Major League Soccer Picks and Predictions (11/08): MLS Playoffs Round One Wraps Up

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Diego Rossi and Columbus take on FC Cincinnati on the road - MLS Picks

Yes, we will still have one stand alone Round One match in the MLS Playoffs tomorrow as San Diego FC takes on the Portland Timbers, but there are three matches on Saturday for our viewing pleasure. Let’s get right into our favorite picks and predictions for the contests on the pitch in the MLS. Who will move on to the conference semifinals?

We had a successful regular season and beyond. Let’s keep it going.

  • MLS YTD
  • 62-61-7 (50.4%)
  • +7.02u
  • Avg Odds: +113

After a rough start to the playoffs, we are back in the green. Betting plus money helps a ton.

  • MLS Playoffs YTD
  • 6-6-2 (50%)
  • +1.61u
  • Avg Odds: +110

Head over to our MLS Picks Page for our expert’s soccer analysis, or read my best bets below.

Major League Soccer: Round One Predictions November 8

These matches are it. It is the third meeting in this series, so whomever walks way victorious tonight moves on, while the loser’s season is over. Everything is on the line today.

Minnesota United vs. Seattle Sounders MLS Picks

Pedro de la Vega and Seattle look to take down Minnesota on the road this afternoon - MLS Picks

Pedro de la Vega and Seattle look to take down Minnesota on the road this afternoon

Best Bet: Seattle Sounders ML (+134) BetOnline

We are simply taking the better team here (in my eyes). This will be the fifth meeting between these two clubs so far this year, and Minnesota leads the season series 2-1-1. However, every single match has been dominated by the Sounders.

For starters, Seattle has outshot Minnesota in the past three matches, and the series is technically tied on aggregate score with each team netting six goals. However, Seattle has controlled the rest of the stat sheet. They’ve earned over 60% of possession in each contest, with that number jumping to 65% in three of the four meetings. Plus, they won the corner kick battle 17-3 in their first two matches.

If the Sounders can come prepared defensively, they win this match. The team is flooded with veteran players who have been in this position before, and I see them stepping up to the challenge when their team needs it most. As for the Loonies, their offense has gone downhill after loaning Canadian striker Tani Oluwaseyi to Villarreal. He was second on the team in scoring this year, and their offense certainly takes a step back without him. Give me the experienced team to finish the job.

Prediction: Seattle Sounders Win 2-0 (+1200)

FC Cincinnati vs. Columbus Crew: MLS Picks

Pavel Bucha and FC Cincinnati host the Columbus Crew tonight - MLS Picks

Pavel Bucha and FC Cincinnati host the Columbus Crew tonight

Best Bets: FC Cincinnati Draw No Bet (-118) BetOnline

Let’s back the hosts on the pick ’em line in the Battle of Ohio. This will also be the fifth meeting between these teams, and we’ve seen two Crew victories, one draw, and an FC Cincinnati win in game one of this series. Ultimately, I think FC Cincinnati is the better team. Now, the Crew have had two big victories, winning 4-2 on the road during the season and 4-0 at home in match two of these MLS Playoffs while Cincy squeaked out a 1-0 win in game one.

However, this team still had one of the best back lines in the entire league, especially at home. I trust them to come focused and end this in regulation time, or at least hold on to force a shootout, thus letting us walk away with a push. You could also take them to advance at -120 if you wanted something to sweat through the potential shootout. Even without left back Yuya Kubo who is suspended, Cincinnati will simply switch to a three in the back formation, thus boosting their already stellar attack.

Prediction: FC Cincinnati Wins 1-0 (+1100)

Inter Miami vs. Nashville SC: MLS Picks

Can Messi and Inter Miami get past Nashville SC in the MLS Playoffs? MLS Picks

Can Messi and Inter Miami get past Nashville SC in the MLS Playoffs?

Heavy Lean: Inter Miami ML/Under 5.5 (-122) BetOnline

I didn’t bet this, but I certainly lean this way. Both playoff matches between these teams have stayed under this inflated total, and three of their four meetings so far this season. In Miami, the hosts have won both matches, and have stayed under this number as well, meaning this parlay would’ve cashed in both matches at Chase Stadium already this year.

While I have plenty of respect for this Nashville team, especially defensively, I don’t think they can hold Miami down. Even in their victory last match, they needed a penalty kick in the 9′ minute to take the lead, followed by spending the entire match defending their net. Miami only had three shots on target but still outshot their hosts overall, while gaining over 60% of possession. They have the fire power to send this team back to Music City booking their flights home for the holidays.

Prediction: Inter Miami Wins 2-0 (+1000)

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