Category: MLS Picks and Predictions

Philadelphia Phillies at Tampa Bay Rays odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Tuesday’s Philadelphia Phillies at Tampa Bay Rays odds and lines, with MLB expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Philadelphia Phillies (44-39) and Tampa Bay Rays (57-30) meet Tuesday as they open a 3-game series in St. Petersburg. First pitch at Tropicana Field is slated for 4:10 p.m. ET (MLB Network). Let’s analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the Phillies vs. Rays odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: First meeting since 2021; Tampa Bay has won 7 straight series games since 2020

Philadelphia drubbed the Washington Nationals 19-4 Saturday, but was dealt a pair of 1-run losses in a 2-1 weekend-series defeat. The Phillies, who were off Monday, are 3rd in the NL East, 12 1/2 games back  of the Atlanta Braves.

Tampa Bay was also off Monday after returning from a 3-3 road trip to Arizona and Seattle. The Rays have slowed down since winning 7 straight from June 3-9; they are 10-11 since. During that stretch, Tampa Bay has logged a 4.88 ERA in going 4-4 at home. They lead the AL East by 6 games.

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Phillies at Rays projected starters

RHP Aaron Nola vs. RHP Zach Eflin

Nola (7-5, 4.51 ERA) makes his 18th start. He owns a 1.12 WHIP, 2.5 BB/9 and 8.7 K/9 in 105 2/3 innings.

  • Allowed 4 runs in his last start and owns a 4.81 ERA since May 25
  • Has a 3.40 ERA on home turf, but a 5.34 figure on the road

Eflin (9-3, 3.29 ERA) makes his 16th start. He has registered a 1.03 WHIP, 1.5 BB/9 and 9.1 K/9 in 90 1/3 innings.

  • Has been tougher this year on left-handed bats. That’ll be a big key against a left-loaded, righty-bashing Philadelphia club that, since June 1, owns a .781 OPS against righties.
  • Has a 2.17 ERA, 0.89 WHIP at Tropicana
  • Pitched for Philadelphia from 2016-22
  • Has gone 6-plus innings in 10 of his last 11 starts

Phillies at Rays odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:59 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline: Phillies +124 (bet $100 to win $124) | Rays -146 (bet $146 to win $100)
  • Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Phillies +1.5 (-176) | Rays -1.5 (+146)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 8 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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Phillies at Rays picks and predictions

Prediction

Phillies 4, Rays 3

Moneyline

Nola has been sharper of late than what shows in his surface line. The veteran righty does well to limit hard contact, but he’s been perhaps a bit unlucky in his percentage of fly balls hit over the fence. Like Eflin, he’s missing a lot of bats in the zone lately. He’s backed by a quality bullpen, and that fact looks to be muddied by the surface ERAs for both clubs (Philadelphia 3.89, Tampa Bay 3.82). Rays relievers have been bolstered by a .259 batting average on balls in play.

Philadelphia has been the sharper club of late, and the Phils are 3-1 over their last 4 games after an off day (Tampa 0-3 in their last 3 in such situations).

TAKE THE PHILLIES (+124).

Run line/Against the spread

More juice here, which looks to be cutting too far into Philly’s leverage. PASS.

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Over/Under

Crisscrossing signals on both sides of the balls and for both teams. AVOID.

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FC Cincinnati vs. New England Revolution odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s FC Cincinnati vs. New England Revolution odds and lines, with expert MLS picks, predictions and best bets.

FC Cincinnati (13 wins, 2 losses, 4 draws) welcomes the New England Revolution (10-3-6) to TQL Stadium Saturday. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET (Apple TV). Below, we preview BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the FC Cincinnati vs. New England Revolution odds, and make our best expert MLS picks and predictions.

FC Cincinnati is perfect at home with a 10-0-0 record. However, it was destroyed in its last time on the pitch, a 3-0 loss Saturday to D.C. United at Audi Field. FCC has won 7 of its last 9 matches this season. It is led by M Luciano Acosta, who has scored 9 goals this season.

