MLS acca tips and predictions: No Messi no party as Vancouver beat Miami, goals in Atlanta
Major League Soccer is in full swing and while there’s no Lionel Messi this weekend, there are 14 juicy fixtures to pick from in this weekend’s MLS acca.
The Premier League season may be over but the fun doesn't stop on Planet Sport, as we turn our acca attention to a busy weekend in MLS on Saturday night/Sunday morning.
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MLS acca
Atlanta vs LAFC: Over 2.5 goals
Montreal vs Nashville: Over 2.5 goals
Portland vs Sporting: Over 2.5 goals
Atlanta United vs Los Angeles FC
It feels like a safe bet to expect Atlanta and LAFC to produce goals. There have been over 2.5 goals in each of the Five Stripe’s last five home matches and 12 of the last 14.
LA recently strung together four consecutive wins for the first time this season, shutting out their last three opponents.
Despite that, there have been three or more goals in 10 of 11 LA matches. Before the clean sheets, LA’s last seven matches featured an average of 4.28 goals.
DC United vs Chicago Fire
DC’s 1-0 loss against Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami was one of the more organised and deserving efforts we’ve seen from Troy Lesesne’s side.
Despite enjoying just 33% of possession, DC created double the chances and should have claimed all three points when Cristian Dajome wasted a golden chance in the 93rd minute.
On the other hand, Chicago’s performances have been poor. Their overall form shows one win in 10, which came at home, and they’ve struggled to control the second half of matches.
Montreal Impact vs Nashville SC
You can’t trust either of these sides to win this match given their recent form and shambolic defensive record.
Montreal are winless in seven, have lost their last four matches and were even beaten 2-1 by Canadian Premier League side Forge. Their 15 matches this campaign have produced 53 goals.
Nashville beat Montreal 4-1 on home soil during the Canadian side’s winless stretch, but they’re yet to win on their travels. Their six away games have produced 19 goals.
Vancouver Whitecaps vs Inter Miami
Last season was a disjointed start to life with Lionel Messi, Tata Martino and co being part of the Inter Miami setup. Their form so far this season has shown their potential.
Vice City are capable of lifting the Supporters Shield and MLS Cup, but some factors could prevent that. International absences is one, such as Messi going to Copa America.
Another is the ageing quarter of Miami superstars not wanting to play on an artificial surface. Leo, Luis Suarez and Sergio Busquets will miss the trip to Vancouver for that reason.
Portland Timbers vs Sporting KC
Whether they’re home or away, the Timbers have become the grand entertainer. A little over a month ago they trailed Sporting 3-0 at half-time, before fighting back to earn a point.
There have been four or more goals in nine of their 14 MLS matches and five of six played at Providence Park. The pick of the bunch was a 4-2 win over San Jose last time out.
Sporting have produced more goals for and against at home, but they have their moments on the road. There have been eight instances of a team scoring three or more in their fixtures.