MLS
MLS 2023 season odds and predictions: Who are the favourites to win?
LAFC have kept the bulk of last season’s winning side. We take a look at the favourites to claim silverware this season.
Los Angeles FC are the defending MLS Cup champions. They clinched the 2022 Supporters’ Shield by winning 21 of their 34 games, before going on to beat LA Galaxy and Austin FC in the playoffs and the Philadelphia Union in the MLS Cup Final.
Recently retired player Gareth Bale scored an equaliser in the final that sent the match to penalties, where LAFC got the better of Philadelphia.
Philadelphia finished top of the Eastern Conference last season, scoring 72 goals and conceding just 26. 2021 MLS Cup champions New York City ended the season in fifth and lost to Philadelphia in the Eastern Conference Final.
El Tráfico to open new MLS season
LA Galaxy begin their campaign against rivals LAFC, who have a chance to capitalise on the 2022 title-winning season that saw them win their first league title since being founded.
The game, known as ‘El Tráfico’, gets underway on 25 February at 9:30 p.m. ET and will be played at the historic Rose Bowl in Pasadena.
LAFC the favourites
With the MLS season set to start, last season’s two finalists are the early favourites for MLS Cup this year.
LAFC are the favourites with the bookmakers backing them at +400 odds, with Philadelphia second favourites at +600. NYCFC are currently at +800, with Austin at +900 and Nashville at +900. LA Galaxy to be successful this season is priced at +1000.
LAFC will be confident of lifting back-to-back trophies, having kept the bulk of last season’s winning side. Forward Cristian Arango has, however, left Los Angeles and has joined Liga MX reigning champions Pachuca.
The Colombian international scored 30 goals and provided 7 assists in 51 appearances in over a year and a half with the club. Former LAFC player Bale had a brief stint at the club before announcing his retirement from football last month.