Category: Soccer Picks and Predictions

DC United at Columbus Crew odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s DC United at Columbus Crew odds and lines, with expert MLS picks, predictions and best bets.

In Saturday’s MLS action, DC United (1 win, 0 losses, 0 draws) visits the Columbus Crew (0-1-0) at Lower.com Field in Columbus at 7:30 p.m. ET (Apple TV). Below, we preview Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the DC United vs. Columbus odds, and make our best expert MLS picks and predictions.

DC United picked up a 3-2 victory against Toronto FC in the opener last Saturday. M Theodore Ku-DiPietro set up F Christian Benteke in the 90th minute to tie the match 2-2. Ku-DiPietro then scored his 1st career MLS goal in the 8th minute of stoppage time to stun Toronto.

Columbus was on the short end of a 4-1 loss on the road against the Philadelphia Union. GK Patrick Schulte allowed 4 goals on 5 shots on target but was only playing because GK Eloy Room had been unable to secure a green card for the opener. Room has returned to training and should be set to resume his starting role Saturday.

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DC United at Columbus Crew odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:21 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline: DC United +410 (bet $100 to win $410) | Columbus Crew -150 (bet $150 to win $100) | Draw +310 (bet $100 to win $320)
  • Over/Under: 2.5 (O: -120 | U: +100)

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DC United at Columbus Crew picks and predictions

Prediction

Columbus Crew 2, DC United 1

Moneyline (ML)

COLUMBUS (-150) is the play as a moderate favorite, as it will bounce back on its home pitch after a disappointing opener against a tough foe on the road.

DC United may seem like a tempting play for the chance to multiply your initial wager by more than 4 times, but United was fortunate to win last week and won’t be able to strike gold in a 2nd straight outing.

The Crew are 2-0-1 across the past 3 meetings with United and has scored at least 2 goals in 5 straight in the series.

Over/Under (O/U)

OVER 2.5 (-120) is the lean in this match. We saw a total of 5 goals in the first match for each team last weekend.

We have seen 3 or more total goals in each of the past 5 meetings in this series, including a 2-2 draw in the most recent meeting July 13 last season.

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.

For sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Plus, try out the USA TODAY Parlay Calculator and please gamble responsibly.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter. Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

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Sporting Kansas City at Colorado Rapids odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Sporting Kansas City at Colorado Rapids odds and lines, with expert MLS picks, predictions and best bets.

In Saturday’s MLS action, Sporting Kansas City (0 wins, 1 loss, 0 draws) travels to meet the Colorado Rapids (0-1-0) Saturday at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colo., at 9:30 p.m. ET. Below, we preview Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Sporting KC vs. Colorado odds, and make our best expert MLS picks and predictions.

Sporting KC was on the short end of a 1-0 loss on the road against the Portland Timbers Monday night in the season opener. The match was moved from last Saturday due to a winter storm that hammered Portland with over 10 inches of snow. Keeper John Pulskamp was beaten in the 6th minute, but he was solid for the remainder of the match.

The Rapids were roughed up by the Seattle Sounders on the road by a 4-0 count, the most lopsided MLS match in the opening weekend.

Sporting KC picked up a 2-1 win in a feisty meeting last May 18, while Colorado picked up a 2-0 home win March 12.

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Sporting Kansas City at Colorado Rapids odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:30 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline: Sporting KC +255 (bet $100 to win $255) | Colorado Rapids (bet $100 to win $100) | Draw +285 (bet $100 to win $285)
  • Over/Under: 2.5 (O: -145 | U: +125)

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

Sporting Kansas City at Colorado Rapids picks and predictions

Prediction

Sporting KC 1, Colorado Rapids 1

Moneyline (ML)

DRAW (+285) is a solid lean in his matchup between 2 clubs that lost their openers last weekend.

Sporting KC (+255) is also a tempting play, especially with the Colorado Rapids (+100) coming off a 4-0 thumping last weekend in Seattle. Sporting KC played Portland tough, and it faced the adversity of not only playing on the road, but facing a match moved due to weather.

