The MLS returns in full force this weekend following the international break. The jampacked soccer betting menu on the docket offers several fascinating contests, some of which will be the focus of this MLS preview as we dive into the markets in search of the best soccer bets to spot.
So, without too much preamble, let’s get started.
FC Cincinnati vs. CF Montreal
Saturday, April 2, 2022 – 04:00 PM EDT at TQL Stadium
A couple of Eastern Conference’s stragglers go head-to-head on Saturday at the TQL Stadium when Cincinnati plays host to Montreal. Across multiple top-rated sportsbooks, this matchup is cast as a tight affair with both sides trading on plus money but the hosts have the slight edge.
CF Montreal
Montreal goes into this game at the disadvantage on the betting board quite rightly. BetOnline and Bovada Sportsbook have Montreal priced at +180 while HeritageSports (visit our HeritageSports Review) is offering the Canadiens at +183. The draw is set to a +255 with BetOnline, where also a win for Cincy is on offer at the best price of +150.
The Canadians prop up the Eastern Conference table alongside Inter Miami after four fixtures and just a paltry point picked up for their efforts (0-1-3). They’re currently ranked 13th, a smidgen above Inter Miami, thanks to a marginally better goal differential.
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Most recently, Montreal settled on a 3-3 draw to Atlanta United, but only after they fritted away a 3-1 lead to a 10-man side... To say this loss didn’t provide good optics is an understatement.
The hosts have picked up six points after going 2-0-3 in their first five fixtures, putting them in ninth place in the Eastern Conference standings. On the season, Cincinnati has scored five goals and conceded 10.
FC Cincinnati
Most recently, Cincinnati are coming off a 2-0 loss to expansion side Charlotte FC on the road. The loss snapped a two-game winning streak which included wins over Orlando City and Inter Miami. Then, Cincy looked like it might be on the up, but the loss to Charlotte took some of the shine off of that brief surge in form.
The hosts are faced with an opportunity to make amends for last week’s setback against the Canadians, who are visibly struggling to play consistent football. This is really a game for Cincy to take.
Soccer Pick: FC Cincinnati (+150) at BetOnline (visit our BetOnline Review)
D.C. United vs. Atlanta United
Saturday, April 2, 2022 - 7:30 PM EDT at Audi Field
D.C. United
The wheels seem to have come undone slightly for D.C. United after getting off to a strong start. D.C. United opened its season with back-to-back wins over Charlotte and Cincinnati, but losses to the Chicago Fire and Toronto FC have the side from the nation’s capital slip down to seventh in the Eastern Conference table with a 2-0-2 mark and six points.
Looking back at D.C. United’s performance so far, it’s obvious that they’ve capitalized on weaker opponents in the early goings. When faced with stiffer opponents, they’ve struggled badly. This is an ominous sign that could suggest D.C. United are only as good as the opponent is bad.
Atlanta United
Atlanta United ranks sixth in the Eastern Conference table behind a 2-1-1 mark and seven points. They’re merely a point ahead of D.C. United in the standings.
Most recently, Atlanta United rallied to come from behind and level the score 3-3 with CF Montreal, all the while reduced to 10-men in the game. It was a heroic effort by Atlanta United and a well-deserved point in the end. Earlier in the season, Atlanta United beat Sporting Kansas City 3-1 and Charlotte 2-1. The only loss was a 3-0 loss to the Colorado Rapids.
All told, it’s impossible to gauge either of these two clubs properly given their rather up-and-down form in the first four fixtures. D.C. United are tipped as the home favorites, albeit at +125 (in plus money) with most online sportsbooks. In the meanwhile, the draw is best priced at +260 with BetOnline while the visitors come in almost unanimously as the +220 road underdogs.
To all intents and purposes, this matchup is a right tossup for soccer picks. That said, Atlanta United might be buoyed by their impressive rally against Montreal that salvaged a point. And that makes them a tougher prospect for the hosts, who might be getting a little bit desperate right now.
Soccer Pick: Atlanta United (+220) at Bovada (visit our Bovada Review)
*The line and/or odds on picks in this article might have moved since the content was commissioned. For updated line movements, visit BMR’s free betting odds product.
