Category: MLS Picks and Predictions

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.

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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.

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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)

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

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.

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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. FC Dallas odds, picks and predictions

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

The San Jose Earthquakes (5 wins, 5 losses, 3 draws) welcome FC Dallas (6-3-4) 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. FC Dallas odds, and make our best expert MLS picks and predictions.

The Earthquakes are a strong 5-0-1 at home this season. They have scored 17 goals and allowed 18 through 13 matches. San Jose is led by Argentinian F Cristian Espinoza, who has 8 goals in 13 starts. F Jeremy Ebobisse is the only other player to score multiple goals (5). San Jose has lost 3 of its last 5 matches.

FC Dallas, on the other hand, is 2-2-2 on the road. It has scored 16 goals and allowed 13, tied for the 3rd-fewest conceded goals in the Western Conference. FC Dallas is led in the attack by USMNT F Jesus Ferreira, who has 8 goals in 12 starts. It has won 4 of its last 7 matches.

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San Jose Earthquakes vs. FC Dallas odds

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

  • Moneyline: San Jose Earthquakes -105 (bet $105 to win $100) | FC Dallas +260 (bet $100 to win $260) | Draw +250
  • Over/Under: 2.5 (O: -120 | U: -115)

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

San Jose Earthquakes vs. FC Dallas picks and predictions

Prediction

San Jose 2, FC Dallas 1

Moneyline (ML)

LEAN SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES (-105).

San Jose has been unstoppable at home, and it has taken down quality opponents. The Earthquakes have beaten LAFC and Houston at home. Despite recent struggles, it has had double its opponents’ expected goals in 4 of 6 matches.

FC Dallas has had fewer than 1 expected goal in 3 of 6 road matches. It has performed to par on the road but certainly hasn’t exceeded expectations.

Simply put, San Jose has dominated at home, and at this value, it is worth a play. Take SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES (-105).

Over/Under (O/U)

BET OVER 2.5 (-120).

San Jose has gone Over this total in 4 of 6 home games. It has scored multiple goals in 4 of 6 as well and has conceded in 3 of 6. Three of its 6 home matches this season have ended 2-1.

FC Dallas has scored in all but 1 road match as well and has allowed 2 or more expected goals twice. Take the OVER 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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FC Dallas vs. Houston Dynamo odds, picks and predictions

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

FC Dallas (6 wins, 3 losses, 3 draws) welcomes the Houston Dynamo (4-5-2) 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. Houston Dynamo odds, and make our best expert MLS picks and predictions.

FC Dallas has a strong 4-1-1 home record. It has scored 15 goals and allowed 12 through its 12 games this season. FC Dallas is led by USMNT F Jesus Ferreira, who has 8 goals in 12 matches. FC Dallas has won 2 straight games and 4 of its last 6. It is coming off a 2-1 home win over Vancouver  May 17.

The Dynamo, on the other hand, are 0-4-1 on the road, so it hasn’t been a situation they’ve played well in. They have scored 10 and allowed just 10 in 11 matches. Houston is led in scoring by French F Amine Bassi, who has scored 5 goals in 9 matches. Houston has failed to score in 3 straight games. It has allowed just 3 goals in its last 6 matches, though. It is coming off a 1-0 loss on the road to Minnesota United.

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FC Dallas 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 8:10 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline: FC Dallas -120 (bet $120 to win $100) | Houston Dynamo +310 (bet $100 to win $310) | Draw +240
  • Over/Under: 2.5 (O: +100 | U: -140)

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

FC Dallas vs. Houston Dynamo picks and predictions

Prediction

FC Dallas 2, Houston Dynamo 1

Moneyline (ML)

BET FC DALLAS (-120).

Simply put, FC Dallas has been good at home, and the Dynamo have been bad on the road. FC Dallas is 4-0-1 at home, and it has outscored opponents 10 to 6. Houston has struggled away from home, having lost all but 1 road match.

The Dynamo have been outscored 9 to 3. Their offense has been awful and has really struggled to put anything together, especially away from home. Houston has had fewer expected goals in each road game as well, and its opponent has had double the Dynamo’s expected goals in 4 of 5 road matches.

Ultimately, take FC DALLAS (-120).

Over/Under (O/U)

LEAN OVER 2.5 (+100).

The juice is justified for the Under, but I would prefer the Over. FC Dallas has gone Over in 4 of 6 home matches this season. It is averaging just 1.25 goals per game but does have one of the league’s most dynamic scorers.

