Orlando City vs. Atlanta (Wednesday, 11.00pm)
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After suffering their worst defeat of the 2022 MLS regular season, Orlando City return to Exploria Stadium on Wednesday with a chance to extend their home winning streak to four matches in all competitions when they host Atlanta United.
Over the weekend, the reigning U.S. Open Cup champions were beaten handily, 5-1 by the Philadelphia Union, while the Five Stripes ended a two-game losing streak by beating Toronto 4-2.
We say: Orlando City 2-0 Atlanta United
Losing in the manner Orlando did last weekend might be demoralising if it were anyone besides Philly, who have made it a routine of trouncing their opponents this season.
Atlanta are a different team away from home as they struggle to create much, while the Lions have managed to find various ways to win matches in 2022, and we believe Pareja will be able to put together an intelligent game plan to help his side earn another three points at home.
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Austin vs. Salt Lake (Thursday, 2.15am)
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Austin FC can move a step closer to clinching a spot in the MLS Cup playoffs for the first time in club history with a win at Q2 Stadium on Wednesday versus Real Salt Lake.
The Verde and Black are holding onto second place in the Western Conference, despite their current three-game losing streak, while RSL are clinging to the final playoff spot, three points above the Los Angeles Galaxy, although they have played one more match.
We say: Austin FC 2-1 Real Salt Lake
The Verde and Black are especially deadly on their home field, scoring 18 goals in their last five matches played at Q2 Stadium.
Regardless of how healthy Driussi is, we expect their backline will not be too troubled by an RSL attack who are not nearly as potent or dynamic as Austin.
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Colorado vs. Earthquakes (Thursday, 3.00am)
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The Colorado Rapids have a chance to win back-to-back MLS encounters for the first time since early August when they host the San Jose Earthquakes on Wednesday at Dick's Sporting Good Park.
On Saturday, the Burgundy Boys won for the first time in seven matches, 3-1 versus the Vancouver Whitecaps, while the Quakes fell apart at FC Cincinnati this past weekend, losing by a score of 6-0.
We say: Colorado Rapids 2-1 San Jose Earthquakes
The Burgundy Boys are by no means the deadliest attacking force in Major League Soccer, but the Quakes allow so many clear-cut scoring opportunities, particularly on the road, that you have to think it will only be a matter of time before Colorado bury those chances.
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Vancouver vs. LA Galaxy (Thursday, 3.00am)
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It is nearing do-or-die time for the Vancouver Whitecaps, who find themselves nine points behind the Western Conference playoff line when they welcome the Los Angeles Galaxy to BC Place Stadium on Wednesday in the second MLS encounter between these sides this season.
Vancouver have lost their last three fixtures, falling 3-1 to the Colorado Rapids this past weekend, while LA remain below the playoff line, trailing Real Salt Lake for seventh by three points.
We say: Vancouver Whitecaps 2-2 Los Angeles Galaxy
With Cavallini out, LA should have a decided advantage in the attack as they have many more match winners to call upon than the home side.
However, the Galaxy are missing some critical components to their backline, so we expect Vancouver to expose their defensive woes on Wednesday and come away with a point, which in the long run will do little good for either side.
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Barney Corkhill
