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Saturday's Major League Soccer predictions including Inter Miami vs. Orlando

sportsmole.co.uk, 2 March 2024, 07:00
Minnesota Utd vs. Columbus Crew (Saturday, 7.00pm)

Both teams will be hoping to make it two wins from two in MLS when Minnesota United host Columbus Crew on Saturday.

Minnesota defeated Austin FC in their opening game, while Columbus Crew got the better of Atlanta United.

We say: Minnesota United 1-2 Columbus Crew

Minnesota are embarking on a new era under the up-and-coming coach Ramsay, whereas Columbus are a much more settled outfit under Nancy after lifting the MLS Cup last season.

As such, we can envisage an away victory for the reigning champions, but it should be an interesting clash nonetheless between two managers who prefer to play on the front foot.

Salt Lake vs. Los Angeles (Saturday, 7.00pm)

Real Salt Lake will be aiming for their first win of the season when they host Los Angeles FC in MLS on Saturday.

The visitors, meanwhile, got their campaign off to a winning start against Seattle Sounders last weekend.

We say: Real Salt Lake 1-2 Los Angeles FC

Salt Lake have failed to win their opening two matches, and we expect that to extend to three games this weekend against formidable opponents.

Los Angeles have reached the MLS Cup final in each of the last two seasons and will be expected to go close once again this time around, so we are predicting a narrow away victory.

Inter Miami vs. Orlando City (Saturday, 9.30pm)

On Saturday, Florida rivals Inter Miami and Orlando City square off for the first time in the 2024 MLS regular season at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale.

A late goal on Sunday gave the Herons a 1-1 draw with the Los Angeles Galaxy, while the Lions came away with a 0-0 result in their opening match versus CF Montreal.

We say: Inter Miami 2-1 Orlando City

In their two MLS matches so far, we have seen the Herons look vulnerable on the back end, but we believe their individual quality will be enough to earn them three points in this one.

Vancouver vs. Charlotte FC (Sunday, 12.30am)

For the first time in club history, Charlotte FC will visit BC Place Stadium on Saturday for a date with the Vancouver Whitecaps.

It will be the first match of the 2024 MLS campaign for Vancouver, who were eliminated in the opening round of the playoffs last year by Los Angeles FC, while the Crown won their opening match of the year, 1-0, over New York City FC.

We say: Vancouver Whitecaps 2-1 Charlotte FC

An already strong Vancouver side added some veteran leadership in Kreilach to compliment arguably the best duo in the league last season in Brian White and Ryan Gauld.

Charlotte could have trouble dealing with the fast pace of the artificial turf and the overall attacking depth that the Whitecaps possess.

Chicago Fire vs. Cincinnati (Sunday, 1.30am)

Chicago Fire and FC Cincinnati will both be looking to get their respective Major League Soccer campaigns up and running when they face off at Soldier Field on Sunday.

Both teams had to settle for a share of the spoils in their opening fixtures and will be looking to go one better in this weekend's encounter.

We say: Chicago Fire 2-2 FC Cincinnati

Both sides have certainly shown they have goals in them, and we expect a highly-entertaining clash here. That said, we can see the teams cancelling each other out over the 90 minutes and settling for a point apiece in the end.

Dallas vs. Montreal (Sunday, 1.30am)

For the first time in nearly three years, CF Montreal will visit Toyota Stadium to battle Dallas in MLS action on Saturday.

The Toros began the regular season with a dramatic 2-1 victory over the San Jose Earthquakes, while Le CFM played to a 0-0 draw with Orlando City.

We say: Dallas 1-1 CF Montreal

Both sides looked well-disciplined and organised on matchday one, and we expect to see another solid defensive showcase from each, though they both still have work to do regarding finishing off chances.

Houston vs. NY Red Bulls (Sunday, 1.30am)

On Saturday, the Houston Dynamo will play match two of a three-match homestand to begin the MLS campaign, hosting the New York Red Bulls at Shell Energy Stadium.

