Los Angeles vs. NY Red Bulls (Sunday, 8.00pm)
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Los Angeles FC can maintain their first-place standing in the Western Conference of Major League Soccer on Sunday with a victory at home against the New York Red Bulls at Banc of California.
The Black and Gold have points in seven of their eight domestic home fixtures this year, while the Red Bulls are just a single point behind their state rivals, New York City FC, for first in the Eastern Conference.
We say: Los Angeles FC 1-0 New York Red Bulls
The California heat should favour the home team, as New York might have to reduce the amount of pressing they do in that warm weather, while the Black and Gold are accustomed to playing in those conditions and have not been shut out of a regular-season home fixture all year.
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Philadelphia vs. NY City (Sunday, 11.00pm)
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Subaru Park in The City of Brotherly Love will be the venue for a first-place showdown in the Eastern Conference of Major League Soccer as the Philadelphia Union host New York City FC on Sunday.
The reigning MLS Cup champions have an opportunity to stretch their unbeaten streak to double digits with a point in this one, while Philly are just a point behind them for first place.
We say: Philadelphia Union 1-0 New York City FC
Battling their bitter rivals always seems to take a toll on NYCFC, and we could see a battered and bruised side, who only have a few days to recover from that physically demanding game against the Red Bulls.
Philly should benefit from The Pigeons' fatigue and continue their unbeaten run at home, where they have managed to shut down the most potent MLS sides.
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Vancouver vs. New England (Monday, 1.00am)
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The Vancouver Whitecaps have a chance to extend their unbeaten run at home to seven straight matches in all competitions when they welcome the New England Revolution to BC Place Stadium on Sunday in Major League Soccer action.
After a slow start to the campaign, the Caps are within reach of a playoff berth in the Western Conference, trailing the Seattle Sounders for that final position on goal difference, while the Revs carry a 10-game unbeaten streak heading into this encounter.
We say: Vancouver Whitecaps 2-1 New England Revolution
When the Whitecaps are playing with such a high confidence level, they are a difficult side to contend with, though this time, it seems like more than just a new coach bump that has turned things around.
As improved as the Revs have been, they still leave their share of gaps in behind, and contending with the physicality of Cavallini while also trying to penetrate the Caps' newfound midfield strength will be a tall task.
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Ben Knapton
