San Jose vs. Columbus odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Saturday’s San Jose vs. Columbus odds and lines, with MLS picks and predictions.

The San Jose Earthquakes (0 wins, 1 loss, 0 draws) host the Columbus Crew (1-0-0) at PayPal Park Saturday. Kickoff is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. ET. Below, we preview the San Jose vs. Columbus odds and lines, and make our best MLS bets, picks and predictions.

The Crew had a disappointing 2021 campaign but started off 2022 with a strong win over 4-0 win over the Vancouver Whitecaps. Two of those goals were scored after a Vancouver 53rd-minute red card.

Columbus is led by 2021 All-Star M Lucas Zelarayan, who recorded a goal and an assist in the team’s opener. This will be the Crew’s first road game of the season. They were 3-9-5 away from Lower.com Field last season.

The Earthquakes are coming off a disappointing 3-1 home loss to the New York Red Bulls in their opener. San Jose allowed 7 shots on target in the defeat.

M Javier Lopez did get the Earthquakes on the board with a 69th-minute goal to square the game at 1. San Jose finished 10th in the Western Conference a season ago and seems primed to be near the bottom yet again.

San Jose vs. Columbus: Odds, picks and predictions

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:41 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: San Jose +170 (bet $100 to win $170) | Columbus +160 (bet $100 to win $160) | Draw +240
  • Over/Under: 2.5 (O: -135 | U: +110)

Exclusive USA TODAY Network offer: Deposit $10 or more, get $200 in instant bet credits at Tipico Sportsbook! New customer offer in CO and NJ. 21+, see Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. Place your legal, online sports bets at Tipico. Let’s make this interesting. Bet now!

Prediction

Columbus 2, San Jose 1

Money line (ML)

“LEAN” to COLUMBUS (+160).

I prefer the total as my best bet, but Columbus looked great in its opener. Zelarayan is among the top-five midfielders in the MLS, and he captained the team with poise.

The Crew put 3 goals on the Whitecaps, who finished 6th in the West last season. San Jose lost at home to New York. While the Red Bulls are a quality side, the Crew will be just as good if not better.

Given Columbus’ form and San Jose not being able to defend its home field in its opener, I expect the Crew to come out on top.

Over/Under (O/U)

BET on the OVER 2.5 (-135).

It’s a tad pricey, but there’s no other way to play this match. San Jose allowed 3 goals to New York and Columbus scored 3 on Vancouver, a team that allowed just 45 in 34 games last year.

The Earthquakes were tied for the third-worst Western Conference defense last season, giving up 54 goals in 34 games.

The Crew, on the other hand, didn’t allow a goal, but Vancouver did get 7 shots off. Columbus allowed 1.3 goals per game a season ago, so it’d be relatively shocking to see two clean sheets to start the season.

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Austin FC vs. FC Cincinnati odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Saturday’s Austin FC vs. FC Cincinnati odds and lines, with MLS picks and predictions.

In an MLS opener, Austin FC welcomes FC Cincinnati Saturday to Q2 Stadium for a 6 p.m. ET kickoff. Below, we preview the Austin FC vs. FC Cincinnati odds and lines, and make our best MLS bets, picks and predictions.

Having disappointed since joining the MLS from the USL, FC Cincinnati is in store for another rough season, returning most of the same roster that finished 4-22-8 (W-L-draw) last season. It was 3-11-3 on the road last year.

F Brenner is expected to start and be Cincinnati’s key offensive weapon.

Austin lost its leading scorer per 90 minutes (0.42 goals), F McKinze Gaines, to newcomer Charlotte FC. Austin still has F Sebastián Driussi, who should take Gaines’ spot up top – Driussi scored 5 goals in 17 matches last season.

Austin didn’t do much better than Cincy last year, finishing 9-21-4 last season, placing second-to-last (out of 13 teams) in the Western Conference.

Austin FC vs. FC Cincinnati: Odds, picks and predictions

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:14 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: Austin FC -170 (bet $170 to win $100) | FC Cincinnati +450 (bet $100 to win $450) | Draw +320
  • Over/Under: 2.5 (O: -125 | U: +102)

Exclusive USA TODAY Network offer: Deposit $10 or more, get $200 in instant bet credits at Tipico Sportsbook! New customer offer in CO and NJ. 21+, see Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. Place your legal, online sports bets at Tipico. Let’s make this interesting. Bet now!

