We have another three match day of action in the MLS is Back tournament where in the most part the sides on show are playing their second group match of three. Given that most of the teams have had a run out we should see the intensity and the quality rise.
All three matches are live on TV in the UK and you can get them all on the bookmakers streaming services as well so there is no need to miss a kick off the action, especially if you happen to be a night owl!
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The 26 MLS teams have now become 24 with FC Dallas and Nashville being withdrawn from the tournament after positive Covid tests.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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Chicago Fire vs Seattle Sounders (14.00 – Sky Main Event/Sky Football)
The first match of the day sees the champions in action for the second time in the tournament when they go up against a team making their return from lockdown as the Seattle Sounders go up against the Chicago Fire in the only group with a cross-conference setup.
The Sounders restarted their campaign earlier in the week with a 0-0 draw with the San Jose Earthquakes in a match which they were second best in for long periods, and while they’ll need to play better in this match, you would think natural improvement will come after the cobwebs have been blown away. Chicago Fire are in action for the first time here and with the changes to their schedule and lack of minutes of the pitch, I’ve got to think this will be a tough assignment for the Eastern Conference side.
These two met in the opening week of the regular season and Seattle Sounders won 2-1 and I expect them to pick up another win over the Fire here. I’m not convinced by the Seattle defence I have to say but it might not be under too much threat here. The likes of Nico Lodeiro, Raul Ruidiaz and Jordan Morris should be on the same page more here after a game back together and that makes me think Seattle are the ones to be on in this one.
New York City FC vs Orlando City (01.00 – Free Sports)
The second match of the three sees the start of the middle set of fixtures in Group A getting underway and it is a big game for New York City FC who will be on their way out of the tournament if they are beaten by Orlando City.
NYCFC were surprisingly beaten by a determined and at times classy Philadelphia Union side in their opening match, while Orlando City came from behind to see off Inter Miami late on in the first match of the tournament. Orlando know if they avoid defeat here they will be through to the knockout stage whereas NYC really need a win to get themselves back into contention. You would think both teams will come on for the run but I sense Orlando will need to.
New York City weren’t great in their first game but I believe they are a much better side than Orlando. Orlando were very fortunate that Inter Miami ran out of legs in the opening match but I don’t see NYC doing that here. There is a lot more potency in this NYCFC attack and although these two have a history of draws, I think this is the time New York break that run and come out on top.
Philadelphia Union vs Inter Miami (03.30 – Free Sports)
The final match of the day is another one in Group A and it is a match Inter Miami can ill afford to lose when they go up against a Philadelphia Union who has made a decent start to their season either side of lockdown.
The Union picked off New York City FC in their opening match and were probably worthy of their 1-0 win whereas Inter Miami let a 1-0 lead slip late on against Orlando City. I wouldn’t say Miami were ever truly convincing but when they went forward there were encouraging signs in them. Luis Robles saved them a few times which would be a concern though. Philadelphia were dark horses entering this tournament given their wonderful cup record and it is not hard to see them winning this one too. My concern is that a draw will do them from here though so although I fancy the Union and their price is tempting, I think the better bets come in the earlier games.
Tips
Back Seattle Sounders (-0.25AH) to beat Chicago Fire for a 3/10 stake at 2.08 with 888sport
Back them here:
Back New York City FC to beat Orlando City for a 3/10 stake at 1.90 with BetVictor
Back them here:
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