Over/Under (O/U)

UNDER 2.5 (+125) is worth a look at plus-money.

We have seen 2 or fewer goals in 4 of the past 5 meetings in this series, and with the Rapids and Sporting KC each getting blanked last week, goals could be at a premium in Matchday 2 for both sides.

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.

For sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Plus, try out the USA TODAY Parlay Calculator and please gamble responsibly.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter. Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

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Orlando City vs. FC Cincinnati odds, picks and predictions

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

FC Cincinnati (1 win, 0 losses, 0 draws) battles Orlando City (1-0-0) at Exploria Stadium Saturday. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET (Apple TV). Below, we preview Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Orlando City vs. FC Cincinnati odds, and make our best expert MLS picks and predictions.

FC Cincinnati retained most of their top-end talent from a club that finished 5th in the Eastern Conference last season and had the 2nd-most goals in the conference. They took down the Houston Dynamo 2-1 at home in their season opener despite having 2 fewer shots on target.

Orlando City finished 7th in the East last season and didn’t make any noise in the playoffs, being eliminated by Montreal in the 1st round. They also opened their season with a 1-0 win at home against the New York Red Bulls despite having just 1 shot on target, scoring their lone goal on a penalty kick.

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Orlando City vs. FC Cincinnati odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 4:21 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline: Orlando City +115 (bet $100 to win $115) | FC Cincinnati +250 (bet $100 to win $250) | Draw +250
  • Over/Under: 2.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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

Orlando City vs. FC Cincinnati picks and predictions

Prediction

Orlando City 1, FC Cincinnati 1

Moneyline (ML)

LEAN DRAW (+250).

Simply put, FC Cincinnati should be the better team, but neither team showcased much in their home opener. It’s often difficult for teams to get a good grip early in the season.

Orlando had fewer expected goals and fewer shots on goal and was completely limited offensively. FC Cincinnati drew 7 of 17 road matches last season and has a complete roster, filling out their midfield this offseason.

Considering how both teams played in their opener and FCC’s play on the road last season, back a DRAW (+250) for a small unit.

Over/Under (O/U)

BET UNDER 2.5 (-110).

FC Cincinnati should have looked better in their home opener. They had just 5 shots on target and 37% of the possession. Orlando City also looked unimpressive, having just 1 shot on target.

One game isn’t enough time to build the comradery between new midfield players and then the forwards. Along with lesser-tested set pieces, limited opportunities should be a theme of this match, as it was in each team’s opener.

These teams combined for 6 shots on goal in their openers. The Orlando City defense also held New York scoreless. Back 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.

For sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Plus, try out the USA TODAY Parlay Calculator and please gamble responsibly.

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

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Manchester City vs. Newcastle United odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Manchester City vs. Newcastle United odds and lines, with EPL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

Manchester City (17 wins, 4 losses, 4 draws) welcomes Newcastle United (10-2-11) Saturday. Kickoff from Etihad Stadium is set for 7:30 a.m. ET (USA Network). Below, we preview Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Manchester City vs. Newcastle United odds, and make our best EPL bets, picks and predictions.

Manchester City sits 2nd in the EPL, trailing Arsenal by 5 points. They are 10-1-1 at home this season and are averaging 2.56 goals per game, allowing 1 goal per game. They are led in scoring by F Erling Haaland, who has 27 goals in 24 matches. City’s +39 is the league’s best goal differential.

Newcastle sits 5th on the table with the league’s 3rd-best goal differential at +20. They have allowed just 15 goals, the fewest in the league, and scored 35. Newcastle is led by F Miguel Almiron, who has scored 10 goals in 23 matches.

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

Manchester City vs. Newcastle United odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 4:02 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline: Manchester City -200 (bet $200 to win $100) | Newcastle United +550 (bet $100 to win $550) | Draw +350
  • Over/Under: 2.5 (O: -140 | U: +120)

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Manchester City vs. Newcastle United picks and predictions

Prediction

Manchester City 1, Newcastle United 1

Moneyline (ML)

PASS.