Prediction

Austin 2, FC Cincinnati 1

Money line (ML)

PASS.

Austin FC (-170) is a bit too pricey in this situation, especially as FC Cincinnati’s roster should have built some chemistry over the last year of competition.

The two clubs combined to surrender 130 goals last season. FC Cincinnati allowed 74 and Austin FC yielded 56. Offensively, they both averaged just over a goal per game.

This is why BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE (-122) is my favorite bet of the match.

Over/Under (O/U)

LEAN to the OVER 2.5 (-125).

FC Cincinnati gave up 2.18 goals per game last season and didn’t do much to strengthen its backline. Austin added Columbian M Jhojan Valencia this offseason, dubbed its most important addition by several publications.

MF Alex Ring should be able to get more involved in the attack, helping produce goals, which is what the club lacked last season.

Given both soft defenses, goals should be plentiful.

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

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

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LAFC vs. Colorado Rapids odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Saturday’s LAFC vs. Colorado Rapids odds and lines, with MLS picks and predictions.

LAFC welcomes the Colorado Rapids Saturday to the Banc of California Stadium for a 3:30 p.m. ET kickoff for an MLS opener for both clubs. Below, we preview the LAFC vs. Colorado odds and lines, and make our best MLS bets, picks and predictions.

After a highly disappointing season a year ago, LAFC will look to get back to the top of the Western Conference behind fully healthy star F Carlos Vela.

They added M Kellyn Acosta this offseason, and he is set to bolster an already strong midfield. LAFC battled injuries last season and finished in ninth place in the West with a 12-13-9 (W-L-draw) record.

Colorado finished atop the West last season but lost to Portland as the No. 1 seed in the playoffs. The Rapids were led by a dominant defense that allowed 35 goals in 34 games.

M Jonathan Lewis and F Michael Barrios, their two top scorers from a season ago, are back for the 2022 season.

LAFC vs. Colorado: Odds, picks and predictions

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:26 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: LAFC -160 (bet $160 to win $100) | Colorado +390 (bet $100 to win $390) | Draw +295
  • Over/Under: 3.5 (O: -175 | U: +130)

Exclusive USA TODAY Network offer: Deposit $10 or more, get $200 in instant bet credits at Tipico Sportsbook! New customer offer in CO and NJ. 21+, see Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. Place your legal, online sports bets at Tipico. Let’s make this interesting. Bet now!

Prediction

LAFC 3, Colorado 1

Money line (ML)

BET LAFC (-160).

LAFC has added several key pieces, particularly Acosta.

Los Angeles also looked to boost its defense by adding former Atlanta United D Franco Escobar. Kicking off the season at full strength, LAFC should be considered the team to beat in the West.

The Rapids shouldn’t be taken lightly, but they did have an 8-6-3 road record last season, totaling 27 road points. LAFC was banged up most of last year and still had an 8-3-6 record at home.

Over/Under (O/U)

Forget the 2.5 O/U line, BET OVER 3.5 (+140).

The Rapids and LAFC met prior to the playoffs last season, and that match finished 5-2 in favor of Colorado. The Rapids have the scoring to keep up with LAFC behind Lewis and Barrios.

The home side is going to be pushing the pace, and with M Latif Blessing back for LAFC, it will have the personnel to speed the game up. LAFC scored 53 goals and gave up 51 last season.

Vela was the league’s Golden Boot winner in 2019 and should help the home side produce goals.

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and soon IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

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

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

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Columbus Crew vs. Vancouver Whitecaps odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Saturday’s Columbus Crew vs. Vancouver Whitecaps odds and lines, with MLS picks and predictions.

In an MLS opener, the Columbus Crew welcome the Vancouver Whitecaps to Lower.com Field Saturday for a 3:30 p.m. ET kickoff. Below, we preview the Columbus vs. Vancouver odds and lines, and make our best MLS bets, picks and predictions.

After having 2 club friendlies canceled – against Louisville City and Inter – the Crew will finally take the pitch to commence their regular season.

