Although there is plenty of excitement surrounding the return of the English Premier League, we cannot forget about the massive Major League Soccer slate that Saturday brings us. We’ve got 12 matches across the MLS board, so we dove in and found our favorite picks to share with you this weekend.
- MLS YTD
- 36-38-3 (48.7%)
- +2.00u
- Avg Odds: +113
Head over to our MLS Picks Page for our expert’s soccer analysis, or read my best bets below.
Major League Soccer: Saturday’s Predictions August 16
Toronto FC vs. Columbus Crew: MLS Picks
Diego Rossi and Columbus take on Toronto FC tonight
Best Bet: Columbus Crew ML (-101) BetOnline
We’re backing the better team on the road, plain and simple. The Crew have gotten the better of Toronto in their last three meetings, shutting them out each time, outscoring their foes 8-0 in the process. Columbus are playing their first MLS match since winning two straight to end Phase One of the Leagues Cup, and they were rock solid in domestic play before that.
Columbus are 5-2-1 in their last eight MLS matches, and even on the road, I trust they will show out against Toronto.
The Canadien side hasn’t won in their last three MLS matches, and haven’t been home in a while. They just picked up Djordje Mihailovic from Colorado, and he certainly helps the squad. But this team has bigger issues, and the Crew have much more to play for tonight.
Prediction: Columbus Crew Win 2-1 (+725)
Minnesota United vs. Seattle Sounders: MLS Picks
Minnesota United hosts Western Conference rival, the Seattle Sounders tonight
Best Bet: Under 2.75 (-108) Bovada
If you aren’t feeling the Asian handicap, pay some juice on Under 3 at -155, but I only think we see two goals tonight. I have enjoyed betting on both of these Western Conference squads this season, and as they go head to head, I’ve got to side with a draw, hopefully 1-1 or scoreless for our sake.
These two were involved in a five goal thriller earlier in the season in Seattle, but tonight I expect both defenses to step up. In that match, Minnesota netted all three of their goals in a seven minute span in the second half, and Seattle netted one of their two during that stretch, getting the other on an own goal in the 83′.
The point is, despite one minuscule moment, defenses really showed out. This time around, they will be in perfect form, ready to shutout the other side. Both teams give up less than 1.4 goals per match, and in this second meeting, I expect defense to rule the field.
Prediction: 1-1 Draw (+575)
Portland Timbers vs. FC Cincinnati: MLS Picks
Evander and FC Cincinnati take on Portland on the road tonight
Best Bet: FC Cincinnati ML (+160) BetOnline
Let’s start with what might not be obvious, this is, minimum, 10 cents better than the rest of the market. I’ve even seen a 15-25 cent difference on some books, so bet this at BetOnline and get the most bang for your buck. They are also offering the best lines for Draw No Bet at -116 from what I’ve seen. However you want to back them, Cincy gets it done on the West Coast tonight.
Sure, they just lost at home to Charlotte in their first MLS match since a bad showing in the Leagues Cup. However, they are unbeaten in their last five on the road, winning four of those matches outright. They’ve only played two other Western Conference teams on the road, but they won both matches, beating Nashville 2-1 at GEODIS Park (which is incredibly tough to do) and beating Real Salt Lake 1-0 in Utah.
This is the furthest they’ve had to go out West, but they are up for the challenge. I also glanced at their Team Total Over 1.5 (+133), but figured two goals should be enough to win.
As for Portland, they are coming off a 2-0 shutout loss on the road to FC Dallas, who isn’t all that great. Plus, they are just 1-1-1 in their last three at home, beating New England (No. 11 in East), but losing to Real Salt Lake (No. 10 in West) and drawing with Minnesota United (No. 3 in West).
Against the No. 2 team in the East, who could jump to the top with a win and a Philadelphia Union loss, I see Cincinnati trending in the right direction, while Portland continues to slip down the standings.
Prediction: FC Cincinnati Wins 2-0 (+1100)
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