The international break is behind us and that means that we can go full steam ahead with the MLS Cup Playoffs with the Conference semi-finals taking place this weekend with the first two games being played out on Saturday evening.
Apple TV will have full coverage of both of the matches if you have the MLS Season Pass but if you don’t have that option available to you then you will be able to watch both games via the bookmaker live streaming service.
New York City FC vs New York Red Bulls (22.30)
We begin the semi-finals in the Eastern Conference where we have a Hudson River derby to enjoy as New York City FC play host to New York Red Bulls in what might be the most important battle between the two Big Apple rivals.
The Red Bulls have already pulled off a major shock to sweep the reigning champions Columbus Crew 2-0 in the previous round and that should have given them plenty of confidence to go into this match with but New York City will know that they have beaten the Red Bulls twice this season already and might think that they have the formula for how to get the job done against their rivals. One of the reasons why they are so good against them is they have the ability to beat the Red Bulls’ press and then they have the creativity in attacking areas and a deadly striker in Alonso Martinez. Red Bulls are a different side with Emil Forsburg in it so they will be confident that they will be a lot better than they were in the 5-1 rout they were handed last month but Citi Field can be something of a fortress for New York City. They won 10 of their 17 regular season home matches and won the home game against FC Cincinnati in the previous round and if there is a winner in 90 minutes I just think the Citizens have too much here.
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Los Angeles FC vs Seattle Sounders (03.30)
The opening semi-final in the Western Conference sees the team who now know that they will be at home for as long as they remain in the competition in Los Angeles FC playing host to a Seattle Sounders who are always a dangerous proposition at this time of any season.
Los Angeles FC are now the favourites to win the MLS Cup after the demise of Inter Miami and they will be looking to make it through to the Conference final at the expense of a Sounders side who are probably better at home than on their travels. You wonder if a lack of goals is going to be an issue for Seattle here and it might be that they try to ride their defence and either take the game to penalties or look to get something on the break or through a set play. That is a tough ask against this vibrant and rounded LAFC side. Their front three are very good and they can all hurt a team but this is a LAFC side who can keep sides out and win ugly themselves should they need to. I think the difference here will come in the final third where Los Angeles just look too strong so I’m with the home side in this one too.
Tips
Back New York City FC (-0.25AH) to beat New York Red Bulls for a 3/10 stake at 1.93 with Bet365
Back Los Angeles FC to beat Seattle Sounders for a 3/10 stake at 2.00 with Betway
