MAJOR League Soccer (MLS) returns on Saturday with two Eastern Conference match-ups that offer plenty for bettors to get stuck into.

New York Red Bulls will be looking to protect their strong home record against a struggling Charlotte FC side, while league front-runners Nashville SC travel to Orlando City aiming to extend their title charge.

Event #1 – Major League Soccer (MLS)

New York Red Bulls vs Charlotte FC

New York Red Bulls welcome Charlotte FC on Saturday, looking to continue their impressive home form. While both teams have produced inconsistent performances this season, the Red Bulls have been particularly strong on home soil, making them slight favorites heading into this Eastern Conference encounter.

The Red Bulls have enjoyed mixed results in recent weeks but have been difficult to beat at home, winning four of their last five league matches. They currently sit 13th in the Eastern Conference standings with six wins, four draws and five defeats, while scoring 25 goals and conceding 32 in their opening 15 matches. Their recent away victory over Sporting Kansas City suggests they may be building momentum at an important stage of the season.

Charlotte FC, who currently occupy eighth place in the Eastern Conference standings, head into this fixture in disappointing form, after losing five of their last six matches. Their away performances have also been of concern, with three consecutive defeats on the road. Facing a Red Bulls side that has been particularly effective at home presents another difficult challenge for the visitors.

Key Stats

• New York Red Bulls are unbeaten in their last four matches and have conceded in each of their last 15 league games.

• Charlotte FC have lost three consecutive away matches and are winless in their last six away meetings with the New York Red Bulls.

• Charlotte FC recorded an emphatic 6-1 victory when the two teams last met.

Recommended Bet: New York Red Bulls to win

Event #2 – Major League Soccer (MLS)

Orlando City vs Nashville SC

Orlando City host Nashville SC on Saturday in a match up featuring two teams enjoying very different seasons. While Orlando is looking to revive their campaign, Nashville will be aiming to continue their excellent form and strengthen their position near the top of the standings.

Orlando City has endured a difficult season, spending much of the campaign in the lower half of the Eastern Conference standings. They have recorded four wins, two draws and nine defeats from their opening 15 league matches. Defensively, Orlando has struggled, conceding 44 goals while scoring 23, a record that highlights the challenges they have faced throughout the season.

Nashville SC, by contrast, have been one of the league’s standout teams. They currently sit second in the standings with ten wins, three draws and only one defeat. Nashville has impressed at both ends of the pitch, scoring 31 goals while conceding just 11. Their recent form has been outstanding, with four wins and one draw from their last five league matches. A hard-fought 1-0 victory over Atlanta United in their previous outing has only added to their confidence heading into this contest.

Key Stats

• Orlando City have conceded at least one goal in each of their last 10 league matches.

• Nashville SC have won their last four league matches.

• Nashville beat Orlando City 5-0 in their most recent meeting and have scored in each of their last five matches.

Recommended Bet: Nashville SC to win