The MLS All-Stars will take on their Liga MX equivalents for the 3rd time ever in the MLS All-Star Game this year. The MLS has prevailed on both previous occasions, initially on penalty kicks and the second time in a 2-1 win in Minnesota. An exhibition against Arsenal last year did not go well for the MLS, who lost 5-0. Read on for an expert MLS All-Stars vs Liga MX All-Stars prediction and explore tips, stats and MLS soccer odds.
- MLS All-Star Game
- MLS All-Stars vs Liga MX All-Stars
- July 24, 2024
- Lower.com Field, Columbus, OH
- MLS Season Pass on Apple TV
MLS All-Stars vs Liga MX All-Stars Betting Lines
The Americans (and Canadians) are slight favorites to defeat the Mexican representatives this Wednesday. MLS All-Stars are (-115) to win, with Liga MX behind at (+245). A draw is (+290), which would force a penalty shootout. All moneyline bets are based on the first 90 minutes and do not include penalty kick outcomes.
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MLS All-Star Roster This Season
While the All-Star roster is obviously loaded with talent across the board, there will be one key name missing from selection Wednesday night that is sure to disappoint viewers. That name is Lionel Messi, whose ankle injury suffered in the final of the Copa America has prevented him from playing in the prestigious event, along with the preceding Inter Miami games. He should be back in a few weeks, but Miami may have to do without him during the early stages of the Leagues Cup.
Teammate Luis Suarez has also bowed out from participation, citing knee discomfort picked up when representing Uruguay at Copa America. Real Salt Lake star and leading MLS goalscorer Christian Arango was suspended for four games, eliminating his possibility of playing in the All-Star Game. Violation of the MLS anti-harassment policy was the ruling, although no further details were revealed to the public. Other absentees include Miles Robinson and Ryan Gauld.
But those ready to suit up will do so under the direction of Columbus Crew head coach Wilfried Nancy. The reigning MLS champions will have quite a homecoming, as their coach, along with 5 representatives, will play at their grounds at Lower.com Field in Ohio. Rudy Camacho, Steven Moreira, Darlington Nagbe, Cucho Hernandez and Rossi are all set to play on Wednesday.
Liga MX Packed with Monterrey & Club America Players
Eight players from Monterrey and Club America make up a significant chunk of Liga MX’s 28 representatives in this All-Star Game. For Monterrey, Maximiliano Meza, Oussama Idrissi, Sergio Canales and German Berterame are set to make the trip up north.
But Club America manager Andre Jardine will surely be looking to incorporate his own players into the lineup as acting manager of the Liga MX All-Star team. And he has 4 Eagles to choose from: Luis Malagon, Javairo Dilrosun, Jonathan dos Santos and Alvaro Fidalgo.
Make no mistake, these players will play hard. Between the Leagues Cup and the CONCACAF Champions Cup, MLS players and Liga MX players are becoming very familiar with each other. Pachuca defeated Columbus Crew in the Champions Cup final most recently. Nashville and Inter Miami met in the last Leagues Cup final, making Monterrey the highest-placed team from Liga MX after falling in the semifinals.
MLS All-Stars vs Liga MX All-Stars Prediction and Free Betting Pick
A key factor in soccer is always team chemistry, something that could be lacking from both sides as they compile together the best from each club across their league. Teammate pairings will prove critical as they will work better together. Both the MLS and Liga MX have plenty of these groupings to choose from, so if managed properly, they could gain a big advantage.
I see the potential for big mistakes happening in this match as the backlines are tested by the region’s best strikers, and have no fluidity as a group. Maybe this could be an errant clearance, an open man in a set piece, a failed offside trap. But both sides will make errors, so I like the chances of both teams scoring.
Yet the last two games have finished 1-1 and 2-1. In fact, dating back to 2014, the MLS All-Star Game has involved more than 3 goals just once. These events are actually pretty defensive and sluggish as players have no experience playing with each other. 1v1 duels are common and players launch shots from outside reasonable range, since they have no clear game plan to execute.
Therefore, I like the value on the correct score of 1-1 at (+600). I have a hard time envisioning a shutout from either All-Star selection, but don’t see it getting out of hand either. If you have a book that can get a goal band of 2-3 goals, that would be a good bet also. For now, I will sprinkle a little on this exotic wager and root for penalties.
Odds are accurate at time of writing but subject to change.
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