Houston, while it hasn’t scored well as of late, has tallied a goal in 7 of 11 matches and in 3 of 5 road matches. While it also has allowed just 3 goals in its last 6 games, it has given up at least an expected goal in each of those.

Luck may be in its favor this time, and for these odds, take the OVER 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.

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FC Cincinnati vs. Columbus Crew odds, picks and predictions

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

FC Cincinnati (8 wins, 1 loss, 3 draws) welcomes the Columbus Crew (5-4-3) to TQL Stadium Saturday. Kickoff in the rivalry matchup is set for 7:30 p.m. ET. Below, we preview BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the FC Cincinnati vs. Columbus Crew odds, and make our best expert MLS picks and predictions.

FC Cincinnati is the only team that has yet to lose or draw at home. It is 7-0-0 at TQL Stadium, winning 3-0 against CF Montreal Wednesday. FCC has scored 18 goals and allowed 12 through 12 matches. It has scored in all but 1 match. Offensively, it is led by F Sergio Santos, who has 4 goals this season.

The Crew, on the other hand, are just 1-3-1 on the road this season. They have scored 23 goals, the league’s 2nd-most, only trailing Atlanta’s 25. The Crew have scored in all but 1 match as well, and they are led by M Lucas Zelarayan, who has 5 on the season. The Crew are 1-1-1 over their last 3 matches, all at home. This is their first road match since April 29.

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FC Cincinnati vs. Columbus Crew odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:45 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline: FC Cincinnati -120 (bet $120 to win $100) | Columbus Crew +300 (bet $100 to win $300) | Draw +260
  • Over/Under: 2.5 (O: -130 | U: -110)

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

FC Cincinnati vs. Columbus Crew picks and predictions

Prediction

FC Cincinnati 2, Columbus Crew 2

Moneyline (ML)

SPRINKLE DRAW (+260).

FCC hasn’t always been the better side in this battle, but they were last season. Even then, they couldn’t come out on top at home. They have drawn the Crew 2-2 in their last 2 home matches and have drawn them in 3 of their last 4 matches in Cincinnati.

FCC’s home winning streak is also destined to come to an end soon. They have been half an expected goal over their opponent in 5 of 7 home matches, which suggests they are not truly dominating at home.

The Crew, on the other hand, have had as many or more expected goals in 3 of 5 road matches. This should be a close game, and I’d take the DRAW (+260) for a small unit.

Over/Under (O/U)

BET OVER 2.5 (-135).

The Crew and FCC have gone Over this total in 5 of their last 6 games and in their last 3 in Cincinnati.

The Crew have gone Over in 2 of their last 3 games and have scored multiple goals in 5 of their last 8. Their attack is one of the most lethal in the MLS. They have had at least 1 expected goal in all but 3 games. They have also allowed a goal in 4 of their last 5 and multiple goals in 2 of their last 3. Their offense is good, and their defense is average at best.

FCC has gone Over in 4 of their last 5 games and has scored multiple goals in 3 of their last 5. They have gone Over in 4 of 7 home games and have scored multiple goals in 4 of 7 as well.

Considering their strengths offensively at home and the Crew’s playstyle, back the OVER 2.5 (-135).

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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Seattle Sounders vs. Houston Dynamo odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Seattle Sounders vs. Houston Dynamo odds and lines, with expert MLS picks, predictions and best bets.

The Houston Dynamo (4 wins, 3 losses, 2 draws) welcome the Seattle Sounders (6-3-2) to Shell Energy Stadium Saturday. Kickoff in the high-profile Western Conference battle is set for 8:30 p.m. ET. Below, we preview BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Seattle Sounders vs. Houston Dynamo odds, and make our best expert MLS picks and predictions.

The Sounders still hold down the top spot in the Western Conference and are led by F Jordan Morris, who is in a 3-way tie for the most goals in the league (8). Seattle is just 2-2-1 on the road this season. Its strength has been defense, allowing just 0.82 goals per game. The Sounders are 1-2-2 over their last 5 overall.

The Dynamo are a strong 4-0-1 at home, having yet to lose. They are led by F Amine Bassi, who has 5 goals in 8 matches (7 starts). Houston has scored just 10 goals in 9 games but has allowed a mere 8. The Dynamo have had 5 clean sheets in their last 7 matches.

