KJ’s Week 6 MLS picks
Photo credit: Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images
2017 record: 11-11
Profit/loss: -42.02
After sitting out last weekend’s shortened MLS slate due to the World Cup Qualifiers, I’m back with a few hopeful winners. Here are my MLS picks for Week 6:
Chicago Fire/Columbus Crew SC Draw +260
Risk 38.46 to win 100
Both clubs made recent impressive additions in Bastian Schweinsteiger and Kekuta Manneh that should bolster their attacks. Schweinsteiger scored in his debut for the Fire, while Manneh hasn’t suited up yet. I like what I’ve seen from Chicago’s attack, but I’m not ready to trust its defense yet. Look for the Fire to concede a goal or two while scoring a goal or two of their own, making the draw a solid play at +260.
New England Revolution ML (3-way) -130
Risk 65 to win 50
Houston has been one of the surprise teams so far in 2017, but again, I’m not ready to fully buy-in just yet. In 2016, the Dynamo also started strong before faltering after a few weeks of success. Houston absolutely could be the real deal, but I need to see several more positive performances before I consider them a contender in the Western Conference. The Revs seem to be hitting their stride after housing Minnesota United 5-2 and following it up with a hard-earned road point in Portland.
New York City FC Pick ‘Em +130
Risk 50 to win 65
There isn’t much to this play other than sizing up the current form of both clubs. Home teams are almost always favored in MLS, but D.C. United have only scored twice on the season while giving up seven tallies. NYCFC, meanwhile, already have a +4 goal differential through four matches. Take the road dog here, and it might be a good idea to continue fading D.C. United until their struggles cease.
FC Dallas -1.5 +100
Risk 50 to win 50
See Minnesota United FC’s road results. ‘Nuff said.
Real Salt Lake ML (3-way) -110
Risk 55 to win 50
Vancouver is not a fantastic team this year, and might also be dealing with tired legs after playing a midweek CONCACAF Champions League match. It’s never a good time to hit the road in MLS when the home side will be noticeably less fatigued. The men at RSL haven’t looked good this season by any means, but this is a nice situational spot to back them.
Real Salt Lake/Vancouver Whitecaps Under 2.5 -110
Risk 55 to win 50
Neither of these clubs light up the scoreboard, especially RSL. As I mentioned above, the Whitecaps will also be dealing with tired legs. It’s not the best recipe to sneak a few past an MLS legend like Nick Rimando. I think this match will only produce a goal or two.
Follow Kevin on Twitter @KJboxing.
