The MLS season is underway and teams are already beginning to separate themselves from pretenders and contenders after just eight game weeks.
This weekend we'll see a clash between two of the favorites for the MLS Cup at the end of the season from opposite conferences as Nasville SC will play host to defending champions Los Angeles FC.
We'll take a look at the fixture and break down their chances of success while handing out our best free soccer picks for you to see if we can earn you some extra cash for the weekend.
Learn more about how to bet on Major League Soccer here.
Nashville SC vs Los Angeles FC information:
- Saturday April 22nd, 2023
- GEODIS Park, Nashville, Tennessee
- 20:30 ET kick-off
- Eastern Conference vs Western Conference
Nashville SC season so far
Nashville opened their campaign with a 0-0 draw against the New York Red Bulls in the Eastern Conference back in March, and then followed that up with a vital and controlled win against Montreal thanks to goals from Jacob Shaffleburg and Taylor Washington.
The following game didn't quite go to plan after a 1-0 loss to New England Revolution, before a second consecutive loss to Cincinnati saw big questions asked about their season goals and objectives.
A trip to Orlando saw the team claim a vital three points in the following game thanks to a 2-0 win with goals from Fabrice Picault and Duncan Williams, before yet another poor result where they drew 0-0 with Toronto at home.
Last time out it got worse, as they suffered a 2-1 defeat to New York City FC to leave them sitting in 6th position in the Eastern conference with just 11 points from eight games so far.
Los Angeles FC season so far
After losing Gareth Bale in the off-season as he opted to retire following the World Cup with Wales, there was some doubt as to whether or not LA would be able to replace the quality and firepower he brought to the side.
They started the MLS season well however, claiming a 3-2 home win over the Portland Timbers in the opening game of the season as Giorgio Chiellini, Carlos Vela and Kwadwo Opoku got on the scoresheet before they almost blew their lead.
Game two was just as eventful, but went almost exclusively in their favor as they claimed a big 4-0 win over the New England Revolution thanks to goals from Denis Bouanga (2), Timothy Tillman and Stipe Biuk.
The third league game of the season didn't quite go to plan, as they dropped their first points of the campaign following a 0-0 draw with the Seattle Sounders, before claiming a convincing 2-1 win over FC Dallas.
LA FC followed that up with a 0-0 draw against the Colorado Rapids, but have since won back-to-back games against Austin FC before a huge 3-2 win over city rivals LA Galaxy in El Trafico last time out.
Soccer picks: Los Angeles FC to win
It's quite bizarre that the home team are the favorites in this game considering the seasons that the two teams have had so far.
Nashville have only managed three wins this season, but defensively they have proven to be quite strong having conceded just four goals. Their problem has been scoring goals, having managed to find the net just seven times in their eight games to date.
On the contrary LA FC are unbeaten in seven MLS games this season, scoring freely with 15 scored and a brilliant defensive record too with just five conceded.
Nashville have had a strong home record in recent seasons and that could be the thinking, but the current team is just not as good as they have been in previous years.
Los Angeles are incredibly strong all over the pitch. Their meeting last year at this ground saw them come away with a 2-1 win on the road and there is no reason they can't repeat that this season with a stronger team against weaker opposition.
Check out our review for BetOnline sports betting here.
Soccer picks: LA FC Draw no bet
It's never easy to predict soccer matches though, and the reason why Nashville are seen as favorites is because of their home advantage and defensive record.
While Los Angeles have got a far better attack than anything they have come up against yet, it can't be ruled out that they're able to stay strong and keep it together at the back.
There is also always the chance that if they get the first goal on the day, then they'll look to focus more defensively and frustrate Los Angeles to get a result.
The best way to counter that with your betting is to back LA in the draw no bet market. That means your money is protected if there is a draw after the 90 minutes, and the only way you lose is if Nashville pull off an upset despite the betting odds.
It seems like a more sensible bet and while the value isn't there, it would be a huge surprise if it didn't land.
Check out our review for BetUS sports betting here.
