Previews and tips for week 16
It’s time for the MLS predictions for week 16 of 2023. With more games lined up again midweek, it’s up to the head coaches to balance the sides and field a squad that doesn’t tire but can still deliver, to keep their position.
MLS Predictions for Week 16 2023
Atlanta United versus New England Revolution
Thursday 1 June 00:00 BST
Two of the Eastern Conference’s best teams meet at Mercedes-Benz Stadium as Atlanta United host New England Revolution in a stellar game that will shape our predictions for MLS Week 16, 2023.
Thiago Almada was only conductor of the Atlanta Orchestra. The creative Argentine attacking midfielder takes on a range of attacking roles for the franchise. His favorite man to get the ball to? Giorgos Giakoumakis. The former Celtic forward was on fire, scoring eight goals in his first ten MLS games this season. That includes his most recent brace against the Chicago Fire, which he scored as a second-half substitute.
Although results have been mixed for New England Revolution, Bruce Arena has never lost to a Gonzalo Pineda side. He will try to get reigning captain Carles Gil to embody the winning spirit on the pitch. Given that the squad currently boasts some of the best MLS players, they could get a result away.
forecast: Atlanta is the form team. It won’t be easy, but it’s hard to imagine them losing here.
DC United vs CF Montreal
Thursday 1 June 00:30 BST
When these two franchises met in mid-April, neither was particularly thriving. It certainly wasn’t a challenge for them to be among the top MLS teams this season. DC United finished 1-0 thanks to a goal from Lewis O’Brien, but much has changed since that night at Saputo Stadium.
Both teams have improved drastically as both racked up more wins leading up to this game. That includes a 1-0 triumph for Montreal over Inter Miami at the weekend. The Canadian team is led by former DC head coach Hernan Losada, who is in better form overall. Since his tenure was underlined by very poor results, he could certainly count on a frosty reception from Audi fans.
forecast: Montreal have been impressive lately, Hernan Losada could get ahead of his old team here and take all three points back to Canada.
Inter Miami vs New York Red Bulls
Thursday 1 June 00:30 BST
Two of the East Coast’s most popular destinations come together as Inter Miami and the New York Red Bulls meet here at DRV PNK Stadium in one of the key games of every Week 16 MLS Preview.
The stress of the job at Inter Miami is evident as Phil Neville could be heard scolding journalists when asked about the club’s performance. While Neville managed to get Josef Martinez back on form, resulting in victories over Atlanta United and New England Revolution, their form remains very spotty as they have now lost their last three MLS games.
Despite a dreadful start to the season, the New York Red Bulls have come back to life since Troylesene took over as head coach from the outgoing Gerhard Struber. Victory in the Hudson River Derby was a great start to his MLS career while also securing victory against CF Montreal. However, he suffered his first loss on the job when the team lost to the Seattle Sounders at Lumen Field last weekend.
forecast: While the New York Red Bulls appear to have turned the tide, Inter Miami is in the doldrums of poor form. Red Bulls win.
New York City FC vs Cincinnati FC
Thursday 1 June 00:30 BST
FC Cincinnati may be statistically one of the best teams in all of Major League Soccer right now, but can they do it on a Thursday night in the Big Apple? That’s the question Pat Noonan must answer as he rejuvenates FC Cincinnati’s team and takes on 2021 champions New York City FC.
However, the Pigeons have been on a strong run, losing to Toronto FC and Charlotte FC and even suffering a loss to the New York Red Bulls in the Hudson River Derby. It will be a difficult task to defeat FC Cincinnati. Especially considering the Ohio-based franchise has already beaten NYCFC once in the US Open Cup this season.
forecast: This game could be played at the legendary baseball venue Yankee Stadium, however it could be a cricket result in Cincinnati’s favour. You should triumph comfortably.
Seattle Sounders vs. San Jose Earthquakes
Thursday 1 June 03:30 BST
Rounding out the predictions for Week 16 of MLS in 2023 is a battle for West Coast dominance. There is perhaps no more competitive game within the Western Conference than the Seattle Sounders versus the San Jose Earthquakes. Recent encounters have ended 2-2, an insane 4-3 win for San Jose and even a US Open Cup game that required a penalty shootout.
While Brian Schmetzer has built a legacy in Seattle with top-flight football and top-notch results, recent results have evoked no such sentiments. Losses to Vancouver Whitecaps, Austin FC and Sporting Kansas City were alarming to say the least. They got back on track with a 1-0 win over the New York Red Bulls at the weekend.
forecast: Pull? Both teams have been significantly better this season and will bring out the best in each other.
