There's an extra round of MLS action this midweek as the fight to make the playoffs continues and we're now a few months into the season, meaning it's time for some sides to shape up as they begin to get cut adrift.

With a crucial batch of games coming up this week, let’s take a look at some of the standout matches.

Defensive woes point to Georgia thriller 

Just two points split Atlanta and New England in the standings, with the pair fifth and third respectively, however, the two have struggled for form of late, largely due to their problems at the back.

New England have conceded at least twice in each of their last three MLS games, earning just one point.

They did draw their last game, a 3-3 thriller with Chicago Fire. Off the back of that, it’s easy to see more goals at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Atlanta have seen both teams score in eight of their last nine games, the other was a crushing 4-0 win.

The hosts have seen at least three goals in seven of their last eight, while they too recently drew 3-3 with Chicago.

These two sides shared seven goals across two meetings in 2022 and this clash should go a similar way.

Both teams to score in this one is priced quite short at -163, but over 3.5 goals appeals at +162 with both sides looking too open while proving a threat at the other end.

Home form to boost Columbus

After suffering three straight defeats, Columbus Crew sit ninth in the Eastern Conference and they’re a bubble side when it comes to making the postseason.

However, they have an opportunity to boost their chances in this home clash with Colorado Rapids.

The visitors have lost each of their last five matches, going down 1-0 at home to Cincinnati at the weekend.

They were thumped 4-0 at Atlanta United in their last away trip and they were beaten 2-1 in their previous visit to this ground.

Rapids are second-bottom in the west with just two wins to their name, so the hosts are worth their favorites tag at -154 for the win.

Inter Miami look to leapfrog Red Bulls

Phil Neville’s Inter Miami are bottom of the Eastern Conference, but this midweek brings a huge opportunity to climb up the standings.

For all their struggles, Miami have a decent home record of late and they host a side who are just two spots above them.

The Red Bulls were beaten 1-0 at Seattle Sounders in their last game, meaning they are now without a win in eight away games. The visitors haven’t even scored in four of their last five trips.

Inter Miami have had their own share of issues on the road this season, but they’ve been a strong side at home.

The +175 hosts head into this clash with four wins from five at home and hosting a goal-shy Red Bulls side is the perfect opportunity for the low-scoring hosts.

Toronto hope to shake off-field drama

Toronto FC are second-bottom in the east and problems have been mounting for them off the field, with reports of infighting in the dressing room.

The team’s Italian stars don’t seem to be happy and weekend reports mentioned the squad having issues with father-son duo Bob and Michael Bradley, the manager and captain respectively.

It was impressive that they managed to rally in the wake of those stories, claiming a 2-1 victory over DC United on Saturday night.

That result ended a five-game winless streak for the Canadian side, so confidence should be turning for the squad.

They have another home clash in midweek, as the Chicago Fire visit BMO Field.

The visitors are 12th in the east and have mounting issues of their own, having conceded twice or more across their last five away trips.

Given the hosts’ weekend win and the talent they possess, over 1.5 Toronto goals looks good value at -110.

bet365 News Team

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