MLS: Week 6 Predictions – Nathan vs. The Field
It’s been a wild start to the season. Tons of goals, top clubs struggling and that stunning Zlatan arrival. It’s time to see the predictions for Week 6 of MLS.
Welcome to prediction world, where we try to see into the MLS future. Didn’t everyone see that LA Galaxy comeback, Houston losing at home and an explosive Colorado Rapids offense? The Galaxy and Minnesota United sit in the top half of the Western Conference table, while Seattle and Portland prop up the bottom. The East looks closer to expectations but is still producing unpredictable results each week.
Week 6 brings a set of games spread over the entire weekend. The Revolution kick us off on Friday night, hosting a Montreal Impact side fresh off a road victory in Seattle, and Saturday is highlighted by the ESPN clash between LAFC and Atlanta United. Sunday evening, meanwhile, features a national TV doubleheader where all eyes will be on Zlatan Ibrahimovic once again as his Galaxy host Sporting KC.
Related Story: New York Red Bulls: 3 key players for CCL semis vs Chivas
Week 5 Results
It was the biggest MLS weekend yet of the young season, at 11 games. With so many unexpected results the extra matches were very much needed to accumulate points.
- The Field (Matt Nelson): 3 correct results = 30 points
- Nathan: 4 correct results = 40 points.
Season Total
- The Field: 190 points
- Nathan: 200 points
Week 6 Predictions
Representing the field for Week 6 is Gareth Wolff, our first guest from Canada. Gareth has served as a contributor for MLS Multiplex and AFTN (Away From The Numbers) in the past, focused on the Vancouver Whitecaps. Check out his takes on the Whitecaps, MLS, Canadian soccer and Arsenal at @gwolff_sports. Gareth begins the week for the field 10 points behind.
- Nathan: 1-1 Draw. The Revolution have talent, and Friedel could be the man to turn them into playoff contenders, but the Impact is feeling confident coming off wins against the last two MLS Cup champions.
- Gareth: New England 2-1. Neither team has started as poorly as expected (both are currently in playoff spots, to everyone’s surprise), but of the two new coaches, Friedel seems to have the edge at the moment.
- Nathan: 2-2 Draw. Neutrals should be in for a treat, as two sides with explosive expansion starts, trade blows in front of a packed house in Atlanta. They have combined to see 28 goals either scored or in against them over 7 matches.
- Gareth: Atlanta 3-1. LAFC need to move on quickly after throwing away their first ever derby match. Unfortunately for them, they’re headed to the Benz. Atlanta will make home advantage count.
San Jose Earthquakes at Philadelphia Union
Gareth
: 0-0 draw. Philadelphia looked pretty toothless last week in Colorado, while the Earthquakes are poor travelers. A stalemate is on the cards.
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- Nathan: 1-1 Draw. This match will tell us a lot about the Rapids, who have managed to average two goals so far in 2018, but skepticism remains after a few rough seasons in Denver.
- Gareth: FC Dallas 2-0. Rapids are coming off a big win, but Texas is never an easy place to play. Dallas, while looking like a shadow of their former self, remain undefeated this year. Advantage goes to the hosts.
- Nathan: Columbus 3-2. The Fire is giving up nearly three goals a game. After last week’s loss expect Higuain and Zardes to be back in full force.
- Gareth: Columbus 1-0. Chicago’s rough start to the season continues while the Crew will be anxious to prove that last week’s loss to Vancouver was just a blip.
- Nathan: Vancouver 2-1. The Whitecaps sit tied atop the West and continue to fly under the radar, even after last week’s road win in Columbus.
- Gareth: Vancouver 2-1. The road warrior Whitecaps will be optimistic about their chances against an RSL side that have struggled out of the gate this year. Unless, of course, it’s snowing again…
- Nathan: Orlando 2-1. Fresh off a big win against the Red Bulls. Kljestan and Dwyer continue to find a rhythm against a struggling Timbers defense.
- Gareth: 2-2 draw. Orlando and Portland have one win between the two of them from a cumulative eight games so far this year. Both teams will be feeling the pressure. Expect mistakes and goals, and ultimately both sides will have to settle for a point.
- Nathan: 2-2 Draw. Both defenses are struggling, both attacks are averaging near two goals a game. National TV. Zlatan. Blue Hell. It’ll be quite the spectacle.
- Gareth: LA Galaxy 3-2. Is it too early to call this a top-of-the-West clash? SKC’s normally solid defense has been suspect so far, but they’ve been scoring for fun. At the other end, there’s the Zlatan effect. This should be a high-scoring, entertaining match, with the Galaxy riding the momentum from ‘El Tráfico’ to take the three points.
Next: MLS Off the Ball Observations: Zlatan defeats VAR
Eight games across three days, a proper MLS weekend. Gareth and I have six of the eight matches going different ways, so there is huge potential to swing the season points tally in one direction. Think you can correctly pick MLS matchday six? Then send us your thoughts on Twitter @NateByNorthwest and @gwolff_sports.