The 1st Round of the 2021 MLS Cup playoffs gets underway this weekend, and it promises to be a dramatic start to this year’s postseason.
On Saturday, Philadelphia, and Kansas host the NY Red Bulls and Vancouver, respectively. Then on Sunday, it’s New York City v Atlanta and Portland v Minnesota.
The first match of the playoffs sees Philadelphia hosting the New York Red Bulls.
Match – Philadelphia Union v New York Red Bulls
Where – Subaru Park, Chester, Pennsylvania, USA
When – Saturday, November 20th, 2021
Time – 2.30pm ET
Philadelphia qualified comfortably for playoffs, finishing second in the Eastern Conference. They also had a strong finish to the regular season, going four unbeaten in the run-in (two wins and two draws).
New York Red Bulls finished 7th in the Eastern Conference and took the final playoff spot. They needed 5 points from their last three matches to claim their place.
In the betting, Philadelphia is the +125 betting favorite with BetOnline. The draw is +215, and a win for the Red Bulls is +270.
I believe that Philadelphia is worth the risk at these odds.
I would have expected them to start the match with a minus in front of their odds, so I’m happy to pick them to win.
Philadelphia To WinPhiladelphia Union v New York Red Bulls
The Timbers go into this match as the betting favorites with the sportsbooks.
Vegas betting sites have Portland at -105 to win. The draw is priced at +290 and a win for Minnesota is +265.
Match – Portland Timbers v Minnesota United FC
Where – Providence Park, Portland, USA
When – Saturday, November 20th, 2021
Time – 5.30pm ET
The Timbers are the form side. Pre playoffs, they won their final three MLS games – admittedly, against inferior opposition!
As for Minnesota, they confirmed their playoff place with 4 points from their final two MLS regular-season matches. They beat Sporting KC 2-1 at home and then went to Los Angeles and drew 3-3 with the Galaxy.
Six points separated the teams in the Western Conference, with the Timbers finishing 4th on 55 points and Minnesota 5th on 49 points.
The Timbers also finished the season stronger and have a good record at Providence Park, having won 11 times last season.
I am tempted to go for over 2.5 goals in this match, but the -170 on offer is putting me off.
Instead, I’m going with the home record of the Timbers, and I expect Portland to win on the Moneyline.
Portlalnd Timbers To WinPortland Timbers v Minnesota United FC
Dean has a strong affinity for the English Premier League and cricket, but his extensive understanding of sports allows him to discuss a wide range of athletic topics. Previously, Dean has explored the world to attend events such as the FIFA World Cup and Ashes cricket matches, but currently, he prefers to enjoy sports from the coziness of his home.