Saturday's Major League Soccer predictions including New York City vs. Inter Miami

NY City vs. Inter Miami (Saturday, 7.00pm)

Inter Miami can move a step closer to officially claiming the Supporters' Shield crown when they head to Yankee Stadium on Saturday to battle New York City FC.

Despite a 2-2 draw with Atlanta United in midweek, the Herons still hold the best record in Major League Soccer (MLS), while the Pigeons were beaten 5-1 by the Philadelphia Union and remain sixth in the Eastern Conference.

We say: New York City FC 1-2 Inter Miami

The veteran leadership of Miami will know how to bounce back from a minor setback, while the youngsters at NYCFC are still figuring out how to get back on track following a disappointment.

Montreal vs. Chicago Fire (Sunday, 12.30am)

In a matchup with huge playoff implications, CF Montreal and the Chicago Fire return to MLS action on Saturday when they square off at Saputo Stadium.

With five matches remaining, Le CFM are two points below the Eastern Conference playoff line following a 2-2 draw in midweek versus the New England Revolution, with the Fire four points back of a post-season berth after losing 1-0 to Nashville SC.

We say: CF Montreal 2-1 Chicago Fire

While neither side have been all that convincing in recent outings, Montreal have shown a little more fighting spirit this month, while the Fire have not shown us much in recent outings.

NY Red Bulls vs. Atlanta (Sunday, 12.30am)

This weekend's clash between New York Red Bulls and Atlanta United promises to be pivotal in the MLS Eastern Conference playoff race, with New York Red Bulls currently fifth and battling to secure a favourable post-season spot.

On the other hand, Atlanta United are fighting for survival, sitting in 11th place and needing to spark a late-season revival to reach the playoffs despite a recent draw against top-of-the-table Inter Miami.

We say: New York Red Bulls 2-1 Atlanta United

New York Red Bulls have been resilient at home and have a strong record against Atlanta United. Given Atlanta's recent struggles and New York's need to end their winless streak, the Red Bulls are likely to secure a victory.

Austin vs. Houston (Sunday, 1.30am)

Five matches remain for Major League Soccer playoff hopefuls Austin FC and Houston Dynamo heading into Saturday night's all-Texan tussle at Q2 Stadium.

Although Houston occupy the final guaranteed spot in the Western Conference, their opponents require several positive results in the concluding rounds to sneak into the wild-card round.

We say: Austin FC 1-2 Houston Dynamo

Despite the returns of Driussi, Hines-Ike and Valencia, Austin's recent inability to win on their turf means Houston should fancy their prospects of nicking a positive result in the Texan battle this weekend, thus sealing a fourth consecutive MLS road triumph.

Dallas vs. Los Angeles (Sunday, 1.30am)

Dallas will try to close the gap in the Major League Soccer (MLS) playoff picture when they host Los Angeles FC on Saturday at Toyota Stadium.

After a 3-2 loss to Real Salt Lake, the Toros are five points below the Western Conference playoff line, while LA are six points behind the Los Angeles Galaxy for first in the conference following a 1-1 draw versus Austin FC.

We say: Dallas 0-1 Los Angeles FC

The Black and Gold have too much talent and experience to stay down for too long, and we expect them to regain their confidence this weekend against a desperate Dallas side that have struggled with consistency all year.

Kansas vs. Minnesota Utd (Sunday, 1.30am)

Sporting Kansas City are making a late play for the wild-card round in Major League Soccer, and they seek another victory at Children's Mercy Park in Saturday night's match-up with Minnesota United.

Although a guaranteed playoff position is out of the Wizards' reach, the Missouri outfit can still end ninth, but they need an eight-point swing in the regular season's concluding rounds to supplant their next opponent.

We say: Sporting Kansas City 2-1 Minnesota United

Despite Minnesota securing seven points from nine on their travels, it is hard to look beyond Kansas City for a home victory due to their undefeated five-match run at Children's Mercy Park.

Thus, a marginal success is a safe bet for the club keen to move five points behind the visiting side.

Colorado vs. Toronto (Sunday, 2.30am)

The Colorado Rapids can officially clinch a spot in the MLS Cup playoffs with just a single point on Saturday against Toronto at Dick's Sporting Goods Park

In their midweek affair, the Burgundy Boys were beaten 4-1 by Sporting Kansas City but maintained their fourth-place standing in the Western Conference, while the Reds are clinging to one of the final two post-season berths out East following a 2-0 defeat to the Columbus Crew.

We say: Colorado Rapids 3-0 Toronto

While Toronto have found a way to stay in the playoff picture all year, we believe fatigue will play a factor for them this weekend against a high-octane attacking force in Colorado, not to mention playing in the high altitude of Commerce City.

Salt Lake vs. Portland (Sunday, 2.30am)

The Portland Timbers will be hoping to pick up two straight wins when they travel to face Real Salt Lake at America First Field on Sunday.

Meanwhile, the hosts can edge closer to the top of the Western Conference table with consecutive Major League Soccer wins of their own.

We say: Real Salt Lake 2-1 Portland Timbers

Portland may have won the last two encounters against Real Salt Lake, but they were the hosts in both games - the visitors have failed to win in their last two trips to America First Field.

In addition, the Timbers have been poor on the road in recent weeks, which is why we are predicting them to lose this clash.

LA Galaxy vs. Vancouver (Sunday, 3.30am)

The Los Angeles Galaxy will try to pad their lead atop the Western Conference of Major League Soccer (MLS) when they host the Vancouver Whitecaps on Saturday at Dignity Health Sports Park.

A 4-2 defeat to the Portland Timbers this week kept LA on 55 points, while the Caps picked up a 1-1 draw against the Houston Dynamo to maintain their sixth-place standing.

We say: Los Angeles Galaxy 2-1 Vancouver Whitecaps

The Galaxy have an embarrassment of attacking riches, which has carried them all season, and we believe that depth will propel them to another three points on Saturday.

Earthquakes vs. St Louis City (Sunday, 3.30am)

Two teams that have had a poor Major League Soccer season will face off when the San Jose Earthquakes host St Louis City at PayPal Park on Sunday.

Both sides have endured a tough campaign so far, with the hosts sitting at the bottom of the Western Conference and the visitors just one place above them.

We say: San Jose Earthquakes 1-1 St Louis City

St. Louis still have a slim chance of making it to the playoffs, giving them something to play for compared to San Jose, who are already out of contention.

Although the visitors have dominated this fixture in the past, their away form leaves much to be desired, and that is why we believe the best they can hope for in this match is a draw.