Orange Crush came back to earn a 1-1 draw with Sporting Kansas City on matchday one, while the Red Bulls wound up with a 0-0 result against Nashville SC.

We say: Houston Dynamo 1-0 New York Red Bulls

Both sides are solid defensive units, but we are giving the Dynamo the edge because they are at home and may have a little more space in the attacking third if Tolkin is not available as we anticipate.

Kansas vs. Philadelphia (Sunday, 1.30am)

Both teams will be be searching for their first win of the season when Sporting Kansas City host Philadelphia Union in MLS on Sunday.

Kansas drew 1-1 away to Houston Dynamo, while Philadelphia held Chicago Fire to a 2-2 draw at home.

We say: Sporting Kansas City 1-1 Philadelphia Union

Both teams drew on the opening MLS matchday, and it would be little surprise to see them share the spoils against each other this weekend.

Philadelphia have been impressively consistent in recent years, but they may be tired after their continental exploits in midweek. Kansas were less than impressive in terms of their performance against Houston last time out and may settle for gaining another point.

St Louis City vs. NY City (Sunday, 1.30am)

For the first time in the MLS regular season, St Louis City will welcome New York City FC to CityPark for a matchday two encounter on Saturday.

In their opening fixture, St Louis came from a goal down to draw Real Salt Lake 1-1, while the Pigeons were beaten 1-0 by Charlotte FC.

We say: St Louis City 1-0 New York City FC

St Louis always seem to find a way to win at home, while the Pigeons might need some time to find that creativity which could unlock opposing defences.

Colorado vs. Nashville (Sunday, 2.30am)

Both teams will be looking for their first win of the season when Colorado Rapids host Nashville SC in MLS on Saturday.

Colorado were beaten by Portland Timbers last weekend, while Nashville drew against New York Red Bulls.

We say: Colorado Rapids 1-1 Nashville SC

Colorado's new era under Armas began in catastrophic fashion when trailing 4-0 at half time in their opening match, while Nashville showed their usual grit under Smith to claim a point despite being the inferior side.

The visitors are lacking offensive quality due to injuries at the moment and may be content to escape Colorado with another point to their name, and we do not think that the host would mind that outcome either as they look to settle under their new head coach.

Portland vs. DC United (Sunday, 3.30am)

Both teams will be hoping to continue their perfect start to the MLS season when DC United make the journey to Providence Park and face Portland Timbers.

The home side defeated Colorado Rapids 4-1 in their opening game, while the visitors won 3-1 against New England Revolution.

We say: Portland Timbers 2-1 DC United

Both teams will be hoping to continue their winning start to the 2024 MLS season going in this one after solid wins on the opening day.

DC United have won three of the last four meetings between the two sides but with Portland Timbers holding the home advantage in this one, we believe they will go on and narrowly take the victory.

Earthquakes vs. LA Galaxy (Sunday, 3.30am)

Both teams will be looking for their first win of the season when San Jose Earthquakes host Los Angeles Galaxy in the MLS' California Clasico on Sunday.

San Jose were beaten by Dallas last weekend, while LA Galaxy drew against Inter Miami.

We say: San Jose Earthquakes 2-3 Los Angeles Galaxy

LA Galaxy almost secured victory over Inter Miami last time out and this could serve as a springboard for their confidence this season. The visitors also have a good record in their recent visits to San Jose. We think there will be goals galore in the Cali Clasico but Galaxy should edge it in the end.

Seattle vs. Austin (Sunday, 3.30am)

Seattle Sounders will compete in their first home fixture of the season in the MLS Western Conference on Saturday as they host Austin FC.

Both teams kickstarted their campaign with a defeat, with both looking to secure their first points.

We say: Seattle Sounders 2-0 Austin FC

Seattle Sounders will be one of the favourites to finish top of the Western Conference this season, therefore picking up points immediately is going to be crucial.

With the home advantage and a stronger squad, Seattle should have enough quality to take three points comfortably.

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