MLS Picks and Predictions: Small Saturday Slate Before the Playoffs

|
Sebastian Berhalter and the Whitecaps face San Diego FC on the road tonight - San Diego Vancouver Whitecaps Picks

The MLS regular season is quickly coming to a close, but there’s still a few teams with some catching up to do. We have 10 remaining teams with two matches to play, and eight of them take the field on Saturday (with one match on Sunday). While the rest of the league waits until next weekend to close things out on an incredible 15 match MLS slate, there’s some big movement that could happen on the table regarding some of these results. Let’s dive in and find our favorite picks.

We’ve had some success in this league so far this season, so let’s keep it going today!

  • MLS YTD
  • 54-53-4 (50.5%)
  • +4.81u
  • Avg Odds: +113

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

Major League Soccer: Saturday’s Predictions October 11

Let’s start by looking at what’s at stake. The nine teams that will represent the Eastern Conference are set. Six teams from the East have been mathematically eliminated: New York (Red Bulls), New England, Toronto, Montreal, Atlanta and DC United. Thanks for playing this season. Inter Miami and Orlando City are the only teams from the East (that matter, sorry Atlanta) with an extra match to play. The Philadelphia Union have sealed the top spot on the table, but everything else is up in the air.

As for the West, things are more up for grabs. The top spot will come down to the final matches next weekend, and four teams could claim the conference. There’s a bit of a gap after those top squads, but four teams are also battling for the last two spots in the postseason as well. The Seattle Sounders could seal a fifth place finish with a win tonight, but even a draw would mean Austin FC needs two wins to bring the tiebreaker into play.

Along with all of that, there’s also an international break going on, and since the MLS hasn’t adapted to the times, clubs are missing some big name players in these matches.

Orlando City vs. Vancouver Whitecaps MLS Picks

Brian White has scored in two straight matches since returning from injury for the Vancouver Whitecaps, and five straight that he has appeared in - MLS Picks

Brian White has scored in two straight matches since returning from injury for the Vancouver Whitecaps, and five straight that he has appeared in

Best Bet: Vancouver Whitecaps +0.5 (-125) BetOnline

Sure, you could argue that this match means more to Orlando City. Without points in their final two, the forgotten team from Florida could slip to No. 8 or No. 9 on the Eastern Conference table, making them play an extra Wild Card round in the postseason. On the flip side, six points (two wins) could get them all the way to No. 3. They need this match.

But Vancouver is on a seven match unbeaten streak. They are playing for the top spot in the Western Conference, and a win today would put them in control. Vancouver is tied with San Diego with 60 points but have an extra match in hand. Winning tonight would mean they just need a draw in a week against FC Dallas at home (should be easy) to seal the top spot.

I think they are in much better form and the slightly more motivated squad. Yes, Orlando City could move up or down several positions, but they are already locked into the postseason. This match means more to the visitors, and they are more than capable of winning this contest on the road, and all we need is for them to earn a point to cash.

Prediction: 1-1 Draw (+625)

LA Galaxy vs. FC Dallas: MLS Picks

Can Marco Reus lead the Galaxy while playing for pride against FC Dallas? MLS Picks

Can Marco Reus lead the Galaxy while playing for pride against FC Dallas?

Best Bets: LA Galaxy ML (+130) BetOnline

These two teams just met in Frisco in their last match. The Galaxy jumped out to a one goal lead just four minutes into the contest before allowing two in the final 10 minutes of the half to take the lead. After a scoreless second 45 minutes, FC Dallas held on to their 2-1 win.

However, now these two teams are out in Carson, and the hosts have nothing to play for. FC Dallas is still fighting for one of the final few spots in the playoffs, and a win tonight would seal the deal. So why are they underdogs? They just beat this bad team, sure they are on the road now, but all the motivation seems to be on their side.

The LA Galaxy are playing for pride in front of their home crowd. Look for them to bring their all and try to spoil their visitor’s playoff hopes.

Prediction: LA Galaxy Win 2-1 (+850)

Still Want More Soccer Content?

Here at Betting News, we offer Free Expert Picks for every major sports league. We also host daily streams on our Twitch Channel with our best bets, as well as sweat out games on Playback! Be sure to tune into everything we have going on at our Youtube, TikTok, and X pages as well.

Get FREE Picks and Props Weekly

Sign up for
THE WEEKENDER NEWSLETTER