MLS picks, predictions, odds and schedule for Saturday, August 31

The Columbus Crew claimed the Leagues Cup over the weekend, beating Los Angeles FC in the final, and now return to MLS action as the business end of the season approaches.

With less than 10 games remaining for most teams, there is still plenty to be decided in both conferences and a dramatic finale to the regular season awaits. 

Here's our look ahead to Saturday’s action, alongside our expert picks and predictions.

MLS schedule - Saturday, August 31

Charlotte FC vs. Atlanta United	7:30 PM ET	Bank of America Stadium
Columbus Crew vs. New York City	7:30 PM ET	Lower.com Field
FC Cincinnati vs. CF Montreal	7:30 PM ET	TQL Stadium
New York Red Bulls vs. Philadelphia Union	7:30 PM ET	Red Bull Arena
Orlando City vs. Nashville	7:30 PM ET	Inter & Co Stadium
Toronto FC vs. D.C. United	7:30 PM ET	BMO Field
Austin FC vs. Vancouver Whitecaps	8:30 PM ET	Q2 Stadium
Chicago Fire vs. Inter Miami	8:30 PM ET	Soldier Field
FC Dallas vs. Colorado Rapids	8:30 PM ET	Toyota Stadium
Real Salt Lake vs. New England Revolution	9:30 PM ET	America First Field
LAFC vs. Houston Dynamo	10:30 PM ET	BMO Stadium
Portland Timbers vs. Seattle Sounders	10:30 PM ET	Providence Park
San Jose Earthquakes vs. Minnesota United	10:30 PM ET	PayPal Park

MLS Odds - Saturday, August 31

Home	Tie	Away
Charlotte FC -112	+290	Atlanta United +275
Columbus Crew -138	+320	New York City +320
FC Cincinnati -250	+400	CF Montreal +650
New York Red Bulls -138	+300	Philadelphia Union +350
Orlando City -200	+333	Nashville +525
Toronto FC +100	+260	D.C. United +260
Austin FC +155	+250	Vancouver Whitecaps +170
Chicago Fire +150	+270	Inter Miami +170
FC Dallas +125	+270	Colorado Rapids +200
Real Salt Lake -209	+375	New England Revolution +525
LAFC -154	+300	Houston Dynamo +400
Portland Timbers +120	+270	Seattle Sounders +210
San Jose Earthquakes +!20	+280	Minnesota United +190

MLS picks & predictions - Saturday, August 31

FC Cincinnati to win to nil vs. CF Montreal (+175)

Only Inter Miami are ahead of FC Cincinnati in the Eastern Conference and Cincy should be able to pick up their 16th win of the season when they face CF Montreal.

The Canadian side have only won six of their 26 games and are among the lowest scorers in the East, netting just 34 times in 26 outings.

That could be their downfall once again as they take on a solid Cincinnati team.

Montreal have lost their last two games without scoring and may fall short again here, and the hosts are fancied to win this match without allowing a goal. 

Toronto FC to win vs. DC United (+100)

DC United remain rooted to the bottom of the table despite some improvement recently and they look vulnerable when they take on Toronto.

TFC have won three of their last four games, including victories over the Philadelphia Union and rivals Montreal and a repeat of those performances should be enough to get the job done.

DC have only won two of their 12 road games this year and have tasted defeat in six of their last nine MLS appearances.

Defense has been an issue for DC United all season and that has reared its head again in recent weeks, as they have conceded 15 goals in their last five matches.

In fact, no team in the East has a worse defensive record than DC and Toronto look worth siding with for the win. 

Inter Miami to win vs. Chicago Fire (+155)

Inter Miami have maintained their position at the top of the Eastern Conference with an impressive run of seven wins from their last eight games, with the only exception being their shock 6-1 defeat at Cincinnati.

They take on a Chicago Fire side that they beat 2-1 in that run and that have lost 12 of their 26 MLS matches this year.

The away team can win this one.

Los Angeles FC to win and both teams to score vs. Houston Dynamo (+220)

Los Angeles FC fell just short in the Leagues Cup final but they should be able to put that behind them with a win over Houston Dynamo.

LAFC have won 14 of their 24 league games and their home record is even better, winning nine out of 13 at the BMO Stadium.

Both teams have scored in seven of Houston's last nine MLS away games so take both teams to score in an LAFC victory.

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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.