MLS 2020 – Round 3 – Best Bets, Odds, Picks & Predictions

We have reached the final round of the MLS is Back Tournament’s group stage, and there has already been plenty of drama. Orlando, Philadelphia, San Jose, Columbus, and Portland have already booked their spot in the Round of 16, but there are still a number of knockout places up for groups. 

Here are the best value bets for Round 3 of the new-look 2020 MLS season. 

Colorado Rapids vs. Minnesota United – 07/22/20 

Colorado stands no chance of reaching the knockout stages after losing their opening two games of the tournament. The Rapids sit bottom of Group D with an unhealthy goal difference of –5. Meanwhile, Minnesota is unbeaten so far, with one win and one draw to their name. After winning two games before the season was suspended, United comes into this game on a four-game unbeaten run. Considering the contrasting form of these two teams, I think odds of 2.10 for the Minnesota win are too good to miss. 

Pick: Minnesota United to Win – 2.10 

Chicago Fire vs. Vancouver Whitecaps – 07/22/20 

Chicago knows that a win in this matchup will see the team advance to the Round of 16. The Fire kicked off their campaign with a narrow victory over Seattle before losing to San Jose last time out. On the other hand, Vancouver is already out of the tournament having lost their opening two games. The Whitecaps find themselves bottom of Group B without a point to their name. Chicago should win this game, although odds of 1.57 for the Fire win are pretty low. Given that each of Chicago’s four games this year have produced under less than four goals, I recommend adding the under 3.5 goals market into this mix to boost the odds. 

Pick: Chicago Fire to Win and Under 3.5 Goals – 2.27 

LAFC vs. Portland Timbers – 07/23/20 

It’s difficult to predict which way this matchup will go. Portland is currently top of Group F after beating LA Galaxy and Houston Dynamo, both by a 2-1 scoreline. LAFC is two points behind the Timbers following a 3-3 draw with Houston and a massive 6-2 victory over rival LA Galaxy. LAFC (1.57) is the bookies’ firm favorite to win this game, while Portland (4.50) is clear the outsider. However, LAFC has been pretty unpredictable so far, so I suggest going with a goals market for this one. LAFC’s last three games have produced a total of 20 goals, that’s an average of just over 6.5 goals per game! Another high-scoring clash is on the cards here. 

Pick: Over 3.5 Goals – 2.00