The final set of group matches in the MLS is Back tournament continues on Monday when we have two matches to enjoy in the morning and the evening out in Orlando as some big teams look to secure their progression into the knockout stages.
It is the final matches in Group A that form the centre of attention over the course of Monday, in a section in which we already know the two qualifiers and really the only things for debate is who wins the group and whether a third placed side comes from this section.
The Format
The 26 MLS teams have now become 24 with FC Dallas and Nashville being withdrawn from the tournament after positive Covid tests. The remaining teams have been placed into six groups of four. Each team plays the other three in their group once in the group stage. The results of these matches not only count in this tournament but also towards the regular season when it resumes. At the end of the group stage the top two from each group and the four best third placed finishers go into a 16-team knockout stage. The entire tournament takes place in Orlando with the final scheduled for August 11. There is a Champions League place for the winners which should ensure it is competitive.
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Inter Miami vs New York City (14.00 – Betting sites)
The first match of the two on Monday sees the two sides who not only go into this match without a point from their opening two group matches, but also for the regular season too, colliding when the new boys Inter Miami take on New York City FC.
This is the first time in the tournament that the genius move to make the group stage matches count towards the regular season comes to the fore as although there is an outside chance that whoever wins this will qualify as one of the best third placed sides, there can be no easing off because the regular season points are still useful. The good thing for both is that their goal difference hasn’t taken a pounding so they could qualify with three points. One thing we do know is a draw is no use to either.
New York City did themselves no favours with their team selection against Orlando City but you would think that the players who didn’t start there will be nice and fresh for this one and as such I expect NYC to be good enough to win this match. Inter Miami look better on paper than they do in reality and although I’m sure they’ll work hard and be organised, I just think they lack that standout quality that NYC have in key areas. I like NYC -0.25 in this one.
Philadelphia Union vs Orlando City (01.00 – Free Sports)
The second match of the day sees the two teams with 100% records in this tournament going at it for the group title and three more valuable regular season points when the Philadelphia Union take on Orlando City who are technically at home in this event even though it isn’t being played at their own ground.
Orlando City have surprised me in this tournament. I didn’t think they would be that good but they have looked well prepared and actually have been one of the better attacking teams in the competition, however I can’t help but feel they might have been flattered slightly by two poor opposing performances. Philadelphia haven’t been as impressive in terms of style as Orlando but they have got the job done and are a renowned good cup team so they could be ones to watch in the knockout stages. Although there are regular season points up for grabs here, I wonder if both will be happy with their haul now and will target winning this tournament and the Champions League place that comes with it, in which case they might both rest players which puts me off betting here.
Tips
WON – Back New York City FC (-0.25AH) to beat Inter Miami for a 3/10 stake at 1.91 with 888sport
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