MLS: The Audi Player Index experiment – Week 34 predictions
The Audi Player Index experiment continues as the sample size grows and more information is gathered. Here are the Week 34 MLS predictions.
The experiment to decide whether the Audi Player Index is entertainment or science is drawing closer to a conclusion. I’ll attempt to predict the MLS weekend matches to increase the sample size, but will it be enough to finally answer the question?
This is an important week, with multiple teams needing points to push them up the MLS standings in the hope of securing a playoff spot. According to my calculations, changes are coming.
Related Story. MLS: Audi Player Index experiment - Week 33 results. light
So, here are the predictions for the weekend’s ties:
Atlanta United vs Chicago Fire
Prediction: Atlanta United to win – Atlanta is playing for the Supporters’ Shield while Chicago is playing for, well, nothing. It would be a miracle if the Fire were able to pull out a win in Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
D.C. United vs New York City FC
Prediction: D.C. United to win – D.C. United losing would make things interesting heading into the last two weeks of the season, while NYCFC would risk falling out of third.
Montreal Impact vs Toronto FC
Prediction: Montreal Impact to win – Toronto FC could play spoiler in this match-up between rivals to our North, Montreal must win if they have any hope of reaching the postseason.
Orlando City SC vs Columbus Crew SC
Prediction: Columbus Crew SC to win – Columbus still have an outside chance of securing the third position in the table if they could win their last two games and get some help from Philadelphia and NYCFC.
Philadelphia Union vs New York Red Bulls
Prediction: Philadelphia Union to win – The game will be close, but with Philadelphia’s recent form it would not surprises me to see them steal the third spot.
FC Dallas vs Sporting Kansas City
Prediction: Sporting Kansas City to win
This is a classic “six-pointer”, the winner will earn the top place in the Western Conference and control their own destiny heading into the last game.
Houston Dynamo vs Seattle Sounders
Prediction: Houston Dynamo to win – Seattle has already clinched a playoff spot, but a loss here could give Portland the break they need to steal the fourth spot.
Los Angeles Football Club vs Vancouver Whitecaps FC
Prediction: Los Angeles Football Club to win – The Whitecaps playoff hopes are slowly fading away, elimination is almost certain with a loss to LAFC.
Minnesota United vs Los Angeles Galaxy
Prediction: Los Angeles Galaxy – I don’t know if the Galaxy are going to make the playoffs, either way, the arrival of Zlatan Ibrahimovic saved their season.
Portland Timbers vs Real Salt Lake
Prediction: Real Salt Lake – RSL need this game, they’ll deliver.
San Jose Earthquakes vs Colorado Rapids
Prediction: Who Cares?
Next. MLS: Week 33 Power Rankings. dark
There you have it. As a reminder, I went 2-2 last week, which is not impressive. If that trend continues through Sunday, I think we can safely say that the Audi Player Index is not science. Check back Monday to see where things stand.