Atlanta United vs. FC Cincinnati - July 16, 9:00AM EDT
We tipped Atlanta (+1200) to struggle against New York Red Bulls (+2100) in their opening game after flattering to deceive us in the first two regular season games. Our MLS betting tips had them down with a tie, but they went onto do even worse with a 1-0 loss. Frank de Boer's side dominated both total shots and overall possession during the game, but the Josef Martinez hole in the side was once again on show for all to see as they only put four of their fourteen shots on target. For reference, Red Bulls had six total shots and put the same amount on target.
Thankfully, the Five Stripes are coming up against the worst side in Major League Soccer right now. After finishing the 2019 season with the wooden spoon, Cincinnati (+10000) have undergone plenty of drama off the pitch, a new manager in Jaap Stam at the helm, and limp into the second round of fixtures on the back of the tournament's heaviest defeat so far. Though they conceded four goals, they also looked exceptionally short in front of goal with the absence of star loanee Jurgen Locadia, who might not be fit enough to make the team for this one either.
Our prediction Atlanta suddenly need a win quite badly and should have enough here. Don't expect anything pretty though.
Montreal Impact vs. Toronto - July 16, 8:00PM EDT
Thierry Henry's Montreal Impact (+3300) were badly off the pace in their opening game against New England Revolution (+2900), and fell to a seriously damaging 1-0 loss. It was the first time Henry had seen a disappointing performance from his side since his arrival in the summer, and it'll be fascinating to see what changes when they kick off again on Thursday. With Toronto and D.C. coming up, Impact will certainly have their work cut out trying to escape from Group C.
On the flip side, 2018 MLS Cup runners-up Toronto (+1400) were absolutely cruising in their opening game against D.C (+3600), racking up 17 shots and 66% possession as they took a 2-0 lead through Ayo Akinola's brace. What followed was a painful reminder that you can never shut off during a Major League match, with D.C. scoring twice in the 84th and 91st minute to snatch a point. With a lot suddenly on the line for Toronto, expect to see some serious retaliation here.
Our prediction Toronto bossed their game against D.C. and won't make the same mistakes twice. Toronto for the win here
Columbus Crew vs. New York Red Bulls - July 16, 10:30PM EDT
A battle between two of the hottest form sides in the MLS right now, all our MLS betting odds point to this being a tight one.
Columbus Crew (+2800) are certainly one of the tournament's dark horses with their exciting attacking style of play, and they put themselves on the map big time with their 4-0 demolishing of Cincy. Gyasi Zardes bagged two of the goals on the day and the legendary Crew forward is always a popular pick for a goal when Columbus take to the pitch.
New York Red Bulls gave Major League Soccer a perfect example of being clinical in getting results against Atlanta last time out, and arguably stand the best chance of progressing out of Group E with just a game against Cincinnati after this.
Our prediction It's so hard trying to separate these two sides, so we're not even going to try. Tied game.
Sign Up and never miss out on any of the Action!Keep up to date with all the latest goings on in the MLS and the world of sport at William Hill!
