MLS Betting: Decision Day brings intriguing betting opportunities

Atlanta United v Toronto FC
Sunday, 21:00
Live on Sky Sports Football

So we have reached Decision Day 2017, which could be an awkward punting affair, as games will influence other games, and it's one of those nights on which in-running playing may be a little wiser than anything pre-ordained. But after a profit-shattering week last time, we, as a man once said, go again.

The best atmosphere of the weekend will be in Atlanta, as United face the Supporters Shield winners TFC in front of a crowd of 70,000 at Mercedes Benz Stadium. It will be special, and a sign of how far MLS has come, and with Toronto still trying to break the season points record, and Atlanta pushing for second place in the East, there's enough on the line to make this interesting.

Atlanta were frustrating last week against the Red Bulls, and need to rediscover their breathtaking brilliance before the post season starts. Miguel Almiron should be back, which will be crucial, and we must remember that this game will pit the two top scoring teams in MLS against each other, even though they haven't played like it in recent weeks.

I lost count of the number of chances missed in Toronto's 1-0 win against Montreal last week, and I think they're close to rediscovering their form in front of goal. Atlanta, through Hector Villalba in particular, showed enough against New York to suggest that they could be ready for something special.

With those performances in mind, and with a massive crowd to inspire both teams, I think that this will be high-octane and high-scoring, as there'll be an air of celebration around the game, as both sides get ready for the serious work of the coming weeks.

They drew 2-2 in April, this game may go one better.

Recommended Bet
Over 4.5 goals in Atlanta United v TFC @ 3.90

New York City FC v Columbus Crew
Sunday, 21:00

NYCFC will be playing at a new venue on Decision Day: their normal home ground of Yankee Stadium will be on baseball duty and so this game will be played at Citi Field in Queens. Given how hard opposition teams find it to play in the surroundings at Yankee Stadium, the change of venue has to be a big issue for Patrick Vieira's team.

Columbus Crew still have a chance of snatching second place away from NYCFC and will come into this with all guns blazing, as they look to at least secure home advantage in the play-offs. I like Gregg Berhalter's team a lot, and believe that they could be one of the dark horses who have a chance of lifting MLS Cup, and with the departing Federico Higuain and the outstanding Ola Kamara in good form, they have every chance of winning here.

The Crew are now unbeaten in nine MLS matches and are up against a team here which has won only once in their last six. The visitors have averaged 1.9 goals per game across that run, and with their eyes firmly on that potential post season prize, I think that they have every chance of winning against a team which is struggling for form and confidence, and missing one of their best players in the suspended Jack Harrison.

Recommended Bet
Back Columbus Crew to beat NYCFC @ 4.80

San Jose Earthquakes v Minnesota United
Sunday, 21:00

A win guarantees San Jose a place in the post season, to edge out both FC Dallas and RSL, and most of the League will expect the home team to do the business against one of the weaker outfits in MLS.

I can see that, and wouldn't be stunned if they do win, but Minnesota have made a habit of bucking trends towards the end of this season, and they're in good form as they look back on their first ever MLS campaign.

The bare facts don't give Minnesota a chance. San Jose have won six of their last eight here, Minnesota lost eight of their last 11 away: but United spoilt Atlanta's party a couple of weeks ago, sent Montreal on their way to missing the post season, and also won at Chicago Fire when they had no obvious right to.

Those San Jose home wins have all been by single goals, and so hardly convincing, and they always strike me as a team that is full of mistakes, with a confident Minnesota potentially able to take advantage. I appreciate that it's a bit of a flyer, but the Earthquakes are being priced as if they're certainties, and given the pressure which surrounds this game, they're really not. They might be desperate for a play-off place, but Adrian Heath wants to finish his season on a high, and he might do just that.

Recommended Bet
Lay San Jose Earthquakes v Minnesota United @ 1.42