The Revolution are 3-3 on the road this season and are coming off a 2-1 win at home against Toronto FC. They have won 3 straight games, all at home, while drawing the 2 road matches prior to those. They are led by F Carles Gil and F Bobby Wood, both with 7 goals.

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FC Cincinnati vs. New England Revolution odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 7:19 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline: FC Cincinnati +100 (bet $100 to win $100) | New England Revolution +230 (bet $100 to win $230) | Draw +260 (bet $100 to win $260)
  • Over/Under: 2.5 (O: -150 | U: +105)

World class soccer coverage all in one place: Get ESPN+

FC Cincinnati vs. New England Revolution picks and predictions

Prediction

FC Cincinnati 1, New England Revolution 1

Moneyline (ML)

SPRINKLE DRAW (+260).

FC Cincinnati will be without F Brandon Vazquez, who scored the equalizing goal against Jamaica for the USMNT, and key D Matt Miazga. Both of those players have been pivotal for FCC’s success.

Despite its success at home, FCC has struggled on the road, and it will be facing a surging Revolution side that was the best team in the Eastern Conference in 2021.

New England has had more expected goals than its opponent in 3 of its last 6 road matches this season as well. Considering its recent success and recent surge, take a DRAW(+260).

Over/Under (O/U)

BET UNDER 2.5 (+105).

The Revolution have tightened up their play defensively lately, allowing just 3 goals in their last 4 matches. They allow just 1.21 goals per game. FCC, on the other hand, won’t have a key scorer and has among the best defenses in the MLS, allowing multiple goals in just 4 games this season. It has allowed multiple goals just once at home this season.

Both FCC and New England rank in the top 3 in save percentage, so the keepers have been strong this season. Both teams also rank in the bottom half of the league in goals allowed. Considering the strong defenses, take UNDER 2.5 (+100).

Check out Pro Soccer Wire: For the American soccer fan, USA TODAY Sports Media Group’s website provides a fresh look at the beautiful game.

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow @nathanbeighle_ on Twitter. Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

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FC Dallas vs. LAFC odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s FC Dallas vs. LAFC odds and lines, with expert MLS picks, predictions and best bets.

FC Dallas (7 wins, 7 losses, 5 draws) welcomes LAFC (9-4-5) to Toyota Stadium Saturday. Kickoff is set for 8:30 p.m. ET (Apple TV). Below, we preview BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the FC Dallas vs. LAFC odds, and make our best expert MLS picks and predictions.

LAFC is tied for 1st in the Western Conference with St. Louis City. It actually has more points per game as well, having played 1 fewer match. LAFC is coming off a 3-2 home loss to Vancouver, its 3rd loss in its last 5 games. LAFC has scored 28 goals and allowed 19 through 18 matches and is led by F Denis Bouanga, who has 11 goals in 16 matches.

FC Dallas sits 7th on the West table and has scored 21 goals and allowed 22. It is a strong 5-2-2 at home though. FC Dallas has lost 4 of its last 5 and its last 3 on the road. FC Dallas is led by USMNT F Jesus Ferreira, who has 10 goals in 18 matches, but will be with the national team for their CONCACAF Gold Cup group stage games.

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FC Dallas vs. LAFC odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 7:15 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline: FC Dallas +180 (bet $100 to win $180) | LAFC +130 (bet $100 to win $130) | Draw +240 (bet $100 to win $240)
  • Over/Under: 2.5 (O: -135 | U: -110)

World class soccer coverage all in one place: Get ESPN+

FC Dallas vs. LAFC picks and predictions

Prediction

LAFC 2, FC Dallas 0

Moneyline (ML)

BET LAFC (+130).

FC Dallas has struggled immensely in the attack without the presence of Ferreira. The team has scored just 21 goals on the season, and he has 10. No other player has more than 2.

Without the star forward, the home side will struggle in the final third, and that should lower the expectations. FC Dallas is also riding a 2-game losing streak and has lost 4 of its last 5 and 1 of its last 2 home matches.

LAFC, on the other side, has had more expected goals than its opponent in 7 of its last 9 matches. It is the better side here. Take LAFC (+130).

