MLS picks, predictions, odds and schedule for Saturday, September 14

The end of the regular MLS season is fast approaching and sides across the country will be aiming to give themselves the best possible chance of a playoff spot with victory this weekend.

With many sides facing seven games or fewer left in the campaign, this really is the crunch time for those in both conferences whose chances of post-season participation are far from assured.

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

MLS schedule - Saturday, September 14

D.C United vs. New York City FC	7:30 PM ET	Audi Field
Toronto FC vs. Austin FC	7:30 PM ET	BMO Field
CF Montreal vs. Charlotte FC	7:30 PM ET	Stade Saputo
Orlando City SC vs. New England Revolution	7:30 PM ET	Inter&Co Stadium
FC Cincinnati vs. Columbus Crew	7:30 PM ET	TQL Stadium
Atlanta United vs. Nashville SC	7:30 PM ET	Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Inter Miami CF vs. Philadelphia Union	7:30 PM ET	Chase Stadium
Chicago Fire vs. New York Red Bulls	8:30 PM ET	Soldier Field
Houston Dynamo vs. Real Salt Lake	8:30 PM ET	Shell Energy Stadium
St. Louis City vs. Minnesota United	8:30 PM ET	CITYPARK
Colorado Rapids vs. Portland Timbers	9:30 PM ET	Dick's Sporting Goods Park
Vancouver Whitecaps vs. San Jose Earthquakes	10:30 PM ET	BC Place
LA Galaxy vs. Los Angeles FC	10:30 PM ET	Dignity Health Sports Park

MLS Odds - Saturday, September 14

Home	Tie	Away
D.C United +150	+250	New York City FC +162
Toronto FC -125	+275	Austin FC +310
CF Montreal +170	+240	Charlotte FC +145
Orlando City SC -188	+310	New England Revolution +500
FC Cincinnati +125	+280	Columbus Crew +180
Atlanta United FC -150	+320	Nashville SC +333
Inter Miami CF -200	+333	Philadelphia Union +475
Chicago Fire +162	+250	New York Red Bulls +150
Houston Dynamo -110	+290	Real Salt Lake +250
St. Louis City +105	+260	Minnesota United +250
Colorado Rapids +110	+280	Portland Timbers +210
Vancouver Whitecaps -209	+350	San Jose Earthquakes +500
LA Galaxy +145	+270	Los Angeles FC +160

MLS picks & predictions - Saturday, September 14

D.C United to win vs. New York City FC (+150)

No side has picked up more points in the MLS over the last five matches than D.C United and the Eagles will be expected to make home advantage count against New York City.

Troy Lesesne's men are ninth in the Eastern Conference - occupying the final playoff spot by one point ahead of Atlanta United - and have won four of their last five league matches, with the only blemish being a thrilling 4-3 defeat against FC Dallas.

New York City meanwhile have not won any of their last six league fixtures (D4, L2) while they have also failed to win any of their last seven MLS matches on the road.

Their most recent fixture ended in a 4-2 defeat at reigning MLS champions Columbus Crew and, while a similarly high-scoring encounter may be unlikely, another defeat looks more than feasible.

Atlanta United to win to nil vs. Nashville SC (+200)

It is looking increasingly likely that Atlanta United's participation in the post-season will go down to the wire but the Five Stripes can keep their destiny in their own hands by beating the Eastern Conference's bottom side Nashville.

Atlanta have had an indifferent campaign this season, registering back-to-back league victories on just one occasion - against New England Revolution and Orlando City back in March (their first two home matches of the season).

Nashville have had a torrid time of things as of late with the Coyotes currently on an eight match losing streak which has seen them plummet down the table - although they remain just six points off of the top nine.

Each of Nashville's last four defeats however have come to nil and these poor attacking displays are likely to hand the advantage to Atlanta, who look a strong price to claim a shutout victory.

Colorado Rapids to win and both teams to score vs. Portland Timbers (+210)

Both the Colorado Rapids and Portland Timbers have been involved in entertaining, goal-laden affairs in recent weeks and a captivating contest could be in store on Saturday.#

Each of Colorado's last three MLS fixtures have finished 3-2 - with the Rapids coming out on top on the last two occasions - while each of their last five league matches at Dick's Sporting Goods Park have seen both sides find the back of the net.

A minimum of five goals have been scored in five of Portland's last seven league matches, including each of their last two away fixtures in which the Timbers lost to both LA Galaxy and FC Dallas 3-2.

A high-scoring meeting could well be on the cards on Saturday and either side could come away with the points. However, with Colorado losing just twice at home all season, the Rapids look a good bet to edge this contest.

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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.