MLS picks, predictions, odds and schedule for Saturday, September 21

There’s less than a month remaining of the MLS regular season, with teams still jostling for a spot in the postseason.

There’s a five-team fight for the last wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference, while just four points split fourth and eighth in the West. 

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

MLS schedule - Saturday, September 21

New York City vs. Inter Miami	2:00 PM ET	Yankee Stadium
Charlotte FC vs. New England Revolution	4:00 PM ET	Bank of America Stadium
Columbus Crew vs. Orlando City	7:30 PM ET	Lower.com Field
Montreal CF vs. Chicago Fire	7:30 PM ET	Stade Saputo
New York Red Bulls vs. Atlanta United	7:30 PM ET	Red Bull Arena
Austin FC vs. Houston Dynamo	8:30 PM ET	Q2 Stadium
Dallas FC vs. Los Angeles FC	8:30 PM ET	Toyota Stadium
Sporting KC vs. Minnesota United	8:30 PM ET	Children’s Mercy Park
Nashville SC vs Cincinnati	8:30 PM ET	GEODIS Park
Colorado Rapids vs. Toronto FC	9:30 PM ET	Dick’s Sporting Goods Park
Real Salt Lake vs. Portland Timbers	9:30 PM ET	America First Field
LA Galaxy vs. Vancouver Whitecaps	10:30 PM ET	Dignity Health Sports Park
San Jose Earthquakes vs. St Louis City	10:30 PM ET	PayPal Park

MLS Odds - Saturday, September 21

Home	Tie	Away
New York City +155	+260	Inter Miami +155
Charlotte FC -150	+310	New England Revolution +350
Columbus Crew -138	+260	Orlando City +375
Montreal CF +130	+230	Chicago Fire +200
New York Red Bulls -143	+275	Atlanta United +375
Austin FC +170	+240	Houston Dynamo +145
Dallas FC +210	+250	Los Angeles FC +120
Sporting KC -106	+280	Minnesota United +260
Nashville SC +200	+230	FC Cincinnati +137
Colorado Rapids -134	+290	Toronto FC +350
Real Salt Lake -125	+300	Portland Timbers +290
LA Galaxy -118	+275	Vancouver Whitecaps+300
San Jose Earthquakes +150	+275	St Louis City +150

MLS picks & predictions - Saturday, September 21

Inter Miami to win vs. New York City (+155)

Inter Miami are on course to collect the Supporters’ Shield this season and they are looking like a dangerous prospect in the playoffs.

The Herons have won five of their last six league games, while they handed star man Lionel Messi a rest in their last game as he continues recovering from an injury suffered in this summer's Copa America.

Inter Miami drew 2-2 at Atlanta United with Messi left out of the starting lineup but they can rally to see off New York City. The hosts were beaten 5-1 at home by Philadelphia Union in their last game, so there’s great value in Inter Miami’s price going into Saturday’s clash. 

CF Montreal to win vs. Chicago Fire (+130)

Just two points splits these two sides in the standings but that gap is key. Chicago Fire are four points and five places shy of the last spot in the Wild Card round. However, Montreal are just two points behind ninth and they can boost their postseason hopes this weekend. 

Chicago Fire have lost eight of their 15 away games this season and Montreal have a solid record at their own ground. The hosts look well priced at +130 to secure a victory. 

LA Galaxy to win vs. Vancouver Whitecaps (-118)

LA Galaxy have won nine of their last 10 home games in MLS and they’re cruising towards the top seed in the Western Conference. 

The hosts have scored 14 times across their last five home league games, winning each of those matches.

While this weekend pits them against a Vancouver Whitecaps side that has been on a good run, back the Galaxy to prove their quality with a victory. 

Over 3.5 goals in San Jose Earthquakes vs. St. Louis City (+110)

St. Louis City should provide more entertainment this weekend, having drawn 2-2 and 4-4 in their last two away trips. They were beaten 4-1 at Colorado Rapids over the summer and their defensive concerns on the road are balanced out by San Jose’s issues in general at home. 

The Earthquakes have lost six of their last seven home matches in MLS, while they were beaten 2-1 at home by St. Louis City last year. 

The visitors’ lost 3-1 at home to Minnesota United in their last game and three of their last four matches have featured at least four goals. With San Jose getting an opening to turn around their poor home form, back goals in this contest. 

Read the latest MLS news on site.

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.