2023 MLS Week 1 Odds and Predictions

The 2023 Major League Soccer (MLS) season gets underway this Saturday, February 25th, with Nashville SC and New York City FC kicking things off at GEODIS Park.

Soccer Betting Sites

Ahead of Week 1, I have scoured the odds to find the best bets for this weekend. Read on to discover my MLS predictions and unearth my recommended picks.

Atlanta United vs. San Jose Earthquakes Picks

Best Bet: Both Teams to Score (-154)

Atlanta United posted the second-highest BTTS percentage last season (71%), with both teams scoring in 24 of their 34 games. Meanwhile, both teams scored in 23 of the San Jose Earthquakes’ 34 games, giving them a BTTS percentage of 68%.

It is also worth remembering that San Jose finished the previous campaign with the second-worst defensive record in the league, conceding a whopping 69 goals. Accordingly, I recommend backing both teams to score when Atlanta hosts San Jose on Saturday.

MLS Predictions

Charlotte FC vs. New England Revolution Picks

Best Bet: New England Revolution (+220)

It’s probably fair to say that Charlotte FC experienced a mediocre debut campaign in Major League Soccer, recording 13 wins, three draws and 18 losses last season. In fact, only DC United suffered more defeats than Charlotte in 2022.

Although the New England Revolution picked up the same number of wins as Charlotte, they registered six losses fewer than the MLS newcomers. With that in mind, odds of +220 for the Revs to beat Charlotte are too tasty to ignore.

Inter Miami vs. CF Montreal Picks

Best Bet: Over 2.5 Goals (-138)

Only two Eastern Conference teams scored more goals than CF Montreal’s 63 last season. However, the Canadian outfit also conceded 50 goals, meaning they finished the campaign with the worst defensive record in the top four.

Meanwhile, only the bottom two sides posted a worse defensive record than Inter Miami. The Herons conceded a colossal 56 goals in 2022, scoring 47 in reply. You probably won’t be surprised to learn that I expect Miami and Montreal to combine for over 2.5 goals this weekend.

Pay Per Head Sites

Philadelphia Union vs. Columbus Crew Picks

Best Bet: Philadelphia Union to Win (-150)

The Philadelphia Union finished atop the Eastern Conference last year, suffering a measly five defeats in 34 regular-season games. Jim Curtin’s men also finished with the same number of points as Los Angeles FC, narrowly missing out on the Supporters’ Shield due to their inferior goal difference.

Since the Columbus Crew finished eighth in the East – 21 points behind the Union – I’m confident that Philly will kick off the 2023 campaign with a win.

Los Angeles Galaxy vs. Los Angeles FC Picks

Best Bet: Los Angeles FC to Win (+137)

Having clinched both the Supporters’ Shield and MLS Cup in 2022, Los Angeles FC will be the team to beat this year. That said, I can’t see the Los Angeles Galaxy beating LAFC on the opening weekend.

The Galaxy finished 17 points behind their cross-city rivals in the Western Conference last season, racking up seven wins fewer than LAFC. With stars such as Carlos Vela and Giorgio Chiellini leading the way, LAFC looks destined to enjoy another successful campaign.

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