There is soon to be a break in the Major League Soccer schedule, with some of the brightest talents heading off for All-Star action, but we’ve got a busy week to get through first.
Before we get to the set of weekend games, there’s midweek action, presenting us with the latest opportunity to dig deep and find a few value betting picks. Read on for our MLS best bets ahead of the fixtures taking place this week.
MLS picks and best bets
We’ve got a full round of midweek fixtures to look forward to, so there’s plenty to get stuck into, including the two games previewed in full, complete with predictions and picks, but here we're talking about the best bets of the round. At least, the best bets as I see them.
Ryan Gauld to Score
(Vancouver Whitecaps vs Sporting Kansas City)
The Whitecaps will go into their Wednesday-night game against SKC at BC Place feeling confident, smashing four beyond the helpless defense of St. Louis on the road last time out.
Not only did the Vancouver boys thrash St. Louis last time out, but they’re now unbeaten in five in all competitions, four of which they’ve won. A team flying high.
Forward Brian White has been the main goal-getter of late, but he’s just one of a group of highly dangerous offensive players currently pushing the Whitecaps up the Western Conference table.
One of those dangerous few, perhaps the most dangerous, is captain Ryan Gauld, who is also enjoying a fantastic season.
The Scotsman looks a decent bet to score here, especially with odds of +195 available. By my reckoning, such odds aren’t quite justifiable, in that they’re just a little large.
Very much a creator too, Gauld has scored in only one of his last six games, producing six assists during that time, but his next goal probably isn’t far away. After all, he’s notched nine times this season.
Having provided for his teammates in fine style last time out, the 28-year-old will likely want some goal-scoring glory of his own here. He’s certainly looked hungry of late, while his average of 0.43 goals per 90 minutes is not to be ignored.
All in all, against a visiting team that has conceded lots of goals this season, Vancouver’s talisman looks like a nice bet to find the net.
Josef Martinez to Score
(New York Red Bulls vs CF Montreal)
Another man who hasn’t exactly scored week in, week out of late, but who is worth betting on to notch on Wednesday night, is Josef Martinez.
It wasn’t too long ago that Martinez was the deadliest forward in all of Major League Soccer, scoring 35 goals during the 2018 campaign for Atlanta, following up with 28 goals in 2019.
Those days may now be over, thanks in no small part to injuries, which continue to be a problem from time to time, but the Venezuelan hitman has had a regular run in the CF Montreal team of late, so don’t be surprised if he starts banging in the goals again soon.
After all, despite not reaching his 2018/2019 heights recently, Martinez has scored an eye-catching average of 0.36 goals per 90 minutes this term, registering an even better average of 0.52 xG per 90. That tells me he’s generously priced here.
What also points towards user-friendly odds is the fact that he’s clearly been looking for goals of late, shooting no less than four times in three of his last four games. Goals are coming for this man, and at odds of +260, I’m betting that he grabs one at Red Bull Arena on Wednesday night.
Best MLS betting offers
Recap - MLS best bets and expert picks
In summary, as several Major League Soccer games take place on July 17th, here are our best bets:
Ryan Gauld to Score @ +195 with BetMGM
Josef Martinez to Score @ +260 with BetMGM
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Los Angeles FC vs Real Salt Lake prediction, picks & best bets
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When betting on MLS, make sure to use a legal sportsbook. Check out our guide to the best soccer betting sites.
