Betfair Live Video: The MLS returns with a nation on a soccer high.

The Revolution fans will turn up in numbers

The MLS is making it's return with the World Cup still in full swing. Lewis Watson takes a look at the betting, with two Sunday morning games being streamed live on Betfair Live Video...

DC United v Seattle Sounders
Sunday 00:00

As we approach the midway mark in the regular season, it's time for the conference leaders to go 'mano-a-mano' in Washington, in what could be a spicy encounter. Although the trials and tribulations of the World Cup still rumble on, national thoughts will return to the domestic league this weekend, despite Jurgen the German uniting the States, with 'Team USA' clambering out of Group G.

After limping to a woeful sixteen points last season, DC United's fortunes have changed in dramatic fashion this campaign. Sitting at the top of the Eastern Conference, two clear of New England, Ben Olsen's 'black and reds' have impressed with their attacking style, with Argentinean Espindola taking most of the plaudits. 

However, after spraining his right knee last week, the seven goal 'MVP' contender looks set for six weeks on the physio table leaving options up top a lot more sparse. A possible replacement can be found in the competent American Luis Silva, who after bagging a hat-trick in his last outing in Montreal will be keen to stake his claim as a regular starter. 

With seven wins in fifteen matches you would be hesitant to claim DC are cruising in this conference, but with a Playoff place the minimum target now for the remaining games, Olsen can maybe start to dream of bringing a bit of success back to the RFK Stadium after a ten year wait.

In a more comfortable and impressive situation, the visitors have already stretched their lead at the top of the Western Conference to a formidable seven points. With a team full of recognisable stars, the attacking force of Dempsey and Martins is one that has really shone so far this campaign, despite Dempsey's loyalties being split with international duty.  

Well balanced and understandably reliant on the midfield presence that is Gonzalo Pineda, Sounders have found the net 32 times already, averaging over two goals a match in a very unpredictable league. In only their seventh season since being founded, many believe Sigi Schmid has what it takes to guide this side to end of season silverware.

Recommended Bets:
Back the draw @ 3.3512/5
Back under 2.5 goals @ 1.9720/21

New England Revolution v Philadelphia Union
Sunday 00:30

In this Eastern Conference clash, both New England and Philadelphia arrive at the Gillette Stadium in a questionable run of form. After letting top spot slip to DC United after back-to-back losses, Jay Heaps's men will have one eye on returning to the summit with a game in hand also at their disposal. 

After getting off to more than a sluggish start this campaign, Revolution, well... they 'revolutionised' their form which saw them claim six wins from their following seven outings. Within that run they hit both Seattle and Sunday's opponents Philadelphia Union for five in back-to-back goal frenzies.

After reaching the perch of the Eastern Conference, they have since become unstuck after 2-0 defeats at the hands of Montreal and the Red Bulls. Defoe and his Toronto team mates may well claim to be breathing down the necks of the leaders (with three games in hand), meaning a strong run of results could see them leapfrog them from fourth into a table topping position.

In terms of ammunition, the youthful swagger of Fagundez, Mullins and Bunbury has plagued many an MLS defence so far this campaign. With a modest ten goals between the three, support from midfield star man Lee Nguyen has proved the difference in many meetings. 

After struggling to make a considerable impression on the MLS since being founded in 2008, Philadelphia's progression in the last six years has been a slow and stuttered affair. This campaign, sitting eighth in the Eastern Conference, the 'Zolos' have struggled for any form of consistency, notching up just three wins in sixteen outings.   

Interim manager Jim Curtis may well have a 'two and 0' record since his default appointment a fortnight ago, however, slender victories in the US Open Cup against City Islanders and NY Cosmos will hardly prove the catalyst for the Union fans to feel they have turned a corner this campaign.

With a win apiece so far this season accumulating in an aggregate of 5-4 to New England, this one seems a closer affair on paper that reality. This is Union's first visit to the Gillette Stadium this campaign, and with the hosts in need to get back on track, expect a competent performance from New England culminating in a comfortable victory. 

Recommended Bets:
Back New England to win @ 1.981/1
Back over 2.5 goals @ 2.0621/20