Columbus finished ninth in the Eastern Conference last season with a 13-13-8 (W-L-draw) record. The Crew were 10-4-3 at home. 2021 All-Star M Lucas Zelarayán is still with Columbus and should be a major factor.

The Whitecaps were just 12-9-13 last season, finishing sixth in the Western Conference. They didn’t make much noise in the playoffs, losing to Sporting KC 3-1 in the first round.

They will be returning their leading scorers in F Brian White, who had 12 goals a season ago, and F Cristian Dájome, who finished with 10 goals.

Columbus vs. Vancouver: Odds, picks and predictions

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:41 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Columbus -140 (bet $140 to win $100) | Vancouver +380 (bet $100 to win $380) | Draw +260
  • Over/Under: 2.5 (O: -110 | U: -120)

Exclusive USA TODAY Network offer: Deposit $10 or more, get $200 in instant bet credits at Tipico Sportsbook! New customer offer in CO and NJ. 21+, see Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. Place your legal, online sports bets at Tipico. Let’s make this interesting. Bet now!

Prediction

Columbus 2, Vancouver 1

Money line (ML)

BET COLUMBUS (-140).

The Crew were almost unstoppable at home last season with most of their struggles coming on the road. Similarly, the Whitecaps won just two games in 17 away matches last year.

For the Crew, Zelarayán is one of the best attacking midfielders in the league, and he should continue his dominant MLS career Saturday. They’ll also have F Gyasi Zardes, who played some with the USMNT in CONCACAF World Cup qualifying this past winter.

While the Crew didn’t put it together a year ago, they have the talent to get back to the MLS Cup-contending level they’ve been the last few seasons.

I’d bet on the CREW (-140) making a good first impression Saturday.

Over/Under (O/U)

LEAN to the OVER 2.5 (-110).

The Crew averaged 1.35 goals per game and allowed 1.32 goals per game last season, while the Whitecaps averaged 1.32 goals and yielded 1.32 goals. With both teams topping 2.6 combined goals per game, betting Over 2.5 is a good value.

As mentioned, Vancouver returns its two-leading, goal-scoring threats, making the ‘Caps just as lethal as a year ago. Expect them to get on the board in this one.

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and soon IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

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

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

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MLS Cup: Portland Timbers vs. New York City FC odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Saturday’s Portland Timbers vs. New York City FC odds and lines, with MLS picks and predictions.

On Saturday, New York City FC will travel to Providence Park to take on the Portland Timbers for the MLS Cup. Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. ET. Below, we preview the Portland Timbers vs. New York City FC odds and lines, and make our best MLS bets, picks and predictions.

Obviously, being in the league final is not easy and both have had impressive stretches of play to get here. For NYCFC, they finished fourth on the Eastern Conference table.

For the playoffs, they defeated Atlanta United FC 2-0. Then, drawing top-seeded New England Revolution, NYCFC won in penalties after a 2-2 finish in extra time.

Finally, NYCFC defeated Philadelphia in Philadelphia 2-1. They’ve won two straight playoff games on the road so traveling to a soccer mecca shouldn’t be a huge challenge.

That said, Portland finished fourth in the West, scoring the second-most goals in the conference. The Timbers defeated Minnesota 3-1 then drew top-seeded Colorado, sending them home with a 1-0 loss. Portland then took down Real Salt Lake 2-1. This will be their third home playoff game.

Portland Timbers vs. New York City FC: Odds, picks and predictions

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 3:15 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: Portland Timbers +165 (bet $100 to win $165) | NYCFC Y +155 (bet $100 to win $155) | Draw +225
  • Over/Under: 2.5 (O: +100 | U: -135)

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Prediction

Portland Timbers 2, New York City FC 2 (Portland 4-3 in penalties)

Money line (ML)

“LEAN” to the DRAW (+225). There really isn’t a bad pick on this money line as these two teams are so tightly matched. Portland’s defense should be the main concern in this one.

The Timbers also don’t have as impressive of a resume. It was assumed the Sounders and Sporting KC were the best teams in the West. Portland drew Real Salt Lake, Minnesota, and Colorado.

While NYCFC feels like the better team on paper (they had a 20 goal differential on the season compared to Portland’s four), the Timbers were 11-4-2 at home.

It’s going to be extremely difficult for NYCFC to leave with a win, let alone one in regular time. With that in mind, I’d play the DRAW (+225) for a tiny wager.

