MLS expert Luke Beaumont (@_LukeBeaumont) has found two gems from Saturday's early hours MLS action.
Orlando City vs Atlanta United | Saturday 25th August, 01:00
MLS rivalry week continues tonight, and the weekend’s action gets underway with the derby of the South – Orlando City vs Atlanta United.
Atlanta are leading the way in Major League Soccer and are the only side to have accumulated 50+ so far this season. They’re the current favourites to win MLS Cup and that’s deserved.
The Five Stripes are very strong away from home having only lost two of their 11 fixtures on the road so far this year. That’s a very impressive record – it’s extremely difficult for MLS sides to pick up points on the road due to the intense schedule and travel.
It’s a totally different story for Orlando, who are on a terrible run. The Lions have lost five of their last six games and they haven’t picked up three points in over a month. They’ve had nearly two weeks to prepare for this game and they seriously needed it.
The two sides have only met five times before, but Orlando are yet to taste victory in this fixture. Atlanta have had the best success, winning three out of the five clashes. Atlanta can also boast that they have taken three points from every visit to the Orlando City stadium. They’re 4/5 (William Hill) to do so again tonight and I’m struggling to see how Orlando can stop them.
LA Galaxy vs Los Angeles | Saturday 25th August, 03:00 | Sky Sports
Like Orlando and Atlanta, the LA derby is a brand-new arrival but an exciting one at that. If you are an insomniac and find yourself up late, I’d really suggest giving this match a watch – You won’t be disappointed.
The two LA sides have only met twice before with this being LAFC’s inaugural season, yet there has been a staggering 11 goals between the two. The first meeting ended 4-3 back in March, and the second was a 2-2 share of the spoils.
I would say LAFC have the second most exciting attack force in MLS behind Atlanta United, and LA Galaxy boast Zlatan Ibrahimović. Both teams put an emphasis on attacking whilst are vulnerable at the back. It’s a recipe for goals.
This game is impossible to call, and the odds suggest that. I have dug out an interesting angle that looks good value. Betfair are offering 13/8 for both teams to score two or more goals. Considering the first two meetings this year ended 4-3 and 2-2 – I really like the look of this.
Best Bets
Orlando City v Atlanta United – Atlanta United to win (4/5 William Hill)
La Galaxy v Los Angeles – Both teams to score 2+ goals (13/8 Betfair)