I like Newcastle to get a result here, but I wouldn’t bet it. City has been too dominant at home to play even a sprinkle on Newcastle or the draw.

However, if you’re feeling risky, Newcastle has drawn both Man United and Arsenal on the road this season and has a draw already with Man City. They have also drawn 3 of their last 4 league matches.

Again, this is ultimately a pass for the suggestion, but a Draw (+390) does have some value.

Over/Under (O/U)

BET UNDER 2.5 (+120).

Newcastle has the best defense in the EPL and has gone Under this total in 8 of their last 9 matches throughout all competitions. Their draws against Man U and Arsenal, both of the road, were 0-0 results.

While the last match between these 2 was a 3-3 finish, Newcastle had just 5 shots on target while City had 10. That type of accuracy is unlikely on Saturday. Also, the Newcastle defense has looked quite a bit better since that Aug. 21, 2022, battle.

Man City also has the 3rd-best defense in the EPL and has allowed 2 or more goals in just 4 home matches while having also pitched 4 home clean sheets. The defenses here should provide value on the plus-money Under.

Back 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.

Want action on this contest or any other soccer matches? Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, SportsbookWire’s official sportsbook partner in OH, CO and NJ. Bet now!

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Napoli vs. Lazio odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Friday’s Napoli vs. Lazio odds and lines, with expert EPL picks, predictions and best bets.

First-place Napoli (21 wins, 1 loss, 2 draws) welcomes Lazio (13-5-6) to Stadio Diego Armando Maradona Friday. Kickoff is set for 2:45 p.m. ET. Below, we preview Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Napoli vs. Lazio odds, and make our best soccer bets, picks and predictions.

Napoli has been, by far, the most dominant club in Serie A. The Blues have 65 points in 24 matches, 18 points ahead of Internazionale and AC Milan, who are tied for 2nd-place with 47 points each. Their +43 goal differential leads the league by 22 goals — Lazio is tied in 2nd with Juventus at +21. Napoli’s top scorer is F Victor Osimhen, who has 19 goals in 20 matches.

Lazio is 4th on the league table in 24 matches with 40 goals scored and just 19 allowed. The Eagles are a strong 6-2-3 on the road this season, including holding opponents to a clean sheet 7 times. Italian star F Ciro Immobile Lazio in scoring with 9 goals in 19 matches.

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Napoli vs. Lazio odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 9:16 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline: Napoli -155 (bet $155 to win $100) | Lazio +430 (bet $100 to win $430) | Draw +300
  • Over/Under: 2.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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

Napoli vs. Lazio picks and predictions

Prediction

Napoli 1, Lazio 1

Moneyline (ML)

PASS.

If you’re feeling risky, the Draw (+300) is enticing as the Lazio side has many star Italian players and has also shown competence on the road.

However, Napoli has won 10 of 11 home games and has won 8 straight league games. Napoli hasn’t necessarily destroyed top opponents, beating Milan 2-1 on the road, Lazio 2-1 on the road and losing 1-0 to Inter on the road.

Ultimately, I wouldn’t bet Draw (+300) given Napoli’s home dominance, but there is a tad bit of value given Lazio has won 2 straight league matches and plays well on the road.

Over/Under (O/U)

BET UNDER 2.5 (-110).

There are only 3 teams in Serie A that have allowed Under 20 goals in league matches, and 2 of them will be on display in this game. Throughout all competitions, Lazio has gone Under this total in 8 straight games and in 5 consecutive league matches. Despite the first season meeting ending with Lazio winning 2-1, there were just 2.4 expected goals.

Napoli has allowed 1 goal in its last 7 matches and have 5 consecutive clean sheets (4 in league play). The defenses are elite, and I expect limited opportunities in this showdown.

BACK 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.

For sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Plus, try out the USA TODAY Parlay Calculator and please gamble responsibly.

