The second set of matches end and the final round of group games begin in the MLS is Back tournament on Sunday night when two more fixtures take place out on Orlando on a night which could see the defending MLS Cup champions eliminated from the competition.
The focus falls on Group B on Sunday, the section of the event that has had plenty of changes made to it after the previous withdrawals from the tournament, but it catches up over the course of a potentially big evening of action.
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The 26 MLS teams have now become 24 with FC Dallas and Nashville being withdrawn from the tournament after positive Covid tests.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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Chicago Fire vs San Jose Earthquakes (01.00)
The opening match of the night sees the Chicago Fire playing their second game of the event when they go up against a San Jose Earthquakes side who will complete their group schedule in this one, in a contest which it has to be said a draw isn’t the worst result for either.
There is a good chance the San Jose Earthquakes have already progressed to the next round but avoiding defeat here would guarantee it, while the Fire would also be confirmed as being in the next round if they come out on top in this match, but it would take a weird run of results to deny them even if they draw the game. That makes me reluctant to bet on the outcome of the game but I’m happy enough to side with the goals anyway.
We’ve seen in both matches that San Jose have played that they are prepared to get it down and get men forward, even if that means leaving themselves short and exposed at the back. That usually means we’ll see goals in their games while Chicago Fire showed they possess a goal threat in their first game. They didn’t look that great defensively against a terrible Seattle performance so with Chicago’s technical players likely to come on for the run and an attacking intent almost guaranteed from the Earthquakes, I like over 2.75 goals in this one.
Vancouver Whitecaps vs Seattle Sounders (03.30)
The first Cascadia Cup clash of the MLS is Back tournament forms the second part of the Sunday double header when the Vancouver Whitecaps take on the Seattle Sounders in a match which is must win for the reigning champions.
Seattle have played two and lost two in this competition and anything but a win here will see them exit the competition. Even if they pick up that victory they will need other results to go their way for them to finish as one of the best third placed teams, if it is good enough to come third in this group. Vancouver Whitecaps have played one game in the tournament and got involved in a shootout against San Jose Earthquakes. That was a better display than either of the two Seattle have put together but I can’t believe the Sounders are going to be that bad again. There is no certainty about that though so I’ll gladly sit this one out.
Tips
Back Chicago Fire vs San Jose Earthquakes – Over 2.75 goals for a 3/10 stake at 1.80 with BetVictor
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