MLS Bets- Top Picks for 8/26/2023
Thanks for checking back in at i80 Sports. This week we are looking to capitalize on what was a sensational run. Last week we made 4.94 units across 5 bets, going 4-1 in the process. For accountability, as usual, here is last week's results.
Now, let us get into a great week of Major League Soccer action!
Match- Cincinnati FC host New York City FC
Pick- Cincinnati FC -113
This week the MLS best Cincinnati FC hosts NYCFC, who are currently 5-11-9. From a basic numbers standpoint, -113 seems like great odds.
This week, however, I have a special point to focus on teams that are in form- that have played more games over the past few months. NYCFC fits the bill as “out of form”- they lost their only game in a month 0-2 at home last week, and recorded their last away win on July 2nd.
NYCFC is good at getting backdoor draws, but Cincinnati has too much firepower. Their 39 goals scored and +11 goal differential will be too much for NYCFC. In comparison, New York has scored just 25 times this season and allowed a -7 goal differential.
Up top for Cincinnati, Brandon Vazquez will be playing angry after a mid-week “controversy” over fan-boying out for Leonel Messi. He should be joined by newbie Aaron Boupendza who has 6 shots, 5 on target, and 1 goal in his 89 MLS minutes this season.
Match- Red Bull NY host Inter Miami
Pick- Inter Miami +160
After all those games with Inter Miami, this weekend will be Leonel Messi’s first glimpse of MLS regular season action. He heads into Harrison, NJ to face a down-and-out Red Bull team.
After an offensive resurgence earlier this summer, Red Bull has fallen into a bit of malaise once again. They have only 3 goals in their last 3 matches, and are 1-2 in that span. They will be without some big pieces, too; Dante Vanzeir picked up a knock and was subbed out last game, Cory Burke is still questionable, and Lewis Morgan will continue his season-long stint on the injured list.
Having Messi come into town is also a horrible time for Kyle Duncan to miss the match. He is currently on a suspension for yellow card accumulation.
This game will be sold out AND have spectacle around it. Before the match there will be a concert featuring DMC and plenty of outside events for kids of all ages. This will have atmosphere and rhythm- I also love the over of 2.5 goals scored here.
Match- Real Salt Lake host Houston Dynamo
Pick- Real Salt Lake -124
Real Salt Lake will not be denied this season, and they have what should look like a simple home game against Houston this Saturday.
While RSL have struggled at home this season, they are undefeated with a 3-2-0 record in their last five. This matches up well against a Dynamo side that has .5 points per game on the road, and no win in their last 3 away trips.
This is going to be a battle; both teams are looking to move up the Western Conference standings. Salt Lake, however, has made all the right moves recently. They lost only one match, an Open Cup match to Houston, in their last 11 appearances, and are 7-3-1 in that span. They obviously will be looking for revenge here, and should get it in what I predict is an easy win.
Match- DC United host Philadelphia Union
Pick- Philadelphia Union +185
The 12-4-7 Philadelphia Union host DC United, currently 8-6-11. This is a simple match of a really good team facing a struggling team that just lost their star player.
We have to be fading DC United until they prove they can do anything without Taxi Fountas, who was traded after facing more allegations of verbal impropriety. DC United have only 1.45 points per game at home, and haven’t scored in their last 2 matches.
Taking an away team is never a sure thing, but we have to be feeling good about the union at +185; reality should reflect an even-money “coin toss” sort of matchup. Vegas is just wrong here.
Match- Minnesota United host Seattle Sounders
Pick- Minnesota United +111
The Loons in Minnesota have been soaring over their past few matches. They are 3-1-0 in their last 4 matches in MLS, including 2 home wins. You can add their great Leagues Cup performance, going 3-1 before bombing out against Nashville in the semifinal.
While Minnesota’s budding star Hlongwane will be a game time decision, they still have the addition of Reynoso and Pukki who were not with the team for the first half of the season. These are major additions that make any MLS team better, especially considering it was the offense, not their defense, which was losing them matches.
Minnesota will look for these additions to bring back the home field advantage they enjoyed over their last few seasons. This is a match they NEED to win to stay in the playoff hunt. They are currently 8-7-8 with the 9 seed in the Western Conference.
As always, i80 Sports suggests you check local laws before placing any sports wager. The odds you see here are from legal sports betting outlets in the state of NJ. It is your responsibility to know and to follow the law. Although we try and give accurate predictions and up-to-date information as we know it, i80 Sports cannot be held responsible for inaccurate information posted on our website. Contact us at i80sportsmedia@gmail.com if you find information you believe to be incorrect or misleading. These picks are made in conjunction with information provided and are not influenced by anyone outside the i80 Sports team. While we hope they are correct (and we help YOU have success), i80 Sports, its writers, or contributors cannot be held liable for any gambling losses.
