2019 MLS Season Betting Preview & Predictions

Major League Soccer will begin its 24th season on Saturday, with FC Cincinnati joining the league as an expansion franchise. The league has shortened the regular season and made the playoff format a better reflection of regular-season performance, and the MLS Cup will take place on November 10, crowning the league’s champion. Such top talents as Sebastian Giovinco, Miguel Almiron and David Villa are all taking their talents to other leagues, but new talent has entered the league to take their places. In this article, we look at some questions for MLS betting enthusiasts to consider as the league prepares to get the 2019 season underway.

2019 MLS Season Betting Preview & Predictions

It’s officially game week. Who’s ready?! #MLSisBack

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) 25 de febrero de 2019

Can Atlanta United repeat as champion?

Atlanta United saw Josef Martinez break every record for scoring in a season that MLS kept records of. Tata Martino was able to get his squad playing in a dynamic fashion — but now he is off coach the Mexican men’s national team, and Frank de Boer is now the manager. Almiron is now playing for Newcastle United in the English Premier League, and the team replaced him with Gonzalo “Pity” Martinez. The team lost in their first leg of a matchup with Herediano in the CONCACAF Champions League, showing that the chemistry of the new roster and the new coach is still a work in progress.

Can Zlatan Ibrahimovic make the L.A. Galaxy a contender?

Zlatan has already predicted that he will break every record in the league as far as scoring goes, and his performance last year (22 goals, 10 assists) would make for a nice season all its own. However, the Galaxy had major issues on their back line last year that their offense simply couldn’t outscore. If they haven’t fixed those problems, it won’t matter how many times he scores — and how spectacular those goals are. The Galaxy have made it to nine MLS Cup finals, but none in four years. Guillermo Barros Schelotto comes on as the new manager, and his challenge will be to get his side back to the postseason.

The same question for Wayne Rooney and D.C. United?

Rooney spent a half-season in MLS and helped United get from the basement to the postseason. However, can he sustain that play for a full season? Luciano Acosta looked headed to Paris St-Germain, but that didn’t happen, so the pair should still work well together. D.C. United has invested heavily in Rooney, and it’s time for him to make that investment pay off.

How will FC Cincinnati do in their expansion year?

The roster is sound on defense, thanks to Greg Garza, Alvas Powell and Kendall Watson, all with significant MLS experience. However, their attacking is a little light. They were a popular side in USL, drawing sizable and enthusiastic crowds in. However, given their offensive limitations, they should look more like Minnesota United did in its first year, as opposed to the explosive entries that LAFC and Atlanta United made.

How will Portland deal with their schedule?

The Timbers are going through an extensive makeover to their home stadium, which means that their first home fixture is not until June 1. They start the season on a 12-match road trip — but they finish with 17 of 22 at home. They played well away from home last year, particularly in the postseason, and if they can pull out enough points in the early going, they should be fine. However, in 2016, they did not win at all on the road — and that would be a disaster if it happened again.

Can Nani and Marco Fabian help Orlando and Philadelphia?

Two Designated Players come to these two sides with terrific soccer resumes. However, Nani is 32, and Orlando may need more than just him to bolster their attack. Fabian is just 29 but had a serious back injury a year ago. He could be Newcomer of the Year — but he could also turn into an expensive bust.