NY City vs. Atlanta (Sunday, 8.00pm)
© Reuters
Following a one-year hiatus, Atlanta United are back in the playoffs, hoping to make up for lost time when they head to Yankee Stadium on Sunday for a date with New York City FC in the first round of the MLS Cup Playoffs.
The Pigeons came back to draw the Philadelphia Union on Decision Day, earning the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference and a home playoff fixture, while the 2018 MLS champions erased a 1-0 deficit in their final regular season encounter, beating FC Cincinnati 2-1.
We say: New York City FC 2-1 Atlanta United
Both New York and Atlanta are attack-minded sides who like to push forward, and they each have a world-class striker in fine form, but you might be surprised to know that these were two of the top defensive units in the league in 2021 in terms of goals conceded as the Boys in Blue only gave up 36 with the Five Stripes conceding 37.
> Click here to read our full preview for this match
Portland vs. Minnesota Utd (Sunday, 10.30pm)
© Reuters
For the first time since 2018, the Portland Timbers will host a playoff game at Providence Park in front of fans, and that match takes place on Sunday versus Minnesota United in a winner take all first-round encounter in MLS.
The Timbers finished the 2021 regular season in fourth place in the Western Conference, winning their final three matches, while the Loons came in fifth and are unbeaten in their last two games heading into this contest.
We say: Portland Timbers 2-0 Minnesota United
Previous results this year between these sides mean absolutely nothing in the playoffs, and despite boasting some outstanding individuals, Minnesota will have a hard time matching the speed, endurance and aggressiveness that Portland possesses.
> Click here to read our full preview for this match
Barney Corkhill
