Preview and Predictions: MLS Week Five

MLS sides will be glad to welcome back several star names after their international excursions, with some teams looking to maintain form and others desperately still searching.

We may be no Paul the Octopus, but our crystal ball is out again – here are this week’s predictions.

Orlando City vs DC United – Citrus Bowl (Live on Sky Sports 5 – Saturday 12am)

United’s stoppage-time win over LA Galaxy last weekend was their second home win out of two this season, but they lost their only away game 2-0 at New York Red Bulls.

Kaká scored one and set up another as Orlando came from behind to draw 2-2 in Montreal – the instrumental Brazilian has been involved in three of his side’s four goals this season.

Both sides currently sit in the Eastern Conference top four and although United have won a game more than the home side, Orlando’s home advantage will see them come out on top.

Bradley and Altidore versus England

Verdict: 2-0

Chicago Fire vs Toronto FC – Toyota Park

Fire recorded their first victory of 2015 with a 1-0 win against Philadelphia Union on Sunday, while Toronto’s inauspicious start continued with a second consecutive defeat at Real Salt Lake.

Chicago have never lost to Toronto at home in nine meetings, but last weekend’s winner was just their second goal of the season.

Toronto will welcome back USA pair Michael Bradley and top scorer Jozy Altidore, and we’re backing them to secure a second victory of the campaign here.

Verdict: 1-2

Colorado Rapids vs New England Revolution – Dick’s Sporting Goods Park

Colorado are the first team in MLS history to start a season with three consecutive scoreless draws, and their drought now extends to 510 minutes.

New England have also been less than lethal – Kelyn Rowe’s brace were their first goals of the season – but they could welcome key midfielder Jermaine Jones back from injury.

Rapids are one game short of the MLS record 17-game winless streak, and Revolution have not won in Colorado since 2002 – it’s hard to look beyond a draw.

Verdict: 0-0

Seattle Sounders vs Houston Dynamo – Century Link Field

Sounders’ 0-0 draw with Dallas last week was the first game in MLS’ 4,059-match history to finish without a single shot on target.

Dynamo have never won in Seattle and no team have scored more than once in a game involving Houston this season.

Although Clint Dempsey remains out, Seattle are hopeful of welcoming Obafemi Martins back into the fold and we’re expecting Sounders to edge it.

Verdict: 1-0

Vancouver boss Robinson

Vancouver Whitecaps vs LA Galaxy – BC Place

Whitecaps have matched a club record with three consecutive league wins following their 2-1 triumph over Portland Timbers.

Galaxy have only ever lost once in 12 games with Vancouver but have not won away since last season, suffering their first loss of 2015 last weekend.

Carl Robinson’s home side have won three from four this season thanks to late winners, but we’re backing Galaxy and the returning Robbie Keane to prevent them adding to that tally.

Verdict: 2-2

Portland Timbers vs FC Dallas – Providence Park

In the absence of last season’s star Diego Valeri, Fanendo Adi has scored all three of Portland’s goals this year.

Timbers are still without a win in 2015 but only suffered their first defeat of the season thanks to Robert Earnshaw’s late debut goal for Vancouver.

Dallas are still the overall MLS leaders despite their perfect start coming to an end with their 0-0 against Seattle, and they will record a first ever win at Providence Park.

Verdict: 1-3

San Jose Earthquakes vs Real Salt Lake – Avaya Stadium (Live on Sky Sports 5 – Sunday 10pm)

Real secured their first three points of the season against Toronto, with 19-year-old midfielder Jordan Allen heading home an 89^th-minute winner.

After two successive victories the Earthquakes lost 2-1 at New England Revolution last weekend, despite captain Chris Wondolowski scoring his third goal in the last two games.

San Jose haven’t beaten Salt Lake at home since 2012 and the two sides are separated by a single point – we think they’ll share the spoils here.

Verdict: 1-1

Sporting Kansas City vs Philadelphia Union – Sporting Park

Union foot the Supporters Shield standings and are winless

Kansas City won for the first time this season last weekend, with a 1-0 win at Yankee Stadium over David Villa’s New York City.

Union suffered their second consecutive defeat in Chicago on Sunday, and are currently bottom of the overall MLS table with two points from four games.

The two sides have a tight record against each other, with four victories apiece from 12 games, but Sporting will be looking to keep their momentum going.

Verdict: 3-1

Images courtesy of seriouslysilly, Rosie Tulips and Drew Hallowell, with thanks.