Previews and Predictions: MLS Week 17

The first instalment of MLS Rivalry Week provided some classic games, eye-raising results and confirmation that LA Galaxy are back – they thrashed Portland Timbers 5-0.

With Texas and New York derbies and the bitter Portland-Seattle feud among the grudge matches to look forward to, here are our weekend predictions.

Perez and Co. will be happy to return home

FC Dallas vs Houston Dynamo – Toyota Stadium

The action begins on Friday with the second Texas Derby of the season – Dallas won 4-1 in Houston on May 1, their fifth consecutive win over their arch-rivals in all competitions.

This is Dallas’ first home game since May 15; they’ve taken just two points from five away matches since then, a streak which has seen them fall to sixth in the Western Conference.

However, Dynamo have won just once away from home all season and have not beaten their rivals since June 2012 – this one should be a home banker.

Verdict: 3-1

Toronto FC vs D.C. United – BMO Field

TFC emerged victorious in the 401 Derby against Montreal in midweek as goals from DPs Michael Bradley, Jozy Altidore and Sebastian Giovinco capped a fine attacking performance in a 3-1 victory.

Giovinco scored twice against DC in their 2-1 win earlier in the season and has directly contributed to more goals than any other MLS player in 2015, with eight goals and seven assists.

However, DC are 10 points clear at the top of Eastern Conference and five ahead in the Supporters’ Shield race: a tight affair that should end all square.

Verdict: 1-1

Philadelphia Union vs Montreal Impact – PPL Park

C.J. Sapong continued his rich vein of form in midweek, scoring for the fourth straight game to lead Union to a 1-0 victory over a depleted Seattle Sounders and make it five goals in his last six.

Impact went down 3-1 to an on-song Toronto to leave them still with just one win outside of Quebec in the league this season.

The visiting franchise has never won when these two sides have met and with both teams in inconsistent form, Philadelphia’s home advantage could decide this one.

Verdict: 2-1

New England Revolution vs Vancouver Whitecaps – Gillette Stadium

Jones is missing the game vs Vancouver with a hernia injury

Revolution’s 2-1 loss in Columbus saw the gap between themselves and D.C. United at the top of Eastern Conference to widen even further and they have now won just one of their last nine.

Whitecaps recorded a second impressive away victory in a row at NY Red Bulls last Saturday as David Ousted became the third MLS goalkeeper to save two penalties in one game.

The continued absence of US international Jermaine Jones is a huge blow for Revolution, and we’re backing Whitecaps to move clear as Western leaders with a win.

Verdict: 0-1

Sporting Kansas City vs Colorado Rapids – Sporting Park

Sporting KC’s  seven-match league unbeaten run was ended last time out despite Benny Feilhaber’s eighth assist of the season setting up Dom Dwyer’s fifth goal of 2015.

Colorado surrendered in the second half to lose 2-0 in Orlando in midweek and remain rooted to the bottom of the Western Conference with no win from their last five.

Sporting have not lost to the Rapids since March 2009 and haven’t been beaten by them in Kansas City in 13 years – surely there can only be one winner.

Verdict: 2-0

Real Salt Lake vs Columbus Crew – Rio Tinto Stadium

RSL will have to do without Demar Phillips and joint-top scorer Javier Morales after both were sent off in the 1-0 defeat to New York Red Bulls earlier this week.

MLS’ top scorer Kei Kamara has his best-ever season tally less than halfway through the current campaign after taking his tally to 12 in Crew’s 2-1 victory over New England Revolution.

However, Crew have scored just four of their 23 goals this season away from home and that win was their first in seven games – both teams could cancel each other out.

Verdict: 1-1

Galaxy have returned to top form in the past 10 days

San Jose Earthquakes vs LA Galaxy – Stanford Stadium

Earthquakes head into the first California Clasico of the season on the back of their first win in four games, DP Matias Perez Garcia inspiring them to a 2-0 win over Seattle Sounders last weekend.

Galaxy moved to within a point of the Western Conference summit by thrashing Portland and it’s difficult to know what do when Bruce Arena’s side hit top form.

The MLS Cup haven’t won any of their nine away matches in 2015, but their free-scoring form suggests we can rip up the formbook on this occasion.

Verdict: 1-3

New York City FC vs New York Red Bulls – Yankee Stadium (Live on Sky Sports 1 – Sunday 10pm)

This is the second NY derby in MLS history after Bradley Wright-Phillips’ brace secured a 2-1 home win for Red Bulls on May 10 at Red Bull Arena.

David Villa moved to six goals for the season as his first MLS double led City to a 2-0 win in Toronto on Saturday to extend their winning streak to three.

Red Bulls ended their four-game losing streak on Wednesday night but City’s improved form and the motivation of their first home derby will see them edge this.

Verdict: 1-0

Portland Timbers vs Seattle Sounders – Providence Park (Live on Sky Sports 1 – Monday 12am)

Clint Dempsey won the first meeting of these sides in 2015 but was sent off in the recent 3-1 US Open Cup loss that made it one win a piece.

All eyes will be on this clash after the feisty cup meeting just over a week ago – Portland are the form side despite their heavy defeat to Galaxy, while Seattle are struggling.

Seattle have scored four times on both of their last two trips to Portland but without Clint Dempsey and Obafemi Martins, Portland will edge this fierce rivalry.

Verdict: 2-1

Images courtesy of R.Yeatts, RevolutionCommunications and Bay Area Bias, with thanks.