We have reached the Playoffs in MLS and there are matches this weekend in both Conferences. Here are our MLS picks today and three high-value outcomes to bet on and the best bets at this stage of the season. All roads now lead to the 2021 MLS Cup on Saturday, December 11.
Our Favorite MLS Picks Today In The Playoffs
Philadelphia Union vs New York Red Bulls
Philadelphia is fancied not to confirm Eastern Conference finishing positions by failing to beat New York at home. Just three home defeats for Philadelphia during the regular season suggests the visitors cannot win on the road this Saturday.
However, New York has enough ability to secure a draw after 90 minutes and stoppage time. A low-scoring encounter is expected so correct score bettors may be interested in placing a wager on a 1-1 scoreline. The Red Bulls had nine ties in 34 regular season fixtures.
They only secured a place in the Playoffs on the final day. However, they finished the season strongly and have momentum and confidence on their side. A visit to the number 2 seeds looks like a difficult proposition on paper. However, soccer is not played on paper so our pick for this fixture is a tied match at the end of normal time.
MLS Pick – Draw (+220) with Points Bet
New York City vs Atlanta United
The oddsmakers seem to have underestimated Atlanta’s chances on the road in New York on Sunday. The home team looks too short in the betting to back with any confidence and this fixture has the potential to produce an upset. Each team won 51 points during the Eastern Conference regular-season but New York finished a place above their opponents this weekend due to a better goal difference. However, the value lies in backing the visitors in an even contest.
A Decision Day home win over FC Cincinnati secured Atlanta fifth place. However, they just missed out on being Round One hosts because New York drew with Philadelphia to earn that right. United lost on six road trips during the regular season while New York failed to secure maximum points in seven of 17 fixtures with home-field advantage. So, Atlanta is one of my favorite MLS Picks to back at the odds.
MLS Pick – Atlanta United (+400) with Points Bet
Portland Timbers v Minnesota United
Portland looks like the home bankers and can secure a win when they welcome Minnesota in Round One of the Western Conference Playoffs on Sunday. The hosts won 11 home matches during the regular season which was the best tally of the Conference. A rock-solid record at Providence Park formed the basis of a fourth-placed campaign in which they earned six more points than Minnesota.
The visitors won just three away matches ahead of the Playoffs and Portland is not the place to enhance that record at this stage of the season. Portland ended their Conference schedule with three wins in as many fixtures. That can become four from four against United and progression to the Conference Semis and a trip to Colorado.
MLS Pick – Portland Timbers (-105) with Points Bet
