We’ve now got just one more round of fixtures to get excited about until the All-Star break takes over.
On Saturday evening, Major League Soccer venues around the country will be filling up for the last time until late August, and as that happens, we’re back looking for a few viable betting opportunities. Read on for our MLS best bets for July 20th.
MLS picks and best bets
After an exciting mid-week round, we move onto the weekend action. This is the last time to bet on the MLS for a while, with All-Star soccer now upon us, so let’s get stuck into these best bets and head into the break in flying form.
Gyasi Zardes to Score
(Austin FC vs Charlotte FC)
As Austin FC takes on Charlotte FC in front of an expectant home crowd at Q2 Stadium on Saturday evening, I cannot help but think that Gyasi Zardes is a little generously priced in the early betting.
It’s not that the vastly experienced MLS forward has been in prolific form this season, but after having a sustained run in the team of late, he’s starting to find his feet, and as regular watchers of MLS over the last decade will know, when Zardes is hot, he’s very dangerous.
The 32-year-old, who has scored over 100 MLS goals in his career, notched on the road in Dallas on Wednesday night, while in recent games, he’s looked like a man hungry for goals, shooting six times in his last three appearances, registering an average of 1.33 shots on target during that time.
Given his season averages of 0.31 goals per 90 minutes and 0.29 xG per 90 minutes, Zardes is worth betting on to hit the net for a second game in a row at +290, which is just a little too user-friendly.
Over 3.0 Asian Total
(Seattle Sounders vs LAFC)
Moving on to the fixture between the Seattle Sounders and Los Angeles FC and for my money, betting on a goal-filled game is the way to go.
The Sounders haven’t made a habit of being involved in high-scoring games of late, certainly not, with none of their last five games containing more than three goals.
However, the hosts are in fine scoring form, especially at home, where they’ve scored two or more goals in each of their last five. Similarly, the visitors have looked strong offensively on their travels, scoring two or more in four of their last six on the road.
Moreover, earlier in the season, when the teams met in Los Angeles, they shared three goals, while there were chances created for a fourth, which bodes well as far as I’m concerned.
Ultimately, I’d say there’s enough to suggest that the chances of a high-scorer unfolding at Lumen Field are a little greater than the early lines would have us believe.
Best MLS betting offers
Recap - MLS best bets and expert picks
For one final time before the All-Stars get going, here are the MLS best bets ahead of the weekend:
Gyasi Zardes to Score (Austin vs Charlotte) @ +290 with BetMGM
Over 3.0 Asian Total (Seattle Sounders vs LAFC) @ +155 with BetMGM
More MLS betting content:
Atlanta United vs Columbus Crew prediction, picks & best bets
Orlando City vs New York City FC prediction, picks & best bets
Los Angeles Galaxy vs Colorado Rapids prediction, picks & best bets
When betting on MLS, make sure to use a legal sportsbook. Check out our guide to the best soccer betting sites.