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

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Seattle Sounders vs. Colorado Rapids odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s Seattle Sounders vs. Colorado Rapids odds and lines, with expert MLS picks, predictions and best bets.

In the lone MLS game on Sunday, the Seattle Sounders welcome the Colorado Rapids to Lumen Field. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. ET (FS1/Apple TV). Below, we preview Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Seattle Sounders vs. Colorado Rapids odds, and make our best expert MLS picks and predictions.

The Sounders and Rapids were 2nd and 1st in the West in 2021 and finished 11th and 10th last season.

The Sounders were still relatively strong at home, winning 9 of 17 matches. Seattle did retain star F Raul Ruidiaz and both Roldan brothers (Alex and Christian) along with USMNT F Jordan Morris.

Colorado is led by F Diego Rubio, who had 16 goals last season, the lone Rapids player in double figures. Colorado was just 1-11-5 on the road in 2022.

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Seattle Sounders vs. Colorado Rapids odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:46 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline: Seattle Sounders -117 (bet $117 to win $100) | Colorado Rapids +285 (bet $100 to win $285) | Draw +280
  • Over/Under: 2.5 (O: -150 | U: +117)

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

Seattle Sounders vs. Colorado Rapids picks and predictions

Prediction

Seattle Sounders 3, Colorado Rapids 1

Moneyline (ML)

BET SEATTLE (-117).

The Sounders dealt with a plethora of injuries last season, but should come into this season with their 1st-team roster intact which makes them one of the most talented teams in the West.

They beat Colorado 2-1 last season at home and had more than double their expected goals. The Rapids did draft a defender, but they likely will still have an underwhelming backline. They gave up 1.68 goals per game last season.

The Sounders, at full strength, should have their way, and with the energy of Lumen Field and this value, back SEATTLE (-117).

Over/Under (O/U)

LEAN OVER 2.5 (-150).

The Sounders went Over this in 4 of their last 5 home matches, and the Rapids went Over this in 8 of their last 10 away matches. Both teams have similar rosters to last season, so expect similar results.

The firepower with Rubio, Morris and Ruidiaz, opportunities should be bountiful in this matchup. Back the OVER 2.5 (-150), but only for a partial unit given the odds.

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.

For sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Plus, try out the USA TODAY Parlay Calculator and please gamble responsibly.

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

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Bayern Munich vs. FC Union Berlin odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s Bayern Munich vs. FC Union Berlin odds and lines, with expert Bundesliga picks, predictions and best bets.

Bayern Munich (12 wins, 2 losses, 7 draws) welcomes FC Union Berlin (13-4-4) to Allianz Arena Sunday. Kickoff is set for 11:30 a.m. ET. Below, we preview Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Bayern Munich vs. FC Union Berlin odds, and make our best expert Bundesliga picks and predictions.

Bayern Munich sits 2nd in the Bundesliga with 43 points; however, they are clearly the most dominant team with a +40 goal differential. League leader Borussia Dortmund has just a +18 differential. Bayern is 6-0-4 at home this season. They average 2.9 goals per game and allow 1 per game.

While the inspirational story of Union Berlin has went viral on social media, they may struggle here and are just 6-4-1 on the road this season. They have scored 35 and allowed 24 goals in 22 matches. They are led in scoring by F Sheraldo Becker, who has 7 goals in 20 starts.

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Bayern Munich vs. FC Union Berlin odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:10 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline: Bayern Munich -240 (bet $240 to win $100) | FC Union Berlin +620 (bet $100 to win $620) | Draw +410
  • Over/Under: 3.5 (O: +150 | U: -175)

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

Bayern Munich vs. FC Union Berlin picks and predictions

Prediction

Bayern Munich 3, FC Union Berlin 1

Moneyline (ML)

PASS.

Union Berlin beat Dortmund at home and drew Bayern at home. They have put up a fight against the top of the league.

However, Bayern has been dominant at home this season and is justified of their (-240) odds to win outright, especially at home. Nonetheless, all options are a pass here.

