MLS Predictions Today: Saint Louis City SC VS San Jose Earthquakes Sure Tips

Saint Louis City SC look to hit the reset button under new leadership as they welcome San Jose Earthquakes in a crucial MLS clash. Read on for our Saint Louis City vs San Jose Earthquakes prediction. With their form spiraling, the hosts hope new boss David Critchley sparks a turnaround. Meanwhile, the visitors arrive in solid form and sniff an opportunity to end a head-to-head losing streak.  Betting Preview For Saint Louis City SC vs San Jose Earthquakes Betting On Saint Louis City SC It’s a new era in St. Louis as David Critchley takes over a side desperate for change. The club sits 14th in the Western Conference with only 11 points from 15 games. Their most recent outing ended in a 1-0 loss to Colorado Rapids, extending their winless run in the MLS to 11 matches. At home, things haven’t been much better, though they’ve earned two draws in their last three. Saint Louis have history on their side in this matchup, winning all four previous encounters with San Jose. However, that’s about the only positive heading into this one. Betting On San Jose Earthquakes San Jose Earthquakes are trending upward at the right time. Their 1-0 victory over LA Galaxy extended their unbeaten streak to eight matches in all competitions, including six straight in the MLS. That win also helped them climb to seventh place and into playoff position in the Western Conference. Their road form has improved as well, unbeaten in their last three away MLS games. Despite never beating Saint Louis in four previous tries, this is arguably their best shot yet with their opponents in freefall. MatchPlug Prediction For Saint Louis City SC vs San Jose Earthquakes Saint Louis are reeling, and while the managerial change might bring some short-term energy, it’s unlikely to immediately solve their scoring and consistency issues. The Earthquakes are on a roll, but four draws in their last eight matches suggest they may settle again. With the form book heavily tilted and Saint Louis desperate to stop the rot, we’re backing the safer angle here. Final Prediction: San Jose Earthquakes

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MLS Predictions Today: Red Bulls vs United FC Sure Tips

Red-hot New York Red Bulls return to Red Bull Arena looking to extend their winning run when they host a struggling Atlanta United side. Read on for our Red Bulls vs United FC prediction. These two played to a goalless draw earlier this season, but recent form and defensive cracks suggest a different outcome this time. Betting Preview For Red Bulls vs United FC Betting On New York Red Bulls New York Red Bulls are flying high with three straight wins across all competitions, including two in MLS where they beat both NYCFC and Charlotte by two-goal margins. Their attack has picked up steam, and confidence is flowing through the team, especially at home where they’ve been tough to beat. While they failed to generate much going forward in their March meeting with Atlanta (just 0.32 xG), recent matches suggest the Red Bulls have found their scoring touch again, and they’ll be looking to exploit Atlanta’s defensive issues. Betting On Atlanta United FC Atlanta United are in a downward spiral. Once an Eastern Conference powerhouse, they now sit near the bottom of the standings with 28 goals conceded in 16 matches. Their defense continues to leak goals, and despite showing promise in buildup play, they remain inconsistent in both boxes. Atlanta did generate multiple big chances in the last meeting with NYRB but failed to convert any of them. With their games increasingly becoming high-scoring affairs, and only one clean sheet in their last 10, this weekend could see more fireworks. MatchPlug Prediction For Red Bulls vs United FC NY Red Bulls have momentum, home advantage, and a sharper attack. Atlanta United, while capable of producing chances, haven’t solved their defensive woes. Given the history between these teams and their current form, expect an open match with goals. Final Prediction: Over 2.5 Goals

