Pundits have LAFC as their MLS Pick

As soccer fans eagerly await the 2023 Major League Soccer season, pundits, ex-players, and the media are beginning to make their predictions. This promises to be the most competitive campaign in living memory and a breakthrough year for many of the United States’ best young talent. The 28th MLS season could be the most unpredictable and exciting yet.

The campaign will attract more attention than ever due to Team USA’s efforts in the World Cup. The Stars and Stripes made it to the knockout stages of FIFA’s flagship competition in the Mediterranean. The USA, Canada, and Mexico will jointly host World Cup 2026, and preparations are well underway. Players know the hard work starts here if they are to secure their place in the squad. A long road lies ahead, but there will be no room for passengers.

Which teams are expected to play well in the months ahead? You can make your predictions on the winners and losers of the 2023 MLS season. The best sports betting sites in California offer great odds, exciting markets, and eye-catching promotions. Keep your eyes peeled for the latest betting and a bookmaker giving all new players a welcome bonus free bet.

But will you follow the thinking of the experts and professional tipsters and support one of the favorites? You may be feeling a touch more confident and are happy to take on the top names with a plucky outsider. There are one or two teams that fit the bill and are capable of upsetting the odds.

Los Angeles leads the way.

The leading names in MLS punditry have had their say, and many are coming down hard in support of Los Angeles FC. LAFC are also favorites in the betting with support coming for them, not just in California, but nationwide. They have the squad, experience, and coaching staff to go far this year and those in the know expect LA to live up to expectations.

Steve Cherundolo’s side finished as champions last season and look even stronger ahead of the coming campaign. It was a clean sweep for LAFC in 2022, with the team winning the Western Conference, Playoffs, and the MLS season overall. It was a memorable time to be a follower of the team, and fans hope they are just getting started. They want to see the team kick on from that success and build momentum.

Another title win would cement the legacy of this Los Angeles FC team, but there will also be a target on their backs. LA will find that, as champions, they are now the team to beat, and every opponent will be gunning for their scalp. It’s not only the opposition players and fans that want to see LAFC lose this term. Many followers of Major League Soccer outside of the Banc of California Stadium hope the champions slip up.

The LA players will learn a harsh lesson when the season begins on the 25th of February. A lesson players at all the top soccer teams across the world must learn. That includes Manchester City, Barcelona, Juventus, and PSG. Pushing for the title as a contender is one thing, but trying to defend that trophy is different. The champions gain supporters across LA but are racking up haters nationwide with the passing of each win. That’s something else the players must learn to deal with this year.

Contenders and underdogs

Vegas may have Los Angeles picked to win the MLS trophy again this year, but the market leaders aren’t without competition. It would be a mistake to think we have a one-horse race ahead of us this season. This campaign is likely to go right down to the wire. Which teams are expected to challenge for the crown?

Looking at the betting odds available on the MLS outright market, we note LAFC sits just ahead of Philadelphia Union, who are the second favorites at the time of writing. However, all that may change between now and the start of the schedule. Union is capable of challenging, but they must hit the ground running this season. They can’t afford a slow start.

Other teams expected to play well this season include LA Galaxy and New York City FC, with Nashville SC one of the underdogs.

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