Our last group of clubs begin their 2025 Leagues Cup campaign as they kick off the tournament tonight. After this, every team will have one game behind them, and two more chances to earn as many points as possible before the bracket begins. With such a large table and a small number of matches to separate the teams, every little goal matters. We currently have three teams on the MLS table with three points, while four squads on the Liga MX side have an outright win. Let’s get in to tonight’s Leagues Cup picks!
Head over to our Soccer Picks Page for our expert’s soccer analysis, or read my best bets below.
Leagues Cup: Thursday’s Predictions July 31
Losing outright in 90 minutes is a death sentence in this tournament. Teams really need to at least make it 90 minutes and earn one point, thus eliminating their opponent’s chance at three for the match. Regardless, these teams playing tonight are seeing how the table is shaping out, and know what they have to do in order to put themselves in a spot to advance.
Monterrey vs. FC Cincinnati: Leagues Cup Picks
Lucas Ocampos and Monterrey start off the Leagues Cup against FC Cincinnati
Best Bet: Monterrey ML (+151) BetOnline
We’re going with the value play here. Monterrey is coming off two straight wins after losing to Pachuca to open their season. However, they played very well in the FIFA Club World Cup, drawing with UCL Runner Ups Inter Milan, and giving Borussia Dortmund something to think about on their flight home.
The point is, led by Sergio Ramos, this club can go anywhere. They came back against Atlas in their last match, and have dominated possession in every single contest so far this year. While FC Cincinnati has been rock solid recently, including shutting out Inter Miami twice, they haven’t been that impressive against top teams in the league.
They currently sit No. 2 in the Eastern Conference and overall in the MLS based on points. However, against other teams ranked inside the top four, it hasn’t been pretty. I think they are seriously tested tonight against Monterrey, and I see the Mexican side escaping with a win.
Prediction: Monterrey Wins 1-0 (+900)
Cruz Azul vs. Seattle Sounders: Leagues Cup Picks
Back the Seattle Sounders tonight at home against Cruz Azul
Best Bet: Seattle Sounders +0.5 (-148) BetOnline
The Seattle Sounders host Cruz Azul whom they have already seen twice in 2025. During the Concacaf Champions Cup in March, Seattle hosted Cruz Azul to a scoreless draw in the first leg of their Round of 16 contest. However, a week later in Mexico City, the hosts spanked the Sounders, beating them 4-1 to advance.
Now Seattle has a shot at revenge as these clubs meet in a different tournament. Cruz Azul is unbeaten with one win in three Liga MX matches, but they haven’t really been tested during their league play. Tonight they will be.
This is a home game for Seattle, where they are rock solid no matter what.
The Sounders have lost just one match at home all year long (excluding their three Club World Cup matches). Other than that, they are 8-5-1 at home this season beating some very good teams who have come to town: San Diego (No. 1 in West), Nashville (No. 3 in East), and LAFC (No.6 in West).
Tonight, I think they at least pull off a draw and I’m willing to pay the juice that they do so.
Prediction: Seattle Wins 2-1 (+900) OR 1-1 Draw (+600)
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