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dc vs cincinnati

MLS Predictions Today: FC Cincinnati vs DC United Sure Tips

High-flying FC Cincinnati will aim to keep pace at the top of the Eastern Conference when they host a struggling DC United side at TQL Stadium this weekend. Read on for our FC Cincinnati vs DC United prediction. While the hosts are unbeaten in their last six, DC are desperate to end their slump. Betting Preview For FC Cincinnati vs DC United Betting On FC Cincinnati FC Cincinnati continues to show why they’re one of the top teams in the East. Despite a thrilling 3-3 draw against FC Dallas in their last match, Cincinnati extended their unbeaten run to six MLS matches. The attack is firing, they’ve scored nine goals in their last four games, with Sergio Santos and Evander emerging as key attacking threats. Their home form has also been reliable, with Cincinnati unbeaten in their last five matches at TQL Stadium. With confidence and momentum on their side, they’ll be gunning for another three points against a vulnerable DC side. Betting On DC United DC United’s season continues to spiral. A 1-1 draw with New England last weekend was their third straight game without a win and they now sit just above the bottom in the East. Their away form is particularly concerning, they’ve won just one of their last seven road matches. While they’ve managed to find the net consistently, their defense has let them down, conceding in 12 of their last 13 league outings. Against an attack-heavy Cincinnati squad, DC’s backline will be under serious pressure. MatchPlug Prediction For FC Cincinnati vs DC United With FC Cincinnati in excellent form and DC United struggling to gain traction, this match feels like a mismatch. The hosts are sharper in attack and more organized at the back, while DC’s defensive frailty makes them easy targets on the road. Final Prediction: FC Cincinnati to Win

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stars vs oilers expert picks

NHL Predictions Today: Edmonton Oilers vs Dallas Stars Sure Tips

The Oilers look to punch their ticket to a second straight Stanley Cup Final when they visit the Stars for Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals. Get today’s NHL picks and predictions for Edmonton VS Dallas on MatchPlug, your home for sharp playoff hockey tips. Edmonton leads the best-of-seven series 3-1 after a dominant 4-1 win in Game 4. Matchplug’s has the latest NHL previews for you. Betting Preview For Edmonton Oilers vs Dallas Stars Betting On Edmonton Oilers The Oilers are surging, winning three straight games and five of their last six overall. Their offense is firing at nearly 4 goals per game in the playoffs, with McDavid (24 pts) and Draisaitl (23 pts) leading the charge. Their power play remains deadly at 23%, and defensively they’ve allowed just six goals across their last three road outings. If Skinner stays steady in net, the Oilers can close this series out. Betting On Dallas Stars Dallas is in a must-win situation but has lost four of six and struggled to generate offense—just two goals in their last three games. Goalie Jake Oettinger has been decent, but the team’s defensive form has dropped, conceding 16 goals in four games. Their special teams have been okay (22% PP), but it hasn’t been enough to slow Edmonton’s top line. MatchPlug Prediction For Oilers vs Stars The Oilers have the edge in momentum, firepower, and form. Dallas has failed to solve Edmonton’s special teams and can’t keep up offensively. Look for the Oilers to wrap this series up. Final Prediction: Edmonton Oilers Moneyline

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MLB Predictions Today: Cardinals vs Orioles Sure Tips

Wednesday’s MLB action rolls into Oriole Park at Camden Yards as the St. Louis Cardinals and Baltimore Orioles wrap up their three-game interleague series. Read our preview for the Cardinals vs Orioles.  The Orioles took the opener and aim to win the set in front of their home crowd. Read on for our prediction and betting insights. Betting Preview For Cardinals vs Orioles Betting On St. Louis Cardinals The Cardinals saw their three-game winning streak snapped with a quiet night at the plate on Monday, managing just four hits and committing two key defensive errors. St. Louis is still riding a strong May and remains in contention in the NL Central, just behind the Cubs. Miles Mikolas gets the nod, bringing a 4-2 record and 3.51 ERA into his 11th start of the season. He’s been in great form recently, giving up just two earned runs in his last 17.1 innings. While the Cardinals’ offense has been top-10 overall, it has slumped hard against left-handed pitching, hitting just .556 OPS over the past 10 days. Betting On Baltimore Orioles The Orioles may be having a disappointing season overall, but they’ve picked up momentum with a three-game win streak. A key swing by Dylan Carlson powered them past St. Louis in the opener, and they’ll aim to continue riding that wave. Cade Povich starts for Baltimore, carrying a 1-3 record and 4.86 ERA. While his season stats are mediocre, he’s looked sharper lately, allowing only three earned runs over his last 10.2 innings. The Cardinals have never faced Povich, and Baltimore’s offense has performed well against righties recently, logging a .734 OPS over the last 10 days. MatchPlug Prediction For Cardinals vs Orioles The Orioles have the edge here thanks to their current offensive form against right-handers and the Cardinals’ struggles against southpaws. Cade Povich has shown signs of improvement and faces a St. Louis lineup that hasn’t figured out lefties lately. With Baltimore showing fight and home-field advantage, we’re backing the O’s to win the rubber match. Final Prediction: Baltimore Orioles Moneyline (-115)

