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The MLS campaign is just getting started this spring as 29 teams compete for the coveted MLS Cup. The campaign lasts all the way into the early weeks of December, with domestic and continental competitions in the mix throughout the summer. Inter Miami has stacked up with top-tier global talent, but will it last throughout the grueling MLS season? Read on for expert MLS futures predictions for 2024 and a full MLS season preview of both the Eastern and Western Conference.
- Major League Soccer, 2024 season
- Trophies: Supporters’ Shield, MLS Cup, Eastern Conference, Western Conference
- 29 teams across the United States and Canada
- MLS Season Pass
MLS Futures Betting Odds
Inter Miami are massive favorites to win the MLS Cup at the end of the year at (+225). Such odds will be difficult to live up to given the long bracket-style postseason tournament they must endure to win it all. Columbus is next likely to win and repeat their 2023 MLS Cup-winning performance. Chicago, Toronto, New England, Colorado and San Jose all represent clubs with a futile chance of hoisting a trophy this year.
MLS Cup 
Inter Miami +250 +225 +240 +250 Columbus +810 +900 +900 +810 LAFC +930 +1200 +1200 +930 Cincinnati +1250 +1100 +1200 +1250 NY Red Bulls +1275 +1200 +1200 +1275 Philadelphia +1600 +1400 +1400 +1600 LA Galaxy +1650 +1200 +1200 +1650 Seattle Sounders +1700 +2000 +1800 +1700 Atlanta United +2700 +2200 +3300 +2700 Houston Dynamo +2800 +3300 +2800 +2800 St. Louis +2800 +2500 +2800 +2800 Sporting KC +2900 +4000 +4000 +2900 Orlando City +3000 +3300 +2500 +3000 Portland +3300 +2800 +5000 +3300 Minnesota +3400 +3300 +5000 +3400 Vancouver +3500 +4000 +5000 +3500 Nashville +3800 +2800 +2500 +3800 DC United +4000 +4000 +5000 +4000 Real Salt Lake +4100 +5000 +5000 +4100 New York City +4700 +6500 +2800 +4700 Montreal +5400 +3300 +5000 +5400 FC Dallas +6200 +6500 +6600 +6200 Austin +6800 +6600 +6600 +6800 Charlotte +7500 +6500 +5000 +7500 Chicago +8000 +12500 +10000 +8000 Toronto +8000 +6600 +10000 +8000 New England +8500 +10000 +6600 +8500 Colorado +9000 +10000 +12500 +9000 San Jose +11000 +12500 +10000 +11000
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Inter Miami Season Outlook
Even though we are still nine months away from the MLS Cup final, bettors are loving Inter Miami’s chances of hoisting their first-ever MLS Cup. The hype is all due to their recent acquisitions of megastar Lionel Messi and his cast of friends, who include Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, and Luis Suarez. These few players alone make up some of the greatest talent to ever compete in the MLS, and they are doing so all at once.
However, there are many reasons to be wary of any long-term success for this club. First of all, it should be noted that the MLS season is unlike any other in Europe, South America or any other major league. It is incredibly long, lasting almost the entire calendar year, and more importantly, it peaks during the hot summer months. Between the CONCACAF Champions League, the Leagues Cup, and the regular season, playing Major League Soccer is a grueling, harsh, physical battle of might and will for months on end.
Can Messi and Co. not only survive the dog days, but end up on top of all the rest? I do not think so. This crew is old, and quite frankly, unmotivated. By the time the playoffs begin, Messi and Suarez will be 37, Busquets 36, and Alba 35. An MLS trophy would not add much to Messi’s legacy.
Why You Should Wait to Bet on Inter Miami
I believe most of the new Inter Miami players came over for a relaxing game where they could play less and enjoy the sunshine of South Florida, while being paid well for their time spent overseas. Messi and Busquets were beat up last year and did not play often as a result, and that was despite only playing half the season. Messi also refuses to play on turf fields, which occupy quite a few MLS stadiums at this point. Suarez is dealing with chronic knee pain, and will have to split time both in and out of the lineup.
Another concern for Inter Miami is the concessions they had to make to fit in all these new players and remain under the MLS salary guidelines. Kamal Miller was traded to Portland, further thinning their already vulnerable defensive line, and Gregore, a dependable midfielder, was sent back to his homeland of Brazil. I think Inter Miami will be fighting to make the playoffs all year, and if they are lucky enough to make it, I will be highly doubtful of their physical form after such a long season.
Betting Inter Miami to win the MLS Cup at this number might be the worst bet in all of sports at the moment. If you really want to take them, just wait until near the end of the regular season. You will have more information at your disposal and will most likely be getting a better line.
Atlanta United Will be a Tough Out in the Playoffs
While not amongst the top few booked to win the MLS Cup, Atlanta United is right up there in the top 8. The club made a valiant effort against the eventual champions Columbus Crew, falling in the deciding match of the best-of-3 series. Their home crowd is one of the most raucous in the MLS, which is bolstered by their domed Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Among MLS clubs, Atlanta United boasts the most balanced combination of goalkeeping, striking, and coaching, The partnership of Thiago Almada and Giorgos Giakoumakis ranks as the league’s premier creative and finishing duo.
The coaching situation remains uncertain, with Gonzalo Pineda yet to demonstrate his ability to unify the team. However, their strong finish last season suggests potential, and if they replicate that form with the enhanced squad, a deep playoff run is feasible. I’d sprinkle a bit on Atlanta United to win the postseason cup, as they should be more likely than (+3300).
MLS Futures: Seattle Sounders Have a Clear Path Out West
A recommendation on the Seattle Sounders to reach the final is relatively straightforward. The MLS is heavily skewed towards the East this season, with only a few elite Western clubs left to compete. A poor start has given us much better odds, which I believe is a strong overreaction after some arguably lucky results by Portland have given them the top spot in the Western Conference.
The Seattle Sounders stand out as the most well-rounded team in the Western Conference by a significant margin. Despite the departure of Nicolas Lodeiro, their roster remains remarkably solid with minimal weaknesses.
Coupled with the leadership of top-tier coach Brian Schmetzer, the Sounders undoubtedly reign supreme as the best team in the West. I will back them to reach the final for a half unit, a significant wager for a future. I think the West will come down to Seattle and LAFC, giving us a big edge over the market.
FC Cincinnati Should be Favorite to Win Eastern Conference
FC Cincinnati won the Supporters’ Shield last season, and they should be considered a favorite to repeat that success this year. Cincy boasts the optimal blend of depth, star quality, and exceptional coaching.
Although the substitution of Brandon Vazquez with Corey Baird may seem disappointing, the club has entrusted Aaron Boupendza with a significant goal-scoring responsibility, and he seems well-prepared for the challenge. Moreover, the acquisition of Miles Robinson to pair with Matt Miazga in defense is a notable addition, further enhancing the team’s strength.
Given the bloated Inter Miami number, there is value here on the defending Eastern Conference champions. Take them to win the East for a quarter unit, being cautious considering the strength of this conference.
Top Sportsbooks for MLS Futures
Explore some of the best sportsbooks for online betting below. Each website is reviewed by My Top Sportsbooks for user experience, customer service, new member promos, and more.
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