It's matchday 8 in the MLS, here are my three expert picks for this round of games. Don't miss the El Traffico this Saturday, because it guarantees to see a lot of goal scoring.
MLS Matchday 8 Expert Picks
LAFC vs LA Galaxy
The Game: LAFC vs LA Galaxy, Saturday, April 6, 7:45 PM ET
| Team | Moneyline | Total | Spread |
|---|---|---|---|
| LAFC | -125 | O3.5 (+115) | -0.5 (-130) |
| LA Galaxy | +275 | U3.5 (-145) | +0.5 (-105) |
| Draw | +300 |
Pick: O3.5 Goals (+115)
We're looking at the two hottest offensive teams in the Western Conference. At least in terms of xG. Both sit above 11 xG so far this season. The Galaxy have exceeded their 11.9 xG with 13 goals but LAFC have struggled with only 9 goals on 11.1 xG.
Focus on last year's Golden Boot winner Denis Bouanga who's only scored 2 goals on 3.7 xG. He should have four to his name. We've seen signs of him getting unstuck so I bet we see him score in this one.
And while both sides have been good offensively, they haven't been great defensively. Both have allowed nine goals in six games, which places them middle of the pack in the West.
We're gonna see a lot of goals in this derby match.
Cincinnati vs New York Red Bulls
The Game: FC Cincinnati vs New York Red Bulls, Saturday, April 6, 7:30 PM ET
| Team | Moneyline | Total | Spread |
|---|---|---|---|
| FC Cincinnati | +115 | O2.5 (+115) | -0.5 (+110) |
| New York Red Bulls | +235 | U2.5 (-140) | +0.5 (-150) |
| Draw | +225 |
Pick: New York Red Bulls (+235)
I get why the Red Bulls are dogs here. Cincinnati were a powerhouse at home last year and they look to do so again this year. In three home games the Gary's are 1-2-0 and have conceded 0 goals.
But New York has a healthy +0.5 goals above expected on the road. They can find goals even if they aren't getting easy opportunities. That isn't the case for Cinci with 3.1 goals below expected at home this year.
It's going to be tight, but I expect New York's offensive abilities to hand them the game.
Seattle vs Montreal
The Game: Seattle Sounders vs CF Montreal, Saturday, April 6, 10:30 PM ET
| Team | Moneyline | Total | Spread |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle Sounders | -165 | O2.5 (-110) | -1.5 (+180) |
| CF Montreal | +425 | U2.5 (-110) | +1.5 (-255) |
| Draw | +280 |
Pick: Draw (+280)
I believe Seattle will wait a bit longer to see that first win of the season. While they've been awful offensively, they've been great defensively. Specifically at home, where they've allowed one goal in two games.
Four of Montreal's five games have been decided by a single goal. The other was a 0-0 draw. I see another such game. They undoubtedly got road fatigue with their sixth, and final game of this early season road trip.
Montreal will likely struggle with life on the road and breaking down Seattle while the Sounders get nothing done offensively of their own. This ends 0-0.