Over/Under (O/U)

BET the OVER 2.5 (+100) as the best wager. Both teams have had lethal attacks so far in the playoffs. New York City has scored 2 goals in each of their three games, allowing 3.

On the other side, Portland has averaged 2 goals per game as well. Considering both teams rode their offensive firepower into a top-four seed in their respective conference, I’d bet that happens in this one.

As noted before, Portland’s 52 goals in 34 regular-season games are also concerning enough to bet against their defense.

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

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Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

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Philadelphia Union vs. New York City FC odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Sunday’s Philadelphia Union vs. New York City FC odds and lines, with MLS picks and predictions.

On Sunday at 3 p.m. ET, New York City FC will travel to Subaru Park to take on the Philadelphia Union in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Below, we preview the Philadelphia Union vs. New York City FC odds and lines, and make our best MLS bets, picks and predictions.

The Union are coming off a dramatic win over Nashville SC.

They originally went down 1-0 before Daniel Gazdag evened it up before the half. Before taking on Nashville, the Union beat the New York Red Bulls 1-0 on a 123rd-minute goal. It has been two chaotic games for Philadelphia.

As for New York City FC, they’re coming off a win over the East’s best team, the New England Revolution. They won 5-3 in penalty kicks. As for their first game, they defeated Atlanta United 2-0.

Both have had impressive stretches of play to get to this point.

Philadelphia Union vs. New York City FC: Odds, picks and predictions

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:45 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Philadelphia Union +270 (bet $100 to win $270) | New York City FC -102 (bet $102 to win $100) | Draw +235
  • Over/Under: 2.5 (O: -114 | U: -115)

PLAY: Our new free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

Prediction

Philadelphia 1, New York City FC 1 with NYCFC advancing in PKs

Money line (ML)

“LEAN” to the DRAW +235 as a decent play on the money line. Both teams had to end their previous game in extra time, and with Philadelphia at home, I certainly don’t think this will be a one-sided match.

Three of the 4 postseason games these two teams have combined to play went to extra time. At this level of play, the chances are slim and the defenses tighten up.

Also, the Union’s strength was in their defense, allowing just over a goal per game in the regular season while NYCFC’s strength was their offense. Put the two together and we should have a hard-fought, low-scoring game.

Over/Under (O/U)

BET on the UNDER 2.5 (-115) as the Union defense is as good as it gets. Philadelphia had the second-most clean sheets in the MLS during the regular season, and they’ve only given up one goal in the playoffs.

As for NYCFC, they averaged just one goal per game in the two teams’ three matchups during the regular season. It’s just a tough backline to score against, one reason the Under seems like the better play on the total.

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

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

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

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Portland vs. Real Salt Lake odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Saturday’s Portland vs. Real Salt Lake odds and lines, with MLS picks and predictions.

In the MLS Western Conference Finals, the Portland Timbers face Real Salt Lake. The match will be held at Providence Park with kickoff scheduled for 6:30 p.m. ET.  Below, we preview the Portland vs. Real Salt Lake odds and lines, and make our best MLS bets, picks and predictions.

The Timbers entered the MLS playoffs as the No. 4 seed in the West. They took down Minnesota United 3-1 behind two goals from M Sebastian Blanco.

The Timbers won their semi-final meeting with the Colorado Rapids 1-0 after a dramatic finish that included a 90th-minute goal and an ensuing 94th-minute red card.

Real Salt Lake has arguably an even more impressive two victories on its path.

RSL defeated Seattle in penalty kicks then toppled Sporting Kansas City 2-1. Seattle and KC were largely considered the West’s two-best teams despite ranking No. 2 and No. 3 respectively. RSL entered as the No. 7 seed.

Portland vs. Real Salt Lake: Odds, picks and predictions

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:45 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Portland -155 (bet $155 to win $100) | Real Salt Lake +400 (bet $100 to win $400) | Draw +290
  • Over/Under: 2.5 (O: -150 | U: +112)

PLAY: Our new free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

Prediction

Portland 2, Real Salt Lake 1

Money line (ML)

“LEAN” to PORTLAND (-155) but keep in mind this is full-time odds.

