MLS betting preview for Montreal Impact vs. Nashville SC

Betting lines provided by DraftKings:

Money Line (Regular Time): Montreal Impact (+175) / Tie (+220) / Nashville SC (+155)

Overview

As a tumultuous MLS season nears the playoffs, the Montreal Impact take on the Nashville SC for the first time ever. Separated by only 2 points, both teams are jockeying for an ideal spot in the playoffs. Currently, Nashville has 25 points and is in 8th place. Montreal has 23 points and is in 9th. Ideally, either team is going to want to avoid an outright loss to solidify their spot in the playoffs.

Nashville, playing with determination, have found their stride and haven’t had a loss in 3 matches. Montreal, on the other hand, are in an ugly stretch of play with two losses and a win in three games. Nashville are almost totally neutral as their record sits at 6-6-7. Playing a defensive game, Nashville only has 19 goals on the year, while conceding 18. It appears Nashville is totally content playing it safe in the middle of the field. Don’t expect Nashville to score many goals.

Montreal plays aggressively, pouring everything into their offense with little regard to the defense. It seems they are determined to either win or lose every match. Their record currently sits at 7-11-2. They’ve score 30 goals on the year, while conceding 39. The Impact need to right the ship if they want any sort of chance in the playoffs.

Nashville Player Props

Hany Mukhtar (Midfielder) – First Goal Scorer (+600) / Last Goal Scorer (+600): He’s definitely the most productive player for Nashville. In only 14 games, he has 3 goals and 3 assists. He’s a risky bet however, as he didn’t play in the last two matchups for Nashville. His last game was 10/14, where he scored 2 goals against Atlanta.

Advice: Make sure Mukhtar is starting before wagering any money. A good bet if he’s playing.

Walker Zimmerman (Defense) – First Goal Scorer (+1200) / Last Goal Scorer (+1200): Mainly a defensive player, Zimmerman’s prop line is a bit of a shot-in-the-dark. However, he does have two goals in the past 3 games on only two shots.

Advice: It’s a juicy spread for anyone looking to win big. A small wager can go a long ways with this prop.

Randall Leal (Midfielder) – First Goal Scorer (+1000) / Last Goal Scorer (+1000): Leal seems to have positioned himself as the centerpiece of the Nashville offense. He has a goal and two assists in the past two games. He’s getting a healthy amount of shots on goal with a healthy amount of playing time.

Advice: He has emerged as a centerpiece to this offense. Leal is a solid bet with a juicy spread.

Montreal Player Props

Romell Quioto (Forward) – First Goal Scorer (+550) / Last Goal Scorer (+550): He has solidified himself as the centerpiece of this offense. Quioto has one goal and three assists in the past 3 games. He’s Montreal’s leading scorer with 7 goals and 5 assists this season.

Advice: Quioto has been a very efficient scorer on a staggering team. He’s the best bet to lead Montreal to a victory in this game.

Maximiliano Urruti (Forward) – First Goal Scorer (+600) / Last Goal Scorer (+600): Unfortunately, Urruti seems to be fighting for playing time. He has a goal and an assist in the past three games despite playing as a sub.

Advice: A very risky bet as Urruti isn’t a regular starter. It’s an avoidable bet as the payout isn’t eye-popping

Bojan Krkic (Midfielder) – First Goal Scorer (+550) / Last Goal Scorer (+550): He is going to be needed in this game. He has a goal and an assist in the last three games. Krkic is an efficient player and can score regularly.

Advice: It’s a long shot as Krkic seems to be a set-up man. Look for something juicier.

Conclusion

In this game, the two teams are trending different directions. Nashville seems to be getting better, while Montreal is getting worse. Nashville plays smart, meticulous soccer, while Montreal plays carelessly (which can sometimes be fun). Bet on Nashville continuing their hot-streak into the playoffs.

My pick: Nashville outright win.