Tuesday's Major League Soccer predictions including Columbus Crew vs. New York Red Bulls

Columbus Crew vs. NY Red Bulls (Tuesday, 10.45pm)

The Columbus Crew will begin defence of their MLS Cup when they host the New York Red Bulls in game one of that best-of-three series on Tuesday at Lower.com Field.

In the regular season, the Crew finished second in the Eastern Conference, winning their previous encounter against the Red Bulls 3-2 last week, dropping the latter down to seventh.

We say: Columbus Crew 3-0 New York Red Bulls

All year, the Crew rarely showed any effects of fatigue despite a demanding schedule, and we trust their attacking depth will propel them to another victory at Lower.com Field.

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

The first games in the opening round of the MLS Cup playoffs conclude on Tuesday at America First Field when Real Salt Lake host Minnesota United in game one of that best-of-three series.

In their regular-season finale, RSL defeated the Vancouver Whitecaps 2-1 to finish third in the Western Conference, with the Loons beating St Louis City 4-1, ending the campaign in sixth.

We say: Real Salt Lake 2-1 Minnesota United

Claret and Cobalt are competing in the playoffs for a third successive occasion, and that experience, along with the quality of Chicho Arango, could make the difference in this opening contest.