MLS to win CONCACAF Champions League?
Thoughts for games May 5-6
There are a couple of huge clashes in the CONCACAF Champions League on Wednesday the 5th. These are two of the three quarterfinal matchups featuring MLS vs Liga MX sides, and both are tied after the first legs. Monterrey host Columbus and Club America host Portland.
We've been seeing a lot of people saying this is the year that an MLS side finally breaks the drought and lifts the trophy. While the MLS appears to be closing the gap on the Mexican league, we aren't convinced the leagues are on par just yet. Right now, MLS definitely has the money edge, but Liga MX has the tradition and the quality of play edge. As the leagues continue to work more closely together and allow for more player transfers back and forth, we should continue to see things even out. Maybe even one day in the future we will be talking about a North American #SuperLeague Hopefully not with the negative connotations of the infamous 48 hour European version.
Should be two very good games either way. Our members have one play on each game and we will have a #FreePick on one of the two for you all at the bottom of this post!
It's a very light mid-week in Europe but we do have the second leg of the #UCL semi-final tie as Chelsea hosts Real Madrid. Chelsea allowed exactly one shot on goal in the first leg but the shot was world class and saw Kareem Benzema find the back of the net. Chelsea dominated play for the most part and came home from Spain with a 1-1 draw and a critical away goal. As the play shifts to London, Real knows they need to score to match the Chelsea away goal, but can they? Tuchel's Chelsea have been on a remarkable Under 2.5 run with only two games going over that total in all competitions since he took over! You're definitely paying a price to play the unders now on their games, but they keep cashing. Our members have two plays on this game tomorrow.
The final games to highlight this mid-week are the #UEL semi-final clashes with Roma hosting Man United and Arsenal hosting Villarreal. Man U is all but into the finals after a 6-2 thrashing at Old Trafford (the last home game before "Out with the Glazer's fans are on the pitch"). How will these two teams show up given that result? That's always got to be a big part of the handicap when looking at these second legs. Roma made huge news Tuesday by announcing Jose Mourinho as their new manager starting with the next campaign. What might that mean for the players motivation to try to impress the new boss? Members have 2 plays on this game.
In the other semi-final Arsneal needs to overcome a 1-2 defeat in Spain last week. They did get the all-important away goal in the 2H after they went a man down due to a red card. A 1-0 result would see Arsenal through, but if they concede one, they will need to score two to force extra time or three to advance. Which Arsneal will show up? The Gunners who looked very good on the weekend in a convincing 2-0 away win at Newcastle or the team that drew 1-1 to Fulham and lost 0-1 to Everton in back to back home defeats? The fact that we have to ask that question is enough for me to stay away from betting on this one.
#FreePick: Club America on the Money Line to defeat Portland Timbers on Wednesday. Our members received this tip at a price of -101
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Good luck with all your wagers this mid-week.
Nate