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NHL Predictions Today: Panthers vs Hurricanes Sure Tips

The Florida Panthers are just one win away from their third straight Stanley Cup Final appearance as they travel to Raleigh for Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Final against the Carolina Hurricanes. Read our preview for the Panthers vs Hurricanes game. The Canes avoided a sweep with a Game 4 shutout but still face elimination at home.  Betting Preview For Panthers vs Hurricanes Betting On Florida Panthers Florida’s balanced play on both ends has been the difference in this series. The Panthers have outscored Carolina 16-7 over the four games, with Aleksander Barkov and Evan Rodrigues leading the charge offensively. The defense, anchored by Niko Mikkola and Aaron Ekblad, has been suffocating, and Sergei Bobrovsky has posted a .950 save percentage. With their defense clicking and depth scoring showing up, the Panthers will look to close things out on the road. Betting On Carolina Hurricanes The Hurricanes showed signs of life in Game 4 with a 3-0 shutout win, but their offensive inconsistencies remain a concern. Seth Jarvis and Sebastian Aho have led the way, but production from key names like Andrei Svechnikov has dried up. Carolina’s defense finally delivered in Game 4, but Frederik Andersen will need to elevate his game again to stave off elimination for a second time. MatchPlug Prediction For Panthers vs Hurricanes Florida has been the more consistent team in this series, dominating possession and converting chances at a higher rate. With the series momentum and superior defensive structure, we expect the Panthers to finish the job. Final Prediction: Florida Panthers Moneyline

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Hurricanes Ready for Redemption Against Panthers in Eastern Conference Final

The Carolina Hurricanes are fully aware of the task ahead as they prepare to take on the Florida Panthers in the Eastern Conference Final. “I know for sure we’re hungry,” said center Sebastian Aho on Monday. “I’m sure they will be too. To be the best, you’ve got to beat the best. They’re defending Cup champs and a really good team. It’s going to be a great challenge for us. Can’t wait.” Game 1 of the best-of-seven series takes place Tuesday night at Lenovo Center, with Carolina looking for payback from last year’s heartbreaking loss to the Panthers. Florida swept that 2023 matchup, winning all four games by just a single goal, including a marathon four-overtime win in Game 1 and another overtime victory in Game 2. Captain Jordan Staal hasn’t forgotten. “It didn’t feel good at the time, and whenever you have tough losses when you feel good about where you’re headed, they always stick out in your mind,” Staal said. “But (it’s) a new challenge and different players. It’s definitely in the back of your mind, and you want to get them back.” This marks Carolina’s second trip to the conference final in three seasons, after dispatching the Washington Capitals in five games during the second round. They fell to the New York Rangers in last year’s second round, but this time, the team is fueled by experience and a desire to rewrite recent history. The Hurricanes know they’ll need to be at their best to topple the reigning Stanley Cup champions, but there’s a quiet confidence building in Raleigh. This rematch offers a chance not just for revenge, but for a shot at the Cup Final.

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Ekholm Returns to Practice, Could Feature for Oilers

Mattias Ekholm was back on the ice Monday, participating in full practice with the Edmonton Oilers. A surprising development considering he thought his season might have ended weeks ago. Now, the veteran defenseman is eyeing a potential return during the Western Conference Final against the Dallas Stars. “I feel good, I didn’t think I was going to be in this position this quickly, so I’m really happy about that,” Ekholm said. “Our trainers have done a tremendous job with me, and the healing has gone better than I thought. But still, I’m just trying to take it day by day.” The Oilers open the best-of-seven series Wednesday night at American Airlines Arena in Dallas, and Ekholm’s participation in Monday’s full-team session is a positive sign. Still, no timeline has been confirmed for his return. “Today was the first time with the team on the ice in a full practice and I thought it went pretty well and now it’s a matter of how I feel tomorrow,” he noted.  Ekholm, 34, has been sidelined since April 11 after attempting a return from an earlier injury. In that game, he managed just three shifts and played less than two minutes before exiting. At the time, it was believed he would miss the entire postseason. “It’s a tough diagnosis to get at the time,” Ekholm admitted. “I’m 35 soon (May 24) and still healing, so I guess that’s a good thing and I’m happy to be here now. I can’t rule anything out, I’m trying to be on a day-to-day basis and I’m happy that I’ve come this far.” Head coach Kris Knoblauch hasn’t confirmed whether Ekholm will travel with the team to Dallas, and the expectation is that he won’t play in the first two games. Nonetheless, Knoblauch praised the defensive corps for their performances in Ekholm’s absence.

