The MLS regular season continues on Thursday night when ‘rivalry week’ gets underway as three matches takes place on what should be a great way to really kick the full return of normality to the league back into life.
The Hudson River derby is the headline attraction on Thursday evening and that is the match that is available to us live on TV in the UK, but the other two games are on offer with the bookmaker streaming services so there is no need to miss any of the action.
New York Red Bulls vs New York City FC (00.00 – Free Sports)
The first Hudson River derby of the new season takes place at Red Bull Arena on Thursday evening as the New York Red Bulls take on New York City FC in a clash between two sides who will have their eyes on the top end of the Eastern Conference this term.
The Red Bulls started their MLS is Back tournament in fine style with a win over Atlanta United but then they lost their last two group matches and couldn’t even make it through as a best third placed side. New York City FC lost their opening two games of that event but won their third to make it through and eventually ended up being beaten in the quarter finals. I’d like to see both sides again to assess them before I place my faith in either so I’ll sit this one out.
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Columbus Crew vs Chicago Fire (00.30)
Two more Eastern Conference sides battle it out in the middle of the three matches when the strongly fancied Columbus Crew take on a Chicago Fire side who initially surprised a few in Orlando before reverting to their usual type.
The way Columbus Crew had started the regular season and came through their group at the MLS is Back tournament, it seemed as though they were cruising to the title in that event so it was a major surprise when they went out on penalties in the last 16 to Minnesota United. Chicago Fire opened up their campaign in Orlando with a win over the champions Seattle Sounders but then lost their next two and ended their tournament in the group stage.
The Crew didn’t win the MLS is Back event but they came out of it on top of the regular season and I am expecting them to strengthen that position here as I believe they will have too much at both ends of the pitch for the Chicago Fire. To be fair to the Fire they showed there is a goal threat in them in Orlando but not enough of one to seriously trouble Columbus here. I’ve been keen on Caleb Porter’s men all season long and I’m yet to see anything to change my mind. It is the Crew here for me.
New England Revolution vs Philadelphia Union (00.30)
Two sides who had better campaigns than was expected of them in the MLS is Back tournament meet at Gillette Stadium as the New England Revolution and Philadelphia Union look to build on the points they have already accrued in the regular season so far.
The Revolution went unbeaten in their group in that event but then lost to a Philadelphia Union in the last 16. The Union went on to make the semi-final which was a more than creditable effort and will surely have filled them with confidence ahead of the proper regular season kicking into life here. My gut feeling is this will be tight like that meeting in Orlando was between the two but the dynamics have just changed enough to put me off getting involved. I think the home and away element is more real now so I’m happy to leave this one alone.
Tips
WON – Back Columbus Crew to beat Chicago Fire for a 3/10 stake at 1.83 with Betfair
Back them here:
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