D.C. United can finally return to winning ways when they host Toronto FC in the MLS on Saturday night.
Two Eastern Conference rivals hoping for much-improved second halves of the season meet at Audi Field in what looks set to be a tight and tense encounter.
It has been an insipid return to MLS action following the World Cup-enforced hiatus for both teams, with United drawing their only game since the break 1-1 with Houston Dynamo on Wednesday, while the Canadians have posted two goalless draws against Montreal and New England Revolution.
Saturday's hosts sit ninth in the East as they cling onto the hope of being involved in the postseason, while Toronto are 12th, three points worse off.
D.C. United vs. Toronto FC betting picks and predictions
D.C. United to win (+105)
Picking a winner from two out-of-form sides is tricky but the preference is to go with the home side, who look the marginally better option.
The Eagles are on a five-game winless streak, although they have drawn four of those, while the Reds' search for a win goes back even further - it's 12 games ago that they last earned three points.
Of course, those runs need to be put into context with the majority of the games coming before the near two-month World Cup break, so there should at least be an element of freshness about both sides.
United will have been fairly pleased with a 1-1 result against Western outfit Houston in midweek and, considering Toronto have failed to score since the MLS resumption, Rene Weiler's side are taken to edge what could be a timid affair.
Correct Score - D.C. United to win 1-0 (+700)
A punt on a correct score of 1-0 in favour of D.C. could pay off with the home side fancied to edge things.
United are desperate for a win as they look to stay in top-nine contention in the East and they should achieve it, even if it's by the slimmest of margins.
It certainly would be no surprise if Toronto again fail to get on the scoresheet following their two dull 0-0s this month, so go for a tight 1-0 home success.
Tai Baribo anytime goalscorer (+110)
D.C. United's hopes of victory could rest on the shoulders of their main attacking threat, centre-forward Tai Baribo.
The Israel international has had a fine season in MLS, scoring nine goals in just 13 games, and he got back up to speed quickly against Houston with the late equaliser in midweek.
D.C. United vs. Toronto FC odds
D.C. United | +105 |
Tie | +250 |
Toronto FC | +250 |
D.C. United vs. Toronto FC odds player props
Anytime goalscorer
Tai Baribo (D.C. United) | +110 |
Louis Munteanu (D.C. United) | +160 |
Josh Sargent (Toronto FC) | +187 |
Nathan Ordaz (D.C. United) | +225 |
Djordje Mihailovic (Toronto FC) | +250 |
Emilio Aristizabal (Toronto FC) | +250 |
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
