MLS Picks - Matchweek: 8

Another weekend of Major League Soccer action is upon us and as usual there’s no shortage of stories and plot lines to draw. The headline act comes on Sunday night when Los Angeles FC host the Seattle Sounders, but there’s plenty to attract the eye. Here are four picks ahead of this weekend’s action.

Toronto FC v Minnesota United

BMO Field, Friday April 19

After a car crash of a season in 2018, things are shaping up pretty nicely for Toronto FC this year. Sebastian Giovinco’s name is nothing is barely mentioned anymore, not since Alejandro Pozuelo has come in and made himself the Canadian’s creator-in-chief, filling the void left by the Italian playmaker upon leaving for Saudi Arabia.

However, while TFC have found their groove in the attacking third of late (there have been over 2.5 goals scored in each of their last 11 home games) they have kept just one clean sheet all season. Greg Vanney’s team are leaking them at the back and so Minnesota United cannot be written off this weekend.

1u - Back Both Teams to Score @ -181

Atlanta United v FC Dallas

Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Saturday April 20

Have Atlanta United finally turned a corner under Frank de Boer? Previously rooted to the foot of the Eastern Conference, the defending MLS Cup champions won their first game of the season away to the New England Revolution last weekend, with green shoots of progress finally appearing through the scorched ground.

Atlanta are still struggling to rediscover the attacking verve that made them so dangerous under Tata Martino, with under 2.5 goals registered in their last seven MLS games, but they are finding a shape and a form under de Boer. Against an FC Dallas side that has already lost to Columbus and Philadelphia on the road this season, the hosts will fancy their chances.

1.25u - Back Atlanta United win @ -153

DC United v New York City FC

Audi Field, Sunday April 21

New York City FC have struggled, badly, over the early part of the 2019 MLS season. Six games into the new campaign and the Bronx side sit slumped second bottom of the Eastern Conference. Indeed, Dome Torrent is having a hard time getting his ideas across to a team still reeling from the loss of David Villa at the end of last season.

DC United, on the other hand, are undefeated in 17 of their last 18 MLS games. Ben Olsen’s side sit at the top of the Eastern Conference and are expected to be contenders for the Supporters’ Shield this season. It’s difficult to look past them

0.75u - Back Asian Handicap DC United-1 @ +175

Los Angeles FC v Seattle Sounders

Banc of California Stadium, Sunday April 21

They are by far and away MLS’s top scorers so far, with 21 goals from their opening eight fixtures. Indeed, if it’s goals you’re looking for Los Angeles FC is the place to be this season. Bob Bradley’s men are lighting up the league and there’s no reason to believe their hot streak will come to an end against the Seattle Sounders this weekend.

LAFC have scored two or more goals in each of their last eight games at Banc of California Stadium. The Sounders have been in good form too, with the Pacific North-Westerners LAFC’s closest challengers at the top of the Western Conference, winning six of their last seven games and putting three past Toronto FC last weekend. There will be goals.

2u - Back Over 2.5 Total Goals @ -162