MLS Weekend Preview: Hudson River Derby Makes Headlines

The biggest game of the weekend is the Hudson River Derby, where the New York Red Bulls host New York City FC in the latest meeting between the Big Apple's two teams. With both teams fighting for a spot that will give them home-field advantage in the playoffs, neither team can afford to lose.

Additionally, there are big games in the wild card race as teams attack late to reach the postseason.

MLS weekend betting tips

• New York Red Bulls vs New York City FC: Draw @ +260 with bet365
• New England Revolution vs Nashville SC: Nashville wins @ +240 with bet365
• Austin FC vs Real Salt Lake: Real Salt Lake wins @ +190

All odds courtesy of bet365, correct at time of publication and subject to change.

Honors even on the Hudson

Both the New York Red Bulls and New York City FC are looking for fourth place in the Eastern Conference, a spot that will guarantee them home-field advantage in the first round of the playoffs.

Currently, the Red Bulls hold the position, but NYCFC are only three points behind them in 7th place.

Unfortunately for their fans, neither team plays like a team with home advantage at stake.

The New York Red Bulls have won just twice in their last fourteen games and owe their high position in the conference to their incredible draw record.

The Red Bulls have drawn 14 games so far this season.

Meanwhile, NYCFC is in poor form as they try to clinch a higher playoff spot. They have remained winless in their last nine games, with their only points in this series coming from six draws.

Since neither team is playing well, expect both teams to get another draw.

MLS Betting Tip 1: New York Red Bulls vs New York City FC: Draw @ +260 with bet365

Nashville recovery continues

It looked like Nashville's season was over after an eight-game losing streak that lasted from June to September.

However, the team has turned things around, recording two wins and a draw in their last three games. Nashville is now just three points away from a wildcard spot and an MLS Cup spot.

However, things didn't get any better for the New England Revolution. They have won just once in their last ten games and are bottom of the Eastern Conference.

With Nashville on the rise and New England realistically, if not mathematically, out of the playoffs, you should be hoping for a road win here.

MLS Betting Tip 2: Nashville wins @+240 with bet365

Arango back to Salt Lake

Real Salt Lake's season appeared to be in trouble when they were missing star striker Cristian Arango due to injury and suspension. However, the Colombian is now back and with his goals the team can hope to consolidate their position as second in the West.

Arango will be more motivated than ever to get on the scoresheet too. After his break, he has fallen behind Christian Benteke and is in second place in the race for the MLS Golden Boot.

Real will also face an Austin side that has seen its season slip away, with a run of three defeats and a draw in its last four games ending any realistic hope of a wildcard spot.

Real Salt Lake will be motivated in the tight race for second place in the West, where places 2-7 are covered by just five points and will be powered by their returning star striker Arango. Look for them to get an away win here.

MLS Betting Tip 3: Real Salt Lake wins @ +190