Over/Under (O/U)

BET OVER 3.5 (+150).

Union Berlin has scored at least 2 goals in their last 3 league road matches. They have been held scoreless in just 3 of 10 road matches this season, and Bayern hasn’t had a dominating defense either which should free up opportunities.

However, Bayern is averaging 2.9 goals per game and has scored 17 goals in their last 5 home matches. They have had 1.4 or more expected goals in every home game throughout all competitions, so they have been able to create ample opportunities.

They have gone Over this total in 5 of 10 home matches which gives good value to back the OVER 3.5 (+150).

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.

For sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Plus, try out the USA TODAY Parlay Calculator and please gamble responsibly.

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

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Philadelphia Union vs. Columbus Crew odds, picks and predictions

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

To help commence the 1st weekend of MLS action, the Philadelphia Union battle the Columbus Crew. Kickoff from Subaru Park is set for 7:30 p.m. ET. Below, we preview Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Philadelphia Union vs. Columbus Crew odds, and make our best expert MLS picks and predictions.

The Union finished atop the Eastern Conference last season and lost a heartbreaker in the MLS Cup. They, by far, has the best defense in the MLS, allowing just 26 goals on the season and had a league-best +46 goal differential. The Union are returning many of their key players.

The Crew, on the other hand, finished last season just outside of playoff position, sitting 8th in the East with a +5 goal differential. Having F Cucho, who produced to end last season, for a full year should help and 2021 M Lucas Zelarayan will likely be a high-impact player for them as well.

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Philadelphia Union vs. Columbus Crew odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:45 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline: Philadelphia Union -140 (bet $140 to win $100) | Columbus Crew +400 (bet $100 to win $400) | Draw +280
  • Over/Under: 2.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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

Philadelphia Union vs. Columbus Crew picks and predictions

Prediction

Philadelphia Union 2, Columbus Crew 0

Moneyline (ML)

BET PHILADELPHIA UNION (-140).

Despite not winning the MLS Cup, the Union should again cement themselves as one of the best teams in the league, and against a mid-tier Crew side, they should have success at home.

From M Daniel Gazdag, who had 22 goals last season, to star GK Andre Blake, the Union returned much of their team that was undefeated at home and having won 12 of their 17 matches at Subaru Park.

The Crew should have a talented roster, but the familiarity the Union will come until this game with should help them come out on top. At this price, back the PHILADELPHIA UNION (-140).

Over/Under (O/U)

LEAN UNDER 2.5 (-105).

The Union gave up just 26 goals last season with 9 home shutouts. They went over 2.5 in 10 of the 19 home matches, but they’ll be playing a Crew side that defended well for much of the 2022 season. The Crew allowed just 41 goals or 1.21 goals per game.

They also had an incompetent offense on the road, putting up more than 1 expected goals in just 7 of 17 games. Back the UNDER 2.5 (-105).

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.

For sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Plus, try out the USA TODAY Parlay Calculator and please gamble responsibly.

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

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FC Cincinnati vs. Houston Dynamo odds, picks and predictions

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

To help commence the first weekend of MLS action, FC Cincinnati welcomes the Houston Dynamo to TQL Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET. Below, we preview Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the FC Cincinnati vs. Houston Dynamo odds, and make our best expert MLS picks and predictions.

FC Cincinnati finished 5th in the Eastern Conference last season, having scored the 2nd-most goals (64) in the conference. They lost to the Philadelphia Union in the conference semifinal. They will be returning both their top goal scorers, F Brandon Vazquez (18) and F Brenner (18).

Houston, on the other hand, had a disappointing campaign, finishing 13th in the West, having 18 losses and a -13 goal differential. They will also be returning their top scorer, F Sebastian Ferreira (13). Houston had 12 losses in 17 road games last season.

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FC Cincinnati vs. Houston Dynamo odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:40 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline: FC Cincinnati -165 (bet $165 to win $100) | Houston Dynamo +420 (bet $100 to win $420) | Draw +330
  • Over/Under: 2.5 (O: -175 | U: +135)

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

FC Cincinnati vs. Houston Dynamo picks and predictions

Prediction

FC Cincinnati 3, Houston Dynamo 2

Moneyline (ML)

PASS.

