It isn't often that you really see massively sharp bets in the MLS, but opportunity is definitely knocking on Sunday in the Windy City.
The Chicago Fire have the fewest points in the entire MLS by a country mile with just 19, but they are favored against the club with the most points in the league, FC Dallas.
ODDS ANALYSIS
Immediately, it has to catch your eye that the Fire are favored in this game, and that should send up red flags. The worst team in the league is hosting the best team in the league – at least according to the standings – and that's something that is a recipe for a sharp play.
It's true that the game is closer to a pick 'em than anything else; Chicago is only lined at PK -113 on the Asian Handicap and +165 on the moneyline. But even if FCD does end up being favored by the time this one starts, the margin is going to be razor thin.