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MLS Best Bets: Saturday 22nd-24th, July
The CONCACAF Leagues Cup gets underway this weekend, with the MLS resuming in over a month. We have three bets across three matches for the action.
This tournament started in 2019, and it is the perfect opportunity for sides from the US and Mexico to slug it out for supremacy. Despite its importance, there is only one headlining story this weekend. Lionel Messi will make his first appearance since swapping Ligue 1 for the MLS.
In this article:
- Inter Miami vs Cruz Azul Preview & Best Bet
- Philadelphia Union vs Club Tijuana Preview & Best Bet
- Cincinnati vs Sporting Kansas Preview & Best Bet
Inter Miami vs Cruz Azul Preview
North America, Leagues Cup, Saturday, July 22nd, 01:00 (UK)
Inter Miami vs Cruz Azul is the hottest ticket in world football this week. Lionel Messi will likely debut for Inter Miami, so the excitement levels have reached a fever pitch. However, Miami have struggled this season and occupy the bottom spot in the MLS. Their fortunes should change with Messi and Busquets entering the fray in the coming months.
The Liga MX season is still in its infancy, but Cruz Azul have made a poor start. They have lost all three matches, conceding six and scoring just one. The team finished 7th last season, so that the woeful start will have come as a shock to the supporters.
Inter Miami vs Cruz Azul Best Bet
Inter Miami have brought in Tata Martino as their new manager. They are looking to replicate the style that made Barcelona successful, and the acquisitions of Messi and Busquets will help them do just that. Lionel remains one of the best players on the planet, and he is more than capable of winning matches on his own. This is illustrated by Miami being the bookmakers’ fifth favourite for the tournament.
Cruz Azul have struggled in their opening three matches. They have shipped six and scored just once. They have conceded a whole host of big chances whilst remaining toothless themselves.
- Selection: Inter Miami To Win
- Best Odds: 1.99 (Unibet)
- Stakes: 7/10
More Inter Miami vs Cruz Azul Tips
Philadelphia Union vs Club Tijuana Preview
North America, Leagues Cup, Sunday, July 23rd, 01:00 (UK)
Philadelphia are enjoying a stellar campaign in the MLS and sits amongst the favourites to taste glory in the Leagues Cup. They are 3rd in the overall MLS table and in a solid position to qualify for the playoffs come the end of the season.
Club Tijuana have picked up four points in their opening three league matches. They finished near the bottom last season and are up against it as they make the trip to Philadelphia. These two sides have never played each other in a competitive match.
Philadelphia Union vs Club Tijuana Best Bet
These matches will play on North American soil, so the MLS sides have the advantage of playing in front of home support. Philadelphia have been exceptional at home. They have won eight of their 11 matches at Subaru Park and lost just one. Their attack has been in fine form, and they have managed to score an average of 2.09 goals per game in those matches.
Tijuana have been lacklustre on the road. They have won just three of their last 18 away matches in the league, so the signs are ominous heading into this one. Their opponents are averaging 2.17 goals in those away matches.
- Selection: Philadelphia Union To Win
- Best Odds: 1.80 (bet365)
- Stakes: 8/10
More Philadelphia Union vs Club Tijuana Tips
Cincinnati vs Sporting Kansas Preview
North America, Leagues Cup, Monday, July 24th, 00:30 (UK)
Cincinnati have been the surprise package in the MLS this season. Few would have predicted them challenging for the MLS Cup, but they are top of the overall table after 23 matches. They are much nearer to the top of the betting in this tournament.
Sporting Kansas are 81.00 with bet365 to win the Cup. They are 11th in the Western Conference of the MLS and have struggled to build momentum this season. This competition will be a welcome distraction as Peter Vermes’ side look to muster some success. Due to playing in different conferences, these sides haven’t squared off in a competitive match since 2020.
Cincinnati vs Sporting Kansas Best Bet
Cincinnati have lost one of their last 19 competitive matches. They will be keen to keep their momentum going in this competition, with the playoffs looming at the end of the season. During their impressive run, Cincinnati found the net with 1.84 goals per game on average.
Sporting Kansas have won just one of their last seven matches, so confidence is low ahead of the trip to Cincinnati. They have also struggled when playing away from their own fans. Kansas have played 14 away matches this season, winning just one. They are averaging just 0.79 goals per game over that period.
- Selection: Cincinnati To Win
- Best Odds: 1.90 (bet365)
- Stakes: 8/10
Odds via various bookmakers as at 12:00 July 18th 2018. Odds may now differ.
More Cincinnati vs Sporting Kansas Tips
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