FC Cincinnati finished last season strong, defeating the New York Red Bulls in the first round of the playoffs. Houston, on the other hand, lost 3 of their 6 and 3 of their last 4 road matches.

The odds for this match are justified, especially with FCC at home and having retained most of their talent. Nonetheless, they aren’t worth a play at (-165). Instead, look to the total for better value.

Over/Under (O/U)

BET OVER ALTERNATE TOTAL 3.5 (+140).

The Dynamo topped this total in 3 of their last 4 games to end last season, and while that might seem important, the Dynamo didn’t do a ton to address their lacking defense, allowing 1.65 goals per game last season. Those same concerns for their backline should be alive.

FCC also allowed 1.65 per game and didn’t add much firepower on the backline, but both teams kept their key weapons. FCC averaged 1.88 goals per game and scored 15 goals in their last 5 home games to close last season.

Considering both teams returning talent and slacking backlines, back the OVER 3.5 (+140).

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.

For sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Plus, try out the USA TODAY Parlay Calculator and please gamble responsibly.

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

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Real Madrid vs. Atletico Madrid odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Real Madrid vs. Atletico Madrid odds and lines, with expert La Liga picks, predictions and best bets.

Real Madrid (16 wins, 3 losses, 3 draws) battles Atletico Madrid (12-5-5) Saturday. Kickoff from Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid is set for 12:30 p.m. ET (ESPN Deportes). Below, we preview Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Real Madrid vs. Atletico Madrid odds, and make our best expert La Liga picks and predictions.

Real Madrid sits 2nd in the La Liga table, 8 points behind Barcelona. Real Madrid is coming off a 5-2 midweek win over Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League. Real has scored 46 goals and allowed 17 for a +29 goal differential through 22 La Liga matches. Real is led by F Karim Benzema, who has scored 11 goals this season, and 22-year-old F Rodrygo (4 goals and a team-high 5 assists).

Atletico Madrid is 4th in the standings with 41 points. Atletico has 31 goals and allowed 17 in 22 matches. The +14 goal differential is 3rd best in the league, behind Real Madrid and Barcelona (+38). Forwards Alvaro Morata and Antoine Griezmann lead the club with 7 goals each. Griezmann also leads the team in assists (6).

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Real Madrid vs. Atletico Madrid odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 3:35 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline: Real Madrid -120 (bet $120 to win $100) | Atletico Madrid +360 (bet $100 to win $360) | Draw +260
  • Over/Under: 2.5 (O: +115 | U: -135)

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

Real Madrid vs. Atletico Madrid picks and predictions

Prediction

Real Madrid 2, Atletico Madrid 1

Moneyline (ML)

BET REAL MADRID (-120).

Real has been incredible at home this season, winning 7 of 10 games with no losses and 3 draws.

Although Atletico is solid on the road with 7 wins, 2 losses and 2 draws, it has played just one top-6 team away from home — a 1-1 draw with Real Sociedad.

Real also beat Atletico at home in a Copa del Rey quarterfinal Jan. 26. Real has had more expected goals in all but 1 home game this season. Real and Barcelona are a league above the rest, and Real should prove that here.

BACK REAL MADRID (-120).

Over/Under (O/U)

LEAN OVER 2.5 (+115).

Atletico has quality attackers as Morata and Griezmann are expected to be active and are among the league’s craftiest goal scorers. That should help Atletico get on the board at least once.

Atletico has been held scoreless just once on the road in league play. Real Madrid is averaging 2.09 goals per game and has 2 or more expected goals in 6 of its last 7 home games throughout all competitions.

Atletico’s attack put up 5 goals on a solid Liverpool defense, and it should be able to produce Saturday. Real has gone Over this total in 6 of 10 home games this season.

BET OVER 2.5 (+115).

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