Another set of matches begins in the MLS 2024 season on Saturday evening when the new rules for the campaign are in place for the first time which will only further add to the interest of a competition which is bubbling along nicely.
Once again all of the matches are available to be watched via the MLS Season Pass which is on Apple TV but those who don’t subscribe can still watch these games if they have an account with a bookmaker who offers live streaming.
Saturday’s fixtures are as follows: (00.30 unless stated)
Atlanta United v FC Cincinnati
CF Montréal v Orlando City SC
Columbus Crew v Portland Timbers
Inter Miami CF v Nashville SC
New York City FC v D.C. United
Toronto FC v New England Revolution
Chicago Fire FC v Real Salt Lake (01.30)
Houston Dynamo FC v Austin FC (01.30)
Sporting Kansas City v St. Louis City SC (01.30)
Colorado Rapids v FC Dallas (02.30)
Los Angeles Football Club v New York Red Bulls (03.30)
Seattle Sounders FC v Vancouver Whitecaps FC (03.30)
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Big Matches
There are so many matches which jump off the page at us on Saturday evening and they begin with the repeat of the Leagues Cup final as Inter Miami play host to Nashville SC in among the earlier kick offs. We have a couple of tasty derbies in the second set of kick offs with two of the Texan sides battling it out when the Houston Dynamo play host to Austin FC while Sporting Kansas City and St Louis City SC meet in the latest Missouri clash. The last of the derby matches comes from Lumen Field where we have a Cascadia Cup matchup between the Seattle Sounders and the Vancouver Whitecaps.
Best of the Rest
There is plenty to enjoy elsewhere in the MLS on Saturday evening with the pick of the games being the one between two potential champion sides as Los Angeles FC take on the New York Red Bulls. Atlanta United are in action on Saturday night as well when they host FC Cincinnati while CF Montreal will finally get to go on a run of home matches as they host Orlando City after their win over Cincy last week. The champions Columbus Crew are also on show when they take on Portland Timbers while Colorado Rapids look to continue their progression when FC Dallas are the visitors to Denver.
Betting
I’ll go with a trio of bets over the course of the night with the first one coming with the champions Columbus Crew taking on Portland Timbers in what I expect to be a high scoring affair. Portland matches have been very high scoring this season which is probably no surprise with the way they have attack loaded their side with weapons around the impressive Evander. Columbus Crew never need an invitation to get among the goals and are generally involved in exciting matches with the way they press the ball and look to move it through the lines. Portland have played in eight matches this season and they average four goals per game with them scoring for fun and conceding just as easily. Columbus are averaging a shade under two goals a game at home and with the attacking talent that is on show here I expect an over 3 goals pick to land.
Houston Dynamo have been going well this season after a slow start which was probably down to their Champions Cup participation. Most teams who have come in contact with that competition see their MLS campaign suffer but since they have been knocked out of that tournament they have won four of their last five matches and they could have the influential Hector Herrera back for their clash with Austin FC as well. Austin are showing one or two signs of picking up from a really disappointing start to the season, undoubtedly helped by the fact that Sebastian Driussi is getting up to speed, but they have been on their travels three times this season and are yet to win or score a goal. Austin have lost three of their four matches in Houston in the MLS and I expect them to be beaten here too.
Colorado Rapids were my idea of the big improvers in the MLS ahead of the season starting and they are not letting me down in that regard and I expect them to pick up another three points against FC Dallas on Saturday night. The Rapids are generally hard to beat at home with the altitude very much their friend and certainly that is the case when Dallas come to town because Rapids are unbeaten in the last nine between the two at Dicks Sporting Goods Park, including winning the last six. Dallas haven’t really got going at all this season. They won their opening match against the San Jose Earthquakes, but needed a winner in the 94th minute to achieve that, but haven’t won any of the six since then and look a little lost to me. I expect Colorado to come out on top here and continue their fine improvement after a disastrous campaign last term.
Tips
Back Columbus Crew vs Portland Timbers – Over 3 goals for a 3/10 stake at 1.85 with Bet365
Back Houston Dynamo (-0.75AH) to beat Austin FC for a 3/10 stake at 1.93 with Bet365
Back Colorado Rapids (-0.75AH) to beat FC Dallas for a 3/10 stake at 1.88 with Bet365
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