5 Goals and Both Teams To Score for this fixture, which can be found at a respectable 5/6 at Sky Bet.
Real Salt Lake vs Montreal Impact | Sunday 12th August, 03:00
Real Salt Lake and Montreal Impact will face off and both sides currently occupy a playoff spot in their respective conferences. Three points would be huge for both teams as they look to solidify their position before the post-season approaches.
Montreal have a big task on their hands – Rio Tinto stadium is one of the toughest places to go in Major League Soccer. Real Salt Lake suffered a significant defeat in their first home game of the season against Los Angeles FC, but they haven’t lost at home in the league since.
Remi Garde’s Montreal Impact started the season poorly before turning things around and going on a run of five wins in six games. However, they’re currently in the middle of a wobble, winning just once in their last five league games. They have also lost nine of their 11 away games this season, so it will take a big effort to take a positive result home from Utah.
RSL have found the net ten times in their last four home outings, and they have managed to score at least twice in nine out of their 12 home games so far this season. I can’t see anything other than a routine Real Salt Lake victory.
Best Bets
Chicago Fire v New York Red Bulls– Over 2.5 Goals and Both Teams To Score (5/6 Sky Bet)
Real Salt Lake v Montreal Impact – Real Salt Lake to win (3/4 William Hill)
