Another weekend brings us another set of games in the MLS. Here are three expert picks for matchday 6 in the MLS.
With several players away on international duty we might be able to catch sportsbooks napping and squeak out some value.
MLS Matchday 6 Expert Picks
Charlotte vs Columbus
The Game: Charlotte FC vs Columbus Crew, Saturday, March 23, 7:30 PM ET
| Team | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Charlotte FC | +185 | O2.5 (-105) |
| Columbus Crew | +140 | U2.5 (-115) |
| Draw | +220 |
Pick: Charlotte FC ML (+185)
Charlotte is rightfully the dog in this contest. The six-point gap in the standings between Charlotte and Columbus makes that obvious enough. But home side Charlotte has an advantage here. The Crew will be without two of their bigger minute munchers with Aidan Morris and Patrick Schulte leaving to represent the US's U23 side.
For Charlotte, who is 1-0-0 at home with a +1.5 xGD, this is a good time to face a Columbus side that's 0-1-0 on the road and will be without their starting goalie and hyper-talented midfielder.
Kansas City vs LA Galaxy
The Game: Sporting Kansas City vs LA Galaxy, Saturday, March 23, 8:30 PM ET
| Team | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Sporting Kansas City | -110 | O2.5 (-155) |
| LA Galaxy | +245 | U2.5 (+125) |
| Draw | +280 |
Pick: O2.5 (-155)
LA has seen an average of four goals in their four games so far this year. With that type of goal activity, O2.5 goals has hit three times in four games.
LA is creating the second most chances in the league at 9.2xG and converting nearly all of those chances with nine goals on the year. They've got a ton of offense and I don't think KC's ok defense will do enough to stop them.
Portland vs Philadelphia
The Game: Portland Timbers vs Philadelphia Union, Saturday, March 23, 10:30 PM ET
| Team | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Portland Timbers | -105 | O2.5 (-1.5) |
| Philadelphia Union | +245 | U2.5 (+110) |
| Draw | +260 |
Pick: Portland Timbers ML (-105)
I'm surprised the line isn't more in Portland's favor. I get they'll be without D Kamal Miller and keeper Maxime Crépeau. But Philly's missing two of their top four defenders (Harriel and Lowe), their main goal scorer (Daniel Gazdag) as well as two pillars of their midfield (Martinez and McGlynn). That's five of the Union's 10 starters and a third of their xG out.
Sorry. Portland wins this one.
