The MLS preliminary play-offs get under way this week, following the conclusion of the regular season. For more information on the schedule and league structure, read our helpful guide here.

Wednesday

New York City to beat Philadelphia Union (23:00)

New York closed the regular season with a 3-1 win at home to Philadelphia and this meeting should be just as one-sided.

City ended with the third-best home record in the MLS and lost just one game at Yankee Stadium all season.

The Union’s only victory in their last five matches in all competitions came at home to Minnesota, the division’s worst travellers.

Portland Timbers to beat FC Dallas (01:30)

Dallas were beaten 2-1 by second-bottom Colorado in their final game of the regular season, meaning they finished with three straight defeats.

They will struggle even with home advantage against Portland, who were able to rest players in their 2-1 defeat to Vancouver on Decision Day.

The Timbers had lost just two league games in nine prior to that and will welcome back last season’s MVP Diego Valeri, who has been directly involved in 20 goals this term.

Thursday

DC United to beat Columbus Crew (00:00)

DC United come into the play-offs as the form team in the MLS, having won five and drawn one of their final six matches.

That run includes five straight victories at home, meaning they have won 11 of their last 13 matches at Audi Field.

They’re a healthy price to win this in 90 minutes given that Columbus have lost seven of their last 10 games on the road.

Los Angeles FC to beat Real Salt Lake (02:30)

RSL lost 3-0 away to Portland on Decision Day and only managed to sneak into the play-offs after LA Galaxy threw away a two-goal lead to lose to Houston.

They have lost 11 of their 17 away games this season and were beaten 2-0 at LAFC back in August.

LA have lost just once at home this season and won four of their last six at the Banc of California Stadium.

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