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Seattle Sounders 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 at 8:30 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline: Seattle Sounders +180 (bet $100 to win $180) | Houston Dynamo +150 (bet $100 to win $150) | Draw +220
  • Over/Under: 2.5 (O: -110 | U: -130)

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

Seattle Sounders vs. Houston Dynamo picks and predictions

Prediction

Houston Dynamo 1, Seattle Sounders 1

Moneyline (ML)

SPRINKLE DRAW (+225).

The Sounders have played within 0.5 expected goals of their opponent in 3 of 5 road matches. Similarly, Houston has played within 0.3 expected goals of its opponent in 2 of its last 3 home matches.

It has also drawn 2 of its last 3 matches. Seattle is the better team here, but that is countered by taking to the road, where it hasn’t performed up to par.

Expect a close battle, and for the value, TAKE DRAW (+220).

Over/Under (O/U)

BET UNDER 2.5 (-130).

The clear strength for both teams is defense.

Houston has struggle immensely to score and only have 5 players to net a goal this season with just 2 having scored multiple times. The Dynamo have scored more than 1 goal in just 2 of 9 matches and have allowed more than 1 goal in 3 of 9.

Seattle, on the other hand, has 6 clean sheets this season, including in 2 of its last 3 matches. The Sounders have allowed 1 or fewer expected goals in 3 straight games and in 4 of their last 5. Their offense has also been sluggish, having scored 1 or fewer goals in 4 straight games.

Ultimately, TAKE UNDER 2.5 (-130) as the best bet in this battle.

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.

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Tampa Bay Rays at New York Yankees odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Friday’s Tampa Bay Rays at New York Yankees odds and lines, with MLB expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Tampa Bay Rays (30-9) and New York Yankees (21-18) meet Friday night for the 2nd contest in their 4-game AL East series at Yankee Stadium. Game time is slated for 7:05 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the Rays vs. Yankees odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: Rays lead 3-1

Tampa Bay leads the majors in home runs with 76, but it was doubles the Rays were banging out when they took Thursday’s series opner 8-2. Tampa collected 5 doubles and 1 HR in the game.

Thursday’s loss snapped a 3-game winning streak for the Yankees. In games not played against the woeful Oakland Athletics, New York has averaged just 3 runs per game since April 28.

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Rays at Yankees projected starters

RHP Trevor Kelly vs. RHP Gerrit Cole

Kelley (0-1, 9.00 ERA) is tabbed for his 1st MLB start. He has pitched 1 game in relief this season (2 IP, 2 ER on 2H and 1 BB).

  • Owns a 7.23 ERA over 37 1/3 career innings
  • Figures to serve as an opener, and LHP Josh Fleming (4.55 ERA, 1.48 WHIP in 27 2/3 IP) could see bulk innings behind him

Cole (5-0, 2.09 ERA) takes the ball for a 9th time this season. He has a 1.01 WHIP, 2.8 BB/9 and 10.1 K/9 in 51 2/3 innings.

  • Has held current Tampa Bay batters to an aggregate .608 OPS
  • Coming off his worst start of the season last Sunday at Tampa Bay: 5 IP, 8 H (2 HR), 6 R, 2 BB, 6 K in 8-7 loss

Rays at Yankees odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:04 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline: Rays +150 (bet $100 to win $150) | Yankees -178 (bet $178 to win $100)
  • Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Rays +1.5 (-140) | Yankees -1.5 (+115)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 8 (O: -120 | U: -102)

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Rays at Yankees picks and predictions

Prediction

Yankees 6, Rays 4

Moneyline

PASS.

Both sides are slight fades in a vacuum (aside from pitching, platoon factors). The Yankees are a slight lean but are approaching better value on the run line.

Run line/Against the spread

Picking the red-hot Rays to actually lose a game and to do so by a cushion is tricky business. But road setbacks have indeed been by multiple runs — 5 of the team’s 6 losses away from St. Petersburg.

An albeit-overrated-by-its-surface-ERA Tampa bullpen does have its back end intact for this game, and if the pieces come together the Rays can bullpen this game into a taut contest against Cole.

But the zag play here is on a looser score with enough win-by-2 probability for the Yankees to make them attractive at +122 or better.

PASS, but consider keeping an eye on a possible line move making for more profit on the New York side.

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Over/Under

The Yanks have played in 5 straight Overs, and the Over is 5-1 in the last 6 Tampa-New York series games.

There is enough downside to the pitching — even on Cole getting touched up by some Rays power — that on a warmed-up, wind-blowing-out-to-right night in the Bronx, the OVER 8 (-120) is a solid play.

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