We have two matches in the MLS is Back tournament on Saturday evening and it is the Group of Death that is back in focus as four of the better sides in the MLS as a whole, let alone the Western Conference, battle it out in what should be a great night of football.
Both the matches are live on TV in the UK and with signs that the competition has gone up a notch or two in the second round of group games, given the quality on show anyway, we would be foolish to expect anything other than a pair of great games.
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The 26 MLS teams have now become 24 with FC Dallas and Nashville being withdrawn from the tournament after positive Covid tests.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.
Where to watch
Both matches are live on TV in the UK. They can both be seen on Free Sports. They will also be available to be watched on the live streaming consoles on bookmaker websites.
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Portland Timbers vs Houston Dynamo (01.00)
The opening match of the night sees the Portland Timbers looking to seal their place in the knockout stage of the tournament when they go up against a Houston Dynamo team who will be looking to dust themselves down after coughing up a 3-1 lead in their first game.
It wasn’t necessarily the best performance we’ve ever seen from Portland Timbers in their first game but it was never going to be given how long they have been out of action for. If their attacking unit fires like we know it can then they are going to have every chance here. Houston Dynamo will be delighted with their attacking play in their first game but they will know there is work to do defensively, although they were up against what many judges believe is the best team in MLS in their first game.
I expect goals in both matches over the course of the night and that can certainly begin with this one. Houston showed in their opener that they are going to get men forward and commit a little whereas Portland have more attacking options to come from their bench and squad. The goal line here is only three goals which feels quite low. This is a fixture with a history of goals and I expect to see some more here.
Los Angeles FC vs LA Galaxy (03.30)
The second match of the night is the most anticipated clash in the group stage of this tournament as the two Los Angeles sides meet in ‘El Trafico’ as Los Angeles FC take on their city rivals LA Galaxy in a match both really need to win.
Neither of these teams were able to pick up three points in their opening match of the tournament. LAFC came from the clouds to draw 3-3 with the Houston Dynamo in their first game while a missed penalty proved costly for LA Galaxy as they were beaten by the Portland Timbers so both teams have something to prove. This is another match where there is a history of goals. They’ve only been in the league together for two seasons and there have been at least four goals in five of their six matches.
I don’t see that trend changing here. We’ve seen some wild matches in this tournament this week and with both teams having to win the match to get themselves back in contention where things are in their own hands, not to mention regular season points against their rivals, I expect this to ignite early doors and stay lit. History tells us over 3.5 goals is a good thing here and that’s my bet.
Tips
PUSH – Back Portland Timbers vs Houston Dynamo – Over 3 goals for a 3/10 stake at 1.95 with BetVictor
Back it here:
WON – Back Los Angeles FC vs LA Galaxy – Over 3.5 goals for a 3/10 stake at 2.15 with Betfair
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