Over/Under (O/U)

LEAN UNDER 2.5 (-110).

LAFC has gone Under this total in 3 of its last 6 games and has allowed fewer than one expected goal in 5 of its last 8 matches. Both teams have performed well defensively this season, and the absence of Ferreira will be pivotal for the home side.

FC Dallas has gone Under in 2 of its last 3 games. It has allowed fewer than 1 expected goal in 7 of its last 9 games. Expect strong defensive performances and take UNDER 2.5 (-110).

Check out Pro Soccer Wire: For the American soccer fan, USA TODAY Sports Media Group’s website provides a fresh look at the beautiful game.

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow @nathanbeighle_ on Twitter. Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

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San Jose Earthquakes vs. St. Louis City SC odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s San Jose Earthquakes vs. St. Louis City SC odds and lines, with expert MLS picks, predictions and best bets.

The San Jose Earthquakes (7 wins, 6 losses, 6 draws) welcome St. Louis City SC (9-7-2) to PayPal Park Saturday. Kickoff is set for 10:30 p.m. ET. Below, we preview BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the San Jose Earthquakes vs. St. Louis City SC odds, and make our best expert MLS picks and predictions.

San Jose has been unstoppable at home this season (6-0-3 on the year), having all but 1 of its wins at PayPal Park. It is coming off a 4-1 road loss to the Houston Dynamo Wednesday.

The Earthquakes are led by F Cristian Espinoza, who has 8 goals in 19 matches, and F Jeremy Ebobisse (7 goals), who is their lone other player with more than 2 shots netted on the season.

St. Louis has lost 3 of its last 4 matches and 3 straight on the road (3-4-1 away record this season). It lost 3-1 to Real Salt Lake Wednesday and 3-1 to Nashville SC last Saturday.

St. Louis is led by F Nicholas Gioacchini, who has 8 goals in 18 matches.

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San Jose Earthquakes vs. St. Louis City SC odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:59 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline: San Jose Earthquakes +115 (bet $100 to win $115) | St. Louis City +210 (bet $100 to win $210) | Draw +260
  • Over/Under: 2.5 (O: -160 | U: +110)

World class soccer coverage all in one place: Get ESPN+

San Jose Earthquakes vs. St. Louis City SC picks and predictions

Prediction

San Jose Earthquakes 2, St. Louis City 1

Moneyline (ML)

BET SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES (+115).

The Earthquakes have been terrific at home, and they have taken down some top sides as well, beating Houston, LAFC and the Philadelphia Union at PayPal Park.

San Jose has a dynamic duo of forwards as well that should break through what’s been a soft St. Louis defense. St. Louis has struggled lately and will be on the road, where it hasn’t performed well this season.

St. Louis has lost 3 straight on the road and 4 of its last 5 road matches. That said, take SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES (+115).

Over/Under (O/U)

LEAN OVER 2.5 (-160).

St. Louis has gone Over in 5 of 8 road matches this season and has allowed 3 goals per game throughout its last 2.

San Jose has gone Over in 5 of 9 home matches and has had more than 1 expected goal in all but 2 matches. It has also allowed more than 1 expected goal in 5 of 9 home matches.

There should be ample opportunity in this game. Take OVER 2.5 (-160).

Check out Pro Soccer Wire: For the American soccer fan, USA TODAY Sports Media Group’s website provides a fresh look at the beautiful game.

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow @nathanbeighle_ on Twitter. Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

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D.C. United vs. FC Cincinnati odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s D.C. United vs. FC Cincinnati odds and lines, with expert MLS picks, predictions and best bets.

D.C. United (6 wins, 8 losses, 5 draws) welcomes FC Cincinnati (13-1-4) to Audi Field Saturday. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET. Below, we preview BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the D.C. United vs. FC Cincinnati odds, and make our best expert MLS picks and predictions.

D.C. United comes into this game with a 3-3-3 home record. It is averaging 1.37 goals per game while allowing 1.37, having scored and allowed 26 through 19 matches. It is led by former Belgium star F Christian Benteke, who has 8 goals in 18 matches. United has lost back-to-back games, most recently losing 2-1 to Real Salt Lake at home.