The Timbers, throughout the season, were a fortress at Providence Park. They totaled 11 of their 17 wins in the regular season there. RSL had 10 losses in 17 road games.

The difference there is key. The Timbers are also better defensively. While RSL advanced past Seattle two games back it gave up 21 shots and didn’t generate a single shot of its own.

The difference in venue coupled with the Timbers’ more impressive playoff showings makes me more inclined to bet on them.

Over/Under (O/U)

BET on the UNDER 2.5 (+112) as both teams have had a game go under this amount in the playoffs.

In both teams’ semifinal round there were also 90th-minute goals. With RSL having just five shots on target through both games yet having given up just one goal, the Under feels like the better bet.

Also, Steve Clark, Portland’s starting goalkeeper, ranked eighth in clean sheets this season. He’s been a force between the sticks. With that in mind, at plus-money value, the Under is a good play.

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

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

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

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Orlando City SC at Nashville SC odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Wednesday’s Orlando City SC at Nashville SC odds and lines, with MLS picks and predictions.

In midweek MLS action, Orlando City SC (10 wins, 8 losses, 8 draws) visit Nashville SC (11-3-12). The match will kick off at 8:30 p.m. ET at Nissan Stadium. Below, we preview the Orlando City SC vs. Nashville SC odds and lines, and make our best MLS bets, picks and predictions.

This is a clash of two of the Eastern Conference’s best clubs. Orlando, currently in fifth, could jolt ahead of New York City FC for the third spot in the conference with a win.

Nashville is second in the East with the most draws in MLS. It has a spotless home record with eight wins and six draws. This will be Nashville’s15th home game, so it still has a tough road stretch.

Nashville is led by M Hany Mukhtar and D Walker Zimmerman. Zimmerman was part of MLS’s Best XI in 2019.

Orlando City SC at Nashville SC: Odds, picks and predictions

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:35 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Orlando City SC +380 (bet $100 to win $380) | Nashville SC -145 (bet $145 to win $100) | Draw +275
  • Over/Under: 2.5 (O: -110 | U: -120)

PLAY: Our newfree daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

Prediction

Nashville SC 2, Orlando City SC 1

Money line (ML)

PASS on Nashville (-145) as the value just isn’t there.

I expect Nashville to win this game, but at that value and with the possibility of a draw, I wouldn’t back it. These two teams drew 1-1 in their last meeting, and with Orlando having shown flashes of a top-tier side, I wouldn’t look to the money line to bet this one.

What I would back is BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE (-117). While the value isn’t that much better, it’s an overall better risk.

Orlando has had a soft defense this season while allowing 38 goals through 26 matches. However, it has also scored 37 times. Nashville is in a similar situation just with a stronger defense, having poured in 44 goals and allowing just 26.

Nashville scored in eight of its last nine matches and averages more than 2 goals per game at home. Orlando City averages over a goal per game on the road and scored in 9 of its last 11 games.

Over/Under (O/U)

BET on the OVER 2.5 (-110) as Nashville has turned on the heat lately.

It has averaged 2 goals per game over the last six games and scored 5 goals in 3 of its last 15 matches. Mukhtar has stepped into full stardom this season.

It’s also telling that Orlando City allowed at least 2 goals in five straight games. OSC has struggled heavily in defense over the past month.

Combine a power offense, a capable offense and a lacking defense, and you should get at least 3 goals Wednesday.

For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage. This information is for entertainment purposes only. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content.

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Philadelphia Union at New York Red Bulls odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Wednesday’s Philadelphia Union at New York Red Bulls odds and lines, with MLS picks and predictions.

The Philadelphia Union (10 wins, 7 losses, 8 draws) visit the New York Red Bulls (8-11-6) Wednesday. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET at Red Bull Arena. Below, we preview the Philadelphia Union vs. New York Red Bulls odds and lines, and make our best MLS bets, picks and predictions.

Once in playoff position, New York hit a rough stretch in the middle of July, and played to straight winless matches. The Red Bulls lost to Montreal, Chicago and New England and D.C. United while drawing Toronto and Cincinnati. Star M Caden Clark should be available Wednesday.

The Union should start GK Andre Blake, who was ESPN’s midseason Goalie of the Year. Philadelphia will need him as the fourth-place club hasn’t been great on the road. The Union are riding a two-game win streak, taking down Atlanta and Orlando City since Sept. 19.

