MLS expert Luke Beaumont (@LBBeaumont) bagged four winners from five selections in Major League Soccer last week. Here’s his take on Saturday’s action.
New York City v Philadelphia Union | Saturday 18:00 | Sky Sports 3
Patrick Vieira and his men will come into this match disappointed after their midweek fixture against New England Revolution.
NYCFC looked like they were going to bounce back from defeat to Atlanta United last weekend, but the Revs had different ideas and equalised late on to make sure both teams shared the spoils.
Philadelphia Union had a poor start to the season as they struggled to find their first win, but recently they have been very impressive.
The U have earned four wins from their last five outings, including triumphs over New York Red Bulls and Houston Dynamo.
This is a match-up that will see goals, but the odds are poor and don’t offer much value (8/15 on Over 2.5 Goals, for example).
A bet I do like however, which comes at great value, is Jack Harrison to score at anytime (11/4 Bet365). He has been a top performer for this New York side this season, finding the net regularly.
Sporting Kansas City v Minnesota United | Saturday 22:00
Sporting Kansas City had a fantastic start to the year and were leading the Western Conference but they have recently hit a bit of a brick wall with just one win in their last five, a 3-0 win over Seattle.
Last weekend, SKC were beaten on the road by Colorado Rapids – no shame in that as it’s a very difficult trip. They will be looking to bounce back to winning ways at Children’s Mercy Park, but a much-improved Minnesota United side stand in their way.
SKC will take confidence from the fact that the Loons haven’t won any of their last five away games, conceding 14 goals.
Looking at Minnesota’s last five away games, four of them have featured Over 2.5 Goals and both teams to score. So I am expecting goals in this one…
I think Sporting Kansas City will get back to winning ways here, in a match that sees both teams scoring. That can be found at 2/1 but my best bet is a much safer option – Over 2.5 Goals and Both Teams To Score at 6/5 (Ladbrokes).
New England Revolution v Toronto FC | Sunday 00:30
This will be one of the games of the weekend and will be a very good game to watch as both sides are excellent going forward.
The Revs come into this game after a good result on the road, Kouassi earned a point against NYCFC with a header in the late stages. Meanwhile, Toronto arrive as leaders of the Eastern Conference and after inflicting a punishing 5-0 defeat on Columbus Crew, last weekend.
That 5-0 victory for Toronto was without the help of Jozy Altidore who was suspended, or the very important Sebastian Giovinco. So it shows that their squad is very strong and could be considered favourites for the MLS Cup this year.
This is a tough game to call, especially as Giovinco is back in contention for TFC. I believe the better idea here is to back goals.
It’s very hard to call the result because New England are really good at home (Uubeaten in their last five) but Toronto are good both home and away so instead I’ll back Over 3.5 Goals at 7/4 (William Hill).
TOPICS International Football Tips MLS TipsBest Bets
New York City v Philadelphia Union – Jack Harrison to score at anytime (11/4 Bet365)
Sporting Kansas City v Minnesota United – Over 2.5 Goals and Both Teams To Score (6/5 Ladbrokes)
New England Revolution v Toronto FC – Over 3.5 Goals (7/4 William Hill)
