Best Bets
The new kids on the block, Los Angeles FC are looking to continue their outstanding start to the competition when they take on New York. LA have won four of their first five games in the MLS and will be looking to take advantage of New York’s poor run of form. New York FC are coming off a 4-0 loss to the Red Bulls and may struggle to contain the enthusiasm of the LA midfield. Los Angeles FC have named an unchanged side and expect international Carlos Vela to be amongst the goals. I’m backing the lads from California to record a comfortable win.
Derby head into the second leg of the semi-final with a 1-0 advantage over Fulham. With the second leg to be played at Craven Cottage expect Fulham to go all out in attack as they push for the win. Fulham have scored more goals than other side in the Championship this season and they’ll be looking for a positive result in front of their home fans. Fulham have the edge at Craven Cottage and they should be able to get the job done.
Best Outsiders
The Diamondbacks have struggled of late and the Nationals will be looking for a sweep against Arizona. The Diamondbacks have lost seven of their last ten games and are struggling to turn things around. The Nationals have won twelve of their last fourteen games and will be able to challenge Atlanta for top spot in the East standings with a win against the Diamondbacks.
While the Challengers are coming off a good win against the Daredevils in their last outing they’ll need to continue their good form against the Kings XI. The Challengers have had a disappointing season, despite boasting one of the strongest batting line-ups in the competition. Punjab are in serious contention for a berth in the finals and will be relying on Chris Gayle to continue his outstanding form with the willow. Punjab were unlucky to go down to the Knight Riders in their last game and will look to bounce back with a win over the Challengers.