Philadelphia Union at New York Red Bulls: Odds, picks and predictions

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:05 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Philadelphia Union +230 (bet $100 to win $230) | New York Red Bulls +120 (bet $100 to win $120) | Draw +220
  • Over/Under: 2.5 (O: +105 | U: -140)

PLAY: Our new free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

Prediction

Philadelphia Union 1, New York Red Bulls 1

Money line (ML)

“LEAN” to the DRAW (+220) as the best odds on the money line. Philadelphia is the higher-ranked side, but the Union haven’t provided many results on the road with a 2-4-5 record.

That’s why the odds are there for the fourth-best team in the Eastern Conference to win. However, the opposite can be said for New York as it’s 5-3-4 at home.

Ultimately, this should be a hard-fought match. The best value is for BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE (-125). New York has scored in five straight matches and in eight of its last nine.

Philadelphia has been shut out just twice in the last 90 days and has 32 goals through 25 matches for the season. The Union aren’t a dynamic scoring side, but they consistently have gotten the job done offensively. Back both teams to score in this one.

Over/Under (O/U)

“LEAN” to the UNDER 2.5 (-140) as a value bet. This should be more of a bet on the Union playing at their pace. They’ve scored 32 goals in 25 games and given up 25.

Despite two 3-1 matches, the Under hit in four of the last six for Philadelphia. The Red Bulls have similar numbers with 31 goals scored and 29 allowed through 25 matches. They hit the Under in five of their last seven outings.

For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

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

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage. This information is for entertainment purposes only. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content.

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Nashville SC at Chicago Fire odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Sunday’s Nashville SC at Chicago Fire odds and lines, with MLS picks and predictions.

On a sports-filled Sunday, Nashville SC (11 wins, 3 losses, 11 draws) visits the Chicago Fire SC (6-15-5). The match is scheduled to kick off at 1 p.m. ET at Soldier Field. Below, we preview Nashville SC vs. Chicago Fire odds and lines, and make our best MLS bets, picks and predictions.

Coming off a Wednesday 5-1 thrashing of Inter Miami, Nashville stays on the road and travels north. Chicago has been a notoriously difficult place to come away with three points.

However, Nashville is surging, having won four of its last five matches. Chicago is the opposite of on fire right now and has lost four straight and six of its last seven.

Fourteen points outside of playoff contention, Chicago is playing more for pride in this game than postseason potential. As for Nashville, a win here could be crucial in holding down the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference.

Nashville SC at Chicago Fire: Odds, picks and predictions

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:35 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Nashville SC +130 (bet $100 to win $130) | Chicago Fire +195 (bet $100 to win $195) | Draw +240
  • Over/Under: 2.5 (O: -120 | U: -110)

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Prediction

Nashville 2, Chicago 2

Money line (ML)

“LEAN” to the DRAW (+240) as it’s Nashville’s specialty. The visitors have the most draws in the conference and are even the only Eastern club in double-figure ties. It’s more than just Nashville’s season history though.

Nashville has been bad away from Nissan Stadium. It has played the bulk of its games at home, and now finishes up the season on the road where it may struggle to keep their same pace.

Nashville has yet to lose at home but has lost or drawn 8 of 11 road matches. Chicago has looked competent while at home and has won or drawn 9 of 14 matches.

Considering Chicago’s strengths at Soldier Field and Nashville’s struggles away from Music City, I’d bet this game is closer than the ranking on the table suggests.

Over/Under (O/U)

BET on the OVER 2.5 (-120) as the best value in this match.

Nashville has one of the best attacks in MLS led by M Hany Mukhtar. Mukhtar has 12 of Nashville’s 44 goals through 25 games. Nashville averages the second-most goals per game in the East.

The Nashville defense is also less than stellar with 24 goals allowed. Chicago’s defense is one of the worst, yet the offense has averaged better than a goal per game.

If both averages come true, we’d be looking at almost a 2-1 finish. Given that Chicago has scored 20 goals in 14 home matches, it should come out strong.

This could certainly be a goal-heavy match with the Over 2.5 as the best value.

For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

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

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage. This information is for entertainment purposes only. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content.

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