FC Cincinnati beat Toronto 3-0 in a midweek match at home Wednesday, but it is just 3-1-4 on the road this season. FCC is averaging 1.67 goals per game. It is led by its defense, allowing a mere 0.89. Star M Luciano Acosta leads the team with 9 goals in 17 matches. M Alvaro Barreal has a team-high 4 assists.

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D.C. United vs. FC Cincinnati odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:08 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline: D.C. United +110 (bet $100 to win $110) | FC Cincinnati +220 (bet $100 to win $220) | Draw +250
  • Over/Under: 2.5 (O: -145 | U: +100)

World class soccer coverage all in one place: Get ESPN+

D.C. United vs. FC Cincinnati picks and predictions

Prediction

D.C. United 1, FC Cincinnati 1

Moneyline (ML)

SPRINKLE DRAW (+250).

FCC has drawn on the road as many times as it has won and lost combined.

While it beat United at home 2-1 on May 6, it has just 0.1 more expected goals than its opponent which suggests it didn’t drastically outplay DC despite being at home. FCC has drawn 2 of its last 4 road matches as well.

United has drawn 2 of their last 4 home matches. For a small unit, take DRAW (+250).

Over/Under (O/U)

BET UNDER 2.5 (+100).

United has scored in 5 straight home games despite having under 1.0 expected goals in 2 of those. They haven’t consistently generated offense. In 3 of those, they held their opponent to under 1.0 expected goals as well despite having allowed a goal per game over their 5 last matches.

Basically, they have scored often without creating many chances and allowed goals despite limiting quality opportunities. Both teams rank in the bottom half of the league in shots against, with Cincinnati No. 2 in save percentage.

FCC has gone Under this total in 3 of its last 5 matches and 3 of its last 4 on the road. Take the UNDER 2.5 (+100).

Check out Pro Soccer Wire: For the American soccer fan, USA TODAY Sports Media Group’s website provides a fresh look at the beautiful game.

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow @nathanbeighle_ on Twitter. Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

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LAFC vs. Seattle Sounders odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s LAFC vs. Seattle Sounders odds and lines, with expert MLS picks, predictions and best bets.

LAFC (8 wins, 3 losses, 5 draws) welcomes the Seattle Sounders (8-6-4) to BMO Stadium Wednesday. Kickoff in the high-profile MLS Western Conference showdown is set for 10:30 p.m. ET (Apple TV). Below, we preview BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the LAFC vs. Seattle Sounders odds, and make our best expert MLS picks and predictions.

LAFC took down Sporting KC 2-1 last Saturday. However, it lost 2 straight prior to that match, having had fewer expected goals in 2 of its last 3 games as well. LAFC is 5-1-2 at home this season. Offensively, it is led by F Denis Bouanga, who has 10 goals in 14 matches. LAFC also has a solid defense, allowing just 1 goal per game.

Seattle hasn’t played since a 3-3 draw on the road with Charlotte FC on June 10. The Sounders have 2 straight draws and are 3-3-2 on the road this season. Like LAFC, Seattle has had a formidable defense, allowing just 0.94 goals per game. It is led on the other end by USMNT F Jordan Morris, who has 9 goals in 16 matches.

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LAFC vs. Seattle Sounders odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:50 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline: LAFC -120 (bet $120 to win $100) | Seattle Sounders +290 (bet $100 to win $290) | Draw +260
  • Over/Under: 2.5 (O: -135 | U: -110)

World class soccer coverage all in one place: Get ESPN+

LAFC vs. Seattle Sounders picks and predictions

Prediction

LAFC 1, Seattle Sounders 0

Moneyline (ML)

LEAN LAFC (-120).

LAFC has been terrific at home and Seattle will be short-handed in this match. Morris and M Cristian Roldan will be with the USMNT, and Seattle could be without a few other key players also on international duty. The Sounders, for a team of their caliber, haven’t been great on the road, losing 2 of their last 5 matches.