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MLB Predictions Today: Giants vs Twins Sure Tips

The San Francisco Giants aim to avoid a sweep as they face the surging Minnesota Twins on Sunday afternoon in the series finale at Target Field. Read our preview for the Giants vs Twins.Minnesota has won seven straight games, including the first two of this series, while San Francisco looks to rebound behind one of their promising young arms. First pitch is scheduled for Sunday at 2:10 PM EST. Check out our Giants vs Twins prediction below, and don’t forget to follow MatchPlug for more Free MLB Picks and betting tips. Betting Preview For Giants vs Twins Odds provided by 1XBet Betting On San Francisco Giants San Francisco enters the game with a strong 22-14 record and a notable 22-7 mark against right-handed starters, making them a live underdog here. Their offense has gone cold this series, with just two total runs in the first two games, but they remain dangerous, especially with righty bats like Matt Chapman and Wilmer Flores looking to break out. Rookie starter Landen Roupp gets the nod after an impressive showing against the Angels where he struck out nine over seven innings. His curveball has been his out pitch, and with a developing cutter and changeup, he has the tools to compete with a confident Twins lineup. Betting On Minnesota Twins Minnesota is red-hot with seven consecutive wins and a dominant home record of 14-6. Their pitching has led the way during this stretch, allowing just two runs combined in the first two games against San Francisco. Pablo López starts for the Twins and has been excellent this year, posting a 3–2 record and a sharp 2.18 ERA. He went seven innings of one-run ball in his last outing against Baltimore and will be tasked with keeping the Giants’ righty-heavy lineup in check. MatchPlug Prediction For Giants VS Twins This is a classic value spot. The Twins are rolling, but the Giants have played close games all series and thrive against right-handed pitching. Landen Roupp is ascending, and with the Giants catching +120 odds, the risk-reward angle favors backing San Francisco to snap Minnesota’s streak. Final Prediction: San Francisco Giants Moneyline

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MLB Predictions Today: Cubs vs Mets Sure Tips

The New York Mets host the Chicago Cubs on Sunday afternoon to wrap up their three-game series at Citi Field. Read our preview for the Cubs vs Mets. Both teams are over .500, but the Mets continue to dominate at home while the Cubs are aiming to salvage the finale after dropping the opener. First pitch is scheduled for 1:40 PM EST. Read on for our Cubs vs Mets prediction and check MatchPlug daily for more Free MLB Picks and betting previews. Betting Preview For Cubs vs Mets Odds provided by 1XBet Betting On Chicago Cubs The Cubs send veteran lefty Matt Boyd to the hill, who has been effective overall with a 2.75 ERA and a 3-2 record. He tossed six strong innings in his last start, allowing just two runs against San Francisco. However, Boyd has struggled slightly on the road (0-2) and in his lone start vs. the Mets, he gave up three runs in five innings. Chicago remains in first place in their division but enters Sunday’s contest having lost four of their last five games. The offense has shown flashes, but the pitching staff allowed 20 runs in a recent series against the Giants and hasn’t been consistent lately. Betting On New York Mets Griffin Canning has emerged as a stabilizing force in the Mets rotation, boasting a 5-1 record with a 2.50 ERA. He’s allowed one or zero earned runs in four of his last five starts and has helped New York win each of his past six outings. The Mets are 14-3 at Citi Field this season and come into this game with wins in three of their last four contests. They bounced back from a series loss to St. Louis by taking two of three from Arizona on the road and continue to play with confidence behind strong pitching. MatchPlug Prediction For Cubs vs Mets The Mets are clicking at home and have a decisive edge on the mound with Canning in top form. Boyd has been steady, but his road performances raise concerns. With the Mets backing their hottest pitcher and sporting a 14-3 home record, we’ll ride the momentum. Final Prediction: New York Mets ML

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