Pickswise experts select their best MLS predictions on the futures markets for the upcoming MLS is back tournament. We also look at the MLS odds for all teams to win the tournament ahead of Wednesday’s kick-off. Please remember to gamble responsibly when following our MLS picks and predictions.
MLS Odds
LAFC +450
NYCFC +800
Seattle +800
Atlanta +1000
Toronto +1200
Sporting KC +1200
NY Red Bulls +1600
Portland +1700
LA Galaxy +1700
Columbus +2000
Minnesota +2200
Philadelphia +2500
Real Salt Lake +2500
New England +2500
Montreal +2500
San Jose +2800
DC United +3000
Colorado +3000
Chicago +400
Houston +4000
Orlando +4000
Inter Miami +5000
Vancouver +7500
Cincinnati +12500
Nashville +12500
MLS futures predictions
Last year’s Supporters’ Shield winners Los Angeles FC are rated favorites to win MLS is Back Tournament in Orlando but there are reasons to oppose Bob Bradley’s men.
For starters, the Californians are likely to be without last season’s MVP and a forward who shattered previous MLS scoring records Carlos Vela, who may choose to miss the tournament and be with his pregnant wife.
The Mexican pipped Zlatan Ibrahimović to the title of top scorer in the division last season, scoring 34 of the club’s 85 regular-season goals.
Without him, they are notably weaker in the final third and they gave the impression they are not fans of tournament football in last year’s MLS playoffs, comfortably losing their conference final against Seattle Sounders.
Toronto FC +1100
Instead, it could be the side who finished runners-up in last term’s MLS Cup, Toronto, who rate greater appeal at around +1100 in the futures market.
The Canadians have been drawn in one of the competition’s softer sections with New England Revolution, Thierry Henry’s Montreal Impact, and a DC United side they destroyed 5-1 in last year’s playoffs.
On their way to the MLS Cup, Toronto also saw off big sides such as Atlanta United and New York City, emphasizing that they can mix it with the league’s big boys.
Having Michael Bradley, who missed the start of the 2020 MLS season through injury, back in the fold is a big bonus.
They also have excellent options in the final third in Jozy Altidore, who has 56 MLS goals to his name, former Valencia and Espanyol winger Pablo Piatti and another new addition, young Nigerian Ifunanyachi Achara, who scored on his MLS debut this year.
Behind them is one of the division’s best playmakers in Alejandro Pozuelo, providing the squad with great balance and a genuine shot at the trophy and a place in next year’s Concacaf Champions League.
Columbus Crew +2800
In terms of a side with an outside chance of glory, Columbus Crew could be a shrewd wager at +2800 to win the tournament.
The Crew finished a disappointing 20th in the overall 2019 MLS standings but the core of the squad is still much the same as when they advanced to the conference semi-finals the season before.
To a reliable group of players such as Harrison Afful, Josh Williams, Pedro Santos and prolific striker Gyasi Zardes, who has netted 33 goals in MLS, they added a number of new, exciting faces.
Lucas Zelarayan, a playmaker brought in for $7 million from Tigres, is the headline addition, while experienced defender Vito Wormgoor and a striker who knows all about the MLS, Fanendo Adi, strengthen them in both boxes.
Coach Caleb Porter has one full season under his belt and had several months this year to assess his squad‘s strengths and weaknesses.
They should be ready to challenge in a tough group, featuring New York Red Bulls, Atlanta United, and Cincinnati, which, should they get out of, they will be brimming with confidence for the knockout phase.
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