LAFC bounced back well with a win over Sporting and has been terrific at home, winning 5 of 8 matches. Without Morris and Roldan, the Sounders wouldn’t be sitting No. 3, so they won’t be the same dynamic side.

With that in mind, take LAFC (-130).

Over/Under (O/U)

BET UNDER 2.5 (-110).

The Sounders have gone Under in 3 of their last 4 road matches, and they have scored more than 1 goal in just 3 of 8 road matches this season.

LAFC has gone Under this total in 3 of its last 6 and in its last 2 home matches. It has allowed multiple goals in 1 of its last 7 games and has scored multiple goals in just 1 of its last 4.

Both teams also have a strong defense. With each in in the bottom 5 in the MLS in shots against, the defenses should shine on Wednesday.

Put it all together and take the UNDER 2.5 (-110).

Check out Pro Soccer Wire: For the American soccer fan, USA TODAY Sports Media Group’s website provides a fresh look at the beautiful game.

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow @nathanbeighle_ on Twitter. Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

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Nashville SC vs. St. Louis City SC odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Nashville SC vs. St. Louis City SC odds and lines, with expert MLS picks, predictions and best bets.

Nashville SC (9 wins, 3 losses, 5 draws) welcomes St. Louis City SC (9-5-2) to GEODIS Park Saturday. Kickoff is set for 8:30 p.m. ET. Below, we preview BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Nashville SC vs. St. Louis City SC odds, and make our best expert MLS picks and predictions.

Nashville is 6-1-2 at home this season, so it has been resilient at home. It is coming off a 1-1 road draw with Toronto FC. Nashville has not lost a game since April 15, a 9-game unbeaten streak. It has won 4 of its last 5 matches as well. It is led by F Hany Makhtar, who has 10 goals in 17 games.

St. Louis City SC has cooled off since its red-hot start, winning its first 5 games of the season. It is 3-1-1 over its last 5. It is coming off a 1-1 draw with LA Galaxy last Saturday. St. Louis has been led by a dynamic attack, averaging 2.06 goals per game. F Nicholas Gioacchini leads the way with 6 goals in 16 matches.

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Nashville SC vs. St. Louis City SC odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:40 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline: Nashville SC -145 (bet $145 to win $100) | St. Louis City SC +360 (bet $100 to win $360) | Draw +280
  • Over/Under: 2.5 (O: -145 | U: +100)

World class soccer coverage all in one place: Get ESPN+

Nashville SC vs. St. Louis City SC picks and predictions

Prediction

Nashville SC 2, St. Louis City SC 0

Moneyline (ML)

LEAN NASHVILLE SC (-145).

The reasoning is here for Nashville to come out on top at home, and the value has increased Saturday morning.

Nashville has been on fire as of late, and it has a very talented team to back that up. St. Louis has been impressive, but it has struggled on the road. It has been even worse as of late, losing 3 of its last 4 road matches.

It has had fewer expected goals than its opponent in 4 straight road matches as well. The value isn’t there to take this for a full unit, but for a half-unit, back NASHVILLE SC (-145).

Over/Under (O/U)

BET UNDER 2.5 (+100).

St. Louis’ offense has been electric, but it has been hit or miss. Over its last 4 road matches, it has scored just 1 goal and gone Under this total in 3 of 4 matches despite still averaging 2.06 goals per game.

It allowed just 1.06 while Nashville allows just 0.71, so both teams have a rock-solid defense. Nashville has not allowed multiple goals at home this season and has had 4 clean sheets in 9 matches. It has gone Under this total in 5 of 9 home matches as well.

Back UNDER 2.5 (+100).

Check out Pro Soccer Wire: For the American soccer fan, USA TODAY Sports Media Group’s website provides a fresh look at the beautiful game.

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow @nathanbeighle_ on Twitter. Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

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LAFC vs. Houston Dynamo odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s LAFC vs. Houston Dynamo odds and lines, with expert MLS picks, predictions and best bets.

The Houston Dynamo (6 wins, 7 losses, 3 draws) visit LAFC (7-2-5) at BMO Stadium Wednesday. Kickoff is set for 10:30 p.m. ET. Below, we preview BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the LAFC vs. Houston Dynamo odds, and make our best expert MLS picks and predictions.

LAFC is coming into this game after losing 4-0 to Houston on the road Saturday. It ended with just 0.7 expected goals, snapping an 8-game streak of having at least 1 expected goal. LAFC is led by F Denis Bouanga, who has 10 goals in 14 matches this season. It is unbeaten at home, posting a 5-0-2 record at BMO Stadium.

Houston is 0-6-2 on the road, but is 6-1-1 at home. It is led offensively by French F Amine Bassi, who has scored 7 goals in 13 matches. He is 1 of 3 Dynamo players to have scored more than 1 goal which has been an issue for Houston, which averages just 1.19 goals per game. It has lost 4 of its last 7 games this season.

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LAFC vs. Houston Dynamo odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Tuesday at 10:45 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline: LAFC -210 (bet $210 to win $100) | Houston Dynamo +525 (bet $100 to win $525) | Draw +340
  • Over/Under: 2.5 (O: -165 | U: +120)

World class soccer coverage all in one place: Get ESPN+

LAFC vs. Houston Dynamo picks and predictions

Prediction

LAFC 2, Houston Dynamo 0

Moneyline (ML)

PASS.

The Dynamo, as noted, have been awful on the road, so even though they demolished LAFC last weekend, there’s really no reason to assume they will do it again. On the flip side, LAFC has been incredible at home, but it isn’t worth the juice at (-210). Ultimately, avoid the moneyline and look to the total for value.

Over/Under (O/U)

TAKE UNDER 2.5 (+120).

LAFC has been shut out for 2 straight games, one being at home against Atlanta as well. It has scored 2 or more goals in just 2 of its last 7 matches. Similarly, LAFC has allowed just 14 goals on the season.

Both teams are stronger defensively than they have been offensively. In the matchup last weekend, there were just 2.8 combined expected goals.

Houston has gone Under this total in 3 of its last 5 road matches and has scored multiple goals in just 1 road match. It has been held scoreless in 3 of those matches as well.

Considering it is averaging just 1.19 goals per game, Houston should regress from its 4-goal performance this weekend. Given the value, take the UNDER 2.5 (+120).

Check out Pro Soccer Wire: For the American soccer fan, USA TODAY Sports Media Group’s website provides a fresh look at the beautiful game.

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow @nathanbeighle_ on Twitter. Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

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Vancouver Whitecaps vs. FC Cincinnati odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Vancouver Whitecaps vs. FC Cincinnati odds and lines, with expert MLS picks, predictions and best bets.

The Vancouver Whitecaps (5 wins, 5 losses, 6 draws) welcome FC Cincinnati (12-1-3) to BC Place Saturday. Kickoff is set for 10:30 p.m. ET. Below, we preview BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Vancouver Whitecaps vs. FC Cincinnati odds, and make our best expert MLS picks and predictions.

FC Cincinnati has been red hot lately, making MLS history as the first team to reach 39 points in 16 games. It has won 6 straight games, 2 of which have been on the road, and also is on its way to the semifinal in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. FCC is led by its captain, M Luciano Acosta, who has 7 goals and 2 assists. No other player has more than 4 goals.

Vancouver is 2-3-1 over its last 6 games, but it hasn’t lost at home since a 2-1 defeat to Real Salt Lake to open the season. The Whitecaps are 5-1-3 at BC Place. They are led by F Brian White, who has a team-high 6 goals this season. The Whitecaps average 1.63 goals per game while they allow 1.25.

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Vancouver Whitecaps vs. FC Cincinnati odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 10 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline: Vancouver Whitecaps +100 (bet $100 to win $100) | FC Cincinnati +250 (bet $100 to win $250) | Draw +250
  • Over/Under: 2.5 (O: -140 | U: +100)

World class soccer coverage all in one place: Get ESPN+

Vancouver Whitecaps vs. FC Cincinnati picks and predictions

Prediction

Vancouver Whitecaps 1, FC Cincinnati 1

Moneyline (ML)

SPRINKLE DRAW (+250).

The Whitecaps have drawn 3 times at home, and they are taking on the best team in MLS. Vancouver lost 2 of its first 10 games yet has dropped 3 of its last 6, so it isn’t playing at a high level right now either.

Given the Open Cup, FCC has given top players like F Brandon Vazquez more minutes than expected, so expect the potent offense to give rest to a few key forwards. FCC has drawn 3 of 7 road matches.

Over/Under (O/U)

BET UNDER 2.5 (+100).

FC Cincinnati has gone Under in 2 of its last 3 games and in 2 of its last 3 road matches. As noted, it may also give limited minutes to key attackers like Vazquez and M Alvaro Barreal.

Vancouver has gone Under in 2 of its last 4 but has topped 2 expected goals in just 1 of its last 6 matches.

Both teams also rank in the bottom half of the league in shots against, so defense has been paramount for both clubs. Considering that and the recent trends, take the UNDER 2.5 (+100).

Check out Pro Soccer Wire: For the American soccer fan, USA TODAY Sports Media Group’s website provides a fresh look at the beautiful game.

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow @nathanbeighle_ on Twitter. Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

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FC Dallas vs. Nashville SC odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s FC Dallas vs. Nashville SC odds and lines, with expert MLS picks, predictions and best bets.

FC Dallas (6 wins, 4 losses, 5 draws) welcomes Nashville SC (8-3-4) to Toyota Stadium Saturday. Kickoff is set for 8:30 p.m. ET. Below, we preview BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the FC Dallas vs. Nashville SC odds, and make our best expert MLS picks and predictions.

Nashville SC sits 2nd in the Eastern Conference but at +12, it does have the conference’s best goal differential. It is led by F Hany Mukhtar, who has 9 goals in 15 matches. It is coming off a 3-1 win over the Crew at home, has won 3 straight games and 5 of its last 6. Nashville hasn’t lost since April 15.

FC Dallas, on the other hand, is led by F Jesus Ferreira, who has 9 goals in 15 matches as well. It sits 4 on the Western Conference table and is coming off a 2-1 loss to Sporting KC. FC Dallas is 2-1-2 over its last 5 games. It is 4-1-2 at home this season.

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FC Dallas vs. Nashville SC odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline: FC Dallas +138 (bet $100 to win $138) | Nashville SC +200 (bet $100 to win $200) | Draw +200
  • Over/Under: 2.5 (O: +100 | U: -145)

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FC Dallas vs. Nashville SC picks and predictions

Prediction

FC Dallas 1, Nashville SC 1

Moneyline (ML)

SPRINKLE DRAW (+200).

FC Dallas has drawn 2 of its last 3 games and 3 of its last 6 games. It has been within 1 expected goal of its opponent in every home game this season, so it has consistently played to the level of its competition despite often coming out on top at home. It will be at home but taking on a superior Nashville side.

Nashville has drawn 2 of 6 road matches and 2 of its last 7 matches in general. It has been within 0.3 expected goals of its opponent in every away game.

Considering both teams have played to the level of their opponent in this situation, take the DRAW (+200).

Over/Under (O/U)

BET UNDER 2.5 (-145).

Both teams sit outside the top 13 in shots on target, so neither side has been overly aggressive in getting opportunities. They both sit outside the top 13 in shooting percentage as well.

Couple that with Nashville SC’s mere 10 goals allowed, and the Under seems like the better play. Nashville has gone Under in 9 of 15 games this season as well.

FC Dallas is allowing just 1.07 goals per game. It has gone Under in 4 of its last 6 games and has been held to just 1 goal in 4 of its last 5. FC Dallas has allowed under 1 expected goal in 5 straight games.

Put it all together and take the UNDER 2.5 (-145).

Check out Pro Soccer Wire: For the American soccer fan, USA TODAY Sports Media Group’s website provides a fresh look at the beautiful game.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”5″ ]

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow @nathanbeighle_ on Twitter. Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

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