MLS Week 4 is here. Let’s cover a news and notes from around the league so far and then cover 5 games for this weekend’s MLS predictions.
MLS Picks #1
Columbus Crew vs Nashville SC Prediction
Columbus went from 2 exciting high-scoring games, to a dull 0-0 with Chicago. Not what I expected. They’re still winless and such is the unpredictability of MLS. They’ll get another crack at a home win this week against another team that has been letting me down.
Nashville, despite all of their firepower up top, only drew away to Dallas 0-0 in Week 2 and then playing at home to Miami in Champions Cup, it was another 0-0. They did have chances, but couldn’t score.
Surridge scored twice in Week 1, sat out sick in Week 2 and returned in Week 3 to score 2 more goals for the Yotes. Nashville is on the road here and will have it all to play for next week in Leg 2 of CCC away to Miami, so if there is a spot for rotation and maybe some early season tired legs, this could be the spot.
I’ll give a slight edge to Columbus being at home and no CCC to worry about. If everyone is in the lineup, this “looks” on paper like a good BTTS game or maybe a draw. Last year they drew 2-2 in Columbus and Nashville won 3-0 at home. The home team has scored 2-3 goals in each of the past 6 matchups.
- MLS Picks: Columbus to score
Charlotte FC vs Inter Miami Prediction
Charlotte drew and lost on the road in Weeks 1-2, but got in the win column in their home opener vs Austin. The only goal they conceded was an OG but Austin also saw red in the 25’ minute so the score is a bit deceiving. Still, for them, it will be good to see Biel notch 2 goals, giving him 3 on the year already.
After a 3-0 opening day loss, Miami has 4-2 and 2-1 wins in MLS. This week vs an opponent they always play and always see goals vs, they instead drew 0-0 with Nashville in CCC. So it’s all on the line next Wednesday in Miami. Player-wise, the good news is Messi has 3 goals and Reguilon made the bench vs Nashville. The bad news is that Berterame still hasn’t scored and Falcon left injured on Wednesday.
Last year both won at home, Miami 1-0 and Charlotte 3-0. Only once in 9 meetings has a road team won and in all 9 the home team has scored. Charlotte also had one of the best home records last season.
- MLS Picks: Charlotte to score
Chicago Fire vs DC United Prediction
The Fire haven’t been the exciting team they were last year so far. First it was 2-1 loss, then a 3-0 win but that was 1-0 until the very end, and then a 0-0 draw with Columbus last week. Cuypers missed out, is back in training, but is still listed as questionable.
DC was getting blown out last year. They seem to have fixed that by only allowing 3 goals in 3 games and 2 of those came vs Miami last week in a 2-1 loss. That’s not bad vs the champs. Otherwise it’s a 1-0 win and 1-0 loss. New signing Tai Baribo is the only guy who’s found the scoresheet with both DC goals.
I’d think Chicago’s better overall talent prevails, but they haven’t clicked yet and DC has kept games close. This was though, high scoring last year, first a 2-2 draw, then a 7-1 Fire win.
- MLS Picks: Chicago double chance
- Parlay Picks: CLB to score / CHA to score / CHI double chance (-139)
This won’t pay a lot, but in this early part of the season and so many teams involved in CCC, it’s a bit of minefield. You could possibly add some player props to improve this with shot props for Biel, Cuypers, Baribo, Rossi, Ali, or some of the Nashville guys if they play.
MLS Picks #2
Houston Dynamo vs Portland Timbers Prediction
The Dynamo still haven’t gone on the road. They won 2-1 and lost 2-0 at home and then had their game cancelled last week in New England. This week they brought back ex-player, forward Aliyu Ibrahim from Columbus.
Portland have been leaking goals, first in a 3-2 win over Columbus, then in 2-0 and 4-1 losses to Colorado and Vancouver. This week they added a midfielder, Jose Caicedo from Pumas.
Both won at home last year, Portland 3-1 and Houston 1-0. Home teams have scored in 7 straight meetings.
I’d think Houston will score this time too, perhaps scoring twice and perhaps with both teams scoring. But let’s just focus on the Dynamo.
- MLS Picks: Houston over 1.5 (-110)
New England Revolution vs FC Cincinnati Prediction
Last year when these teams met it was two 1-0 results. I can see another low-scoring match this time too. The Under 3.5 is also 5-1.
New England should be fresh as their game was cancelled last week. But in Weeks 1-2 they lost 4-1 an 1-0. So it’s just 1 GF so far. They should get a boost by playing their home opener though.
For Cincy, they had big wins over a lower level team in the CCC. But in MLS, they really haven’t impressed. They beat Atlanta 2-0, then lost 1-0 to both of Minnesota and Toronto. Evander missed some time, but hasn’t done much in the time he has played.
They had their best performance on Thursday in the CCC vs Tigres of all teams, winning 3-0 with 2 Denkey goals and 1 from Barlow.
It’s a short turnaround and Leg 2 of the CCC next week, so this certainly could be a flat spot for them and a chance to rotate before they go to Mexico.
- MLS Picks: Under 4.5
- Parlay Picks: HOU over 1.5 / NE vs CIN under 4.5 (+123) OR Under 3.5 (+170)
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Ryan Métivier is a seasoned editor, writer and communications professional with years of experience in all fields. When it comes to covering sports, he’s written for numerous outlets and organizations including the OHL, CHL, SportsXpress, Sports Betting Dime, Cleveland.com, MassLive, FanSided and others.
While he’ll always cheer for his hometown Toronto teams, when it comes to betting, his only allegiance is his bankroll. Ryan specializes in global soccer, the NFL and the NHL, but if there is a bet to be made, he’ll make it. As the founder of Shred The Spread, Ryan focuses on combining storylines, trends, analytics and good bankroll management to creating simple bets that make sense.
When not making a case for why both teams will score in an MLS soccer match, he can be found focusing his efforts on fitness, attempting to learn Spanish, cooking or planning his travel adventure.
