Sunday's Major League Soccer predictions including New England vs. Cincinnati

NY City vs. Atlanta (Sunday, 10.00pm)

After a furious finish on the road in Cincinnati on Wednesday, New York City FC return home to Yankee Stadium, looking to reclaim first place in the Eastern Conference of Major League Soccer when they host Atlanta United on Sunday.

The reigning MLS Cup champions are winless in four consecutive matches in all competitions, while the Five Stripes have not claimed victory in seven straight road fixtures, dropping a 2-1 decision to the New York Red Bulls earlier this week.

We say: New York City FC 2-1 Atlanta United

As hard as Atlanta have fought to stay competitive, it seems as though the amount of injuries have taken a toll on them, and their body language shows a team that look demoralised, which rarely equates to positive results.

When the defending champions are given even a slight opening, they will make you pay, and the Pigeons should be able to find a breakthrough eventually this weekend.

NY City vs. Atlanta (Sunday, 10.00pm)

After a furious finish on the road in Cincinnati on Wednesday, New York City FC return home to Yankee Stadium, looking to reclaim first place in the Eastern Conference of Major League Soccer when they host Atlanta United on Sunday.

The reigning MLS Cup champions are winless in four consecutive matches in all competitions, while the Five Stripes have not claimed victory in seven straight road fixtures, dropping a 2-1 decision to the New York Red Bulls earlier this week.

We say: New York City FC 2-1 Atlanta United

As hard as Atlanta have fought to stay competitive, it seems as though the amount of injuries have taken a toll on them, and their body language shows a team that look demoralised, which rarely equates to positive results.

When the defending champions are given even a slight opening, they will make you pay, and the Pigeons should be able to find a breakthrough eventually this weekend.

Columbus Crew vs. Philadelphia (Monday, 12.30am)

Philadelphia Union square off against Columbus Crew on Sunday evening looking for the victory which may take them clear at the top of the Eastern Conference standings.

However, the home side sit just eight points adrift of their high-flying opponents with a game in hand, leaving their upcoming fixture as an opportunity to catapult themselves back into the mix.

We say: Columbus Crew 1-2 Philadelphia Union

Given the recent form of Columbus, there is an argument that this game should be regarded as a straight 50-50. However, we cannot ignore that Philadelphia have lost just twice in the MLS this season, leaving us to predict a narrow win for the visitors.

New England vs. Cincinnati (Monday, 12.30am)

Last season's Supporters' Shield winners have a chance to match their longest unbeaten run from a year ago, as the New England Revolution welcome FC Cincinnati to Gillette Stadium on Sunday.

New England are currently holding onto the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference of Major League Soccer and have not lost a domestic affair since April, while the Orange and Blue are narrowly above them in the table, even on points (24), but with one more win in this campaign.

We say: New England Revolution 3-2 FC Cincinnati

We saw this week how far Cincinnati have come under their new coach, and, at the same time, how far they still have to go to be an elite team in this league, as they still lack structure on the back end, allowing the most goals in the Eastern Conference (30) this season.

By no means are the Revs the most rugged defensive unit out there, but we expect their attacking depth collectively will be just a cut above Cincinnati.

Minnesota Utd vs. Salt Lake (Monday, 1.00am)

Real Salt Lake will be looking to avoid a second consecutive MLS defeat for the first time since November when they visit the Allianz Field to face Minnesota United on Sunday.

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The Loons, on the other hand, head into the weekend aiming to get one over the visitors, having failed to win any of the last four meetings between the sides since September 2020.

We say: Minnesota United 2-2 Real Salt Lake

Sunday's game sees two evenly-matched sides go head to head. While the Loons will be looking to end their struggles on home turf, Real Salt Lake have managed just one win in seven away games. We predict the spoils will be shared in this one with outs sides settling for a point apiece.

Kansas vs. NY Red Bulls (Monday, 1.00am)

The New York Red Bulls will have their eye on the top spot in the Eastern Conference of Major League Soccer when they travel to Children's Mercy Park to battle Sporting Kansas City on Sunday.

KC are second from the bottom in the Western Conference with 16 points, while New York are in a three-way tie for first in the East after a dramatic come-from-behind 2-1 win against Atlanta United on Thursday.

We say: Sporting Kansas City 0-1 New York Red Bulls

Even though the gap between these sides is currently 13 points, we believe this will be a close encounter between a New York squad who are struggling to find that quality away from home and a KC team that cannot seem to catch a break domestically.

Psychologically New York have a decided edge, and we expect their depth will eventually be able to end their road drought against a side that provide you with plenty of scoring opportunities.

Houston vs. Charlotte FC (Monday, 1.30am)

Two sides fighting to break into the playoff places in their respective Major League Soccer conferences will do battle on Monday, as Houston Dynamo entertain Charlotte FC.

The hosts find themselves ninth in the Western Conference, two points outside of the top seven, while their visitors have a four-point gap to bridge to the playoffs in their division.

We say: Houston Dynamo 1-1 Charlotte FC

Given the unpredictable form of the two sides, Monday's game is difficult to predict, but we see the most likely outcome as a share of the spoils.

Both are struggling to put victories on the board and we see them cancelling out each other's efforts.

Nashville vs. Portland (Monday, 1.30am)

Nashville SC aim to start a new streak at GEODIS Park on Sunday as they move into the second half of their Major League Soccer campaign this weekend by welcoming the Portland Timbers to the Music City.

The Boys in Gold had a 25-match unbeaten run at home across all competitions snapped a couple of weeks ago, losing 2-1 to Sporting Kansas City, while the reigning MLS Cup runners-up have won two in a row, after edging the Houston Dynamo 2-1 on Wednesday.

We say: Nashville SC 1-1 Portland Timbers

These are two highly experienced teams, capable of playing with a solid and compact shape, while they have both improved defensively, making for what we anticipate will be a tough match for either side to find enough space in the attacking third.

Earthquakes vs. Chicago Fire (Monday, 2.00am)

Two sides experiencing tough runs of form in Major League Soccer will do battle on Monday, as San Jose Earthquakes host Chicago Fire.

The hosts currently find themselves at the foot of the Western Conference, while their visitors are seven points outside of the playoffs in the Eastern Conference.

We say: San Jose Earthquakes 1-2 Chicago Fire

Having managed to put a crucial win on the board last time out, Chicago Fire will be keen to build a positive run, and they have a good opportunity to do so against the Western Conference's basement side.

The two teams each have the ability to cause the other problems, and we just lean towards a second consecutive win for Hendrickson's side on Monday.