Major League Soccer Picks and Predictions: Sunday’s MLS Playoff Matches

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Can Pavel Bucha and company get past Messi and Inter Miami tonight at home? MLS Picks

After the Vancouver Whitecaps took down LAFC last night in the first Conference Semifinal of the MLS Playoffs, we turn to the east today. Both Eastern Conference Semifinals matches are this afternoon and evening, as one side of the bracket will be set. We will have to wait until Monday to figure out who matches up with the Whitecaps. But for now, let’s get into our best MLS picks for Sunday.

We had a successful regular season and beyond. Let’s keep it going.

  • MLS YTD
  • 64-63-7 (50.4%)
  • +6.68u
  • Avg Odds: +112

After a rough start to the playoffs, we are back in the green. Betting plus money helps a ton.

  • MLS Playoffs YTD
  • 8-8-2 (50%)
  • +1.27u
  • Avg Odds: +109

Head over to our MLS Picks Page for our expert’s soccer analysis, or read my best bets below.

Major League Soccer: Conference Semifinal Predictions November 23

It is important to keep in mind that the format has now changed. In Round One, we saw clubs play a best of three series in matches that went straight to a shootout following a regulation tie. That is not the case anymore.

Now teams are playing a single elimination match, hosted by the higher seed. If things are tied after 90 minutes, we will have standard extra time (two 15 minute periods), followed by a penalty kick shootout to decide a winner if necessary. This could be the final match of a team’s season tonight if they don’t perform well.

FC Cincinnati vs. Inter Miami MLS Picks

Miles Robinson has been incredible for the FC Cincinnati defense this year - MLS Picks

Miles Robinson has been incredible for the FC Cincinnati defense this year

Best Bet: FC Cincinnati/Inter Miami Under 3.25 (-108) BetOnline

This is the third meeting between these clubs, and Inter Miami have yet to score against FC Cincinnati. In mid-July, we saw a 3-0 Cincy win at TQL Stadium, allowing just two shots on target to their visitors. Then, just 10 days later, we saw a scoreless draw down at Chase Stadium. In that second meeting, Miami did not have Messi or Jordi Alba, but Luis Suarez still only managed three total shots on target for the team in the draw. Will things be different a third time around?

Despite Miami being the most potent offense in the league, they haven’t scored against Cincy and have averaged just 2.5 shots on target per match. The hosts have one of the best back lines in the league, ranking No. 2 in the East and No. 4 in the MLS in goals allowed this season, giving up just 40 across 34 regular season matches. They gave up just one goal at home in two matches to the Columbus Crew, and I think it’s a sign that their defense is in great form.

Give me Cincinnati to possibly win this match in a low scoring affair, unless the MLS makes the call for Messi to advance.

Prediction: 1-1 Draw (+700)

Philadelphia Union vs. New York City FC MLS Picks

Tai Baribo and the Union take on New York City FC at home - MLS Picks

Tai Baribo and the Union take on New York City FC at home

Best Bets: Philadelphia Union ML (-113) BetOnline

Have no fear, back the Union at home against New York City FC. Over the international break, after Round One but before this Conference Semifinal, NYCFC forward Alonso Martinez suffered an injury while playing for Costa Rica. He tore his ACL  and meniscus and will not be available to the team going forward.

This man alone accounted for 19 of New York City’s 54 goals this season, which immediate hinders their offensive attack. Sure, they have other guys that will step up, but Martinez also scored two of their four goals in the postseason so far. How will they do without him?

The Union are the best team in the East, and had the best defensive line in the MLS this season, leading the league with just 35 goals allowed in 34 matches. The visitor’s back line is great as well, but offense will certainly be an issue. I think they will meet their match in 90 minutes tonight at Subaru Park. We saw two 1-0 victories, both going to the home team during the regular season meetings, and guess who scored the winner for NYCFC?

Martinez will be missed, and New York City FC will have to try again next year.

Prediction: Philadelphia Union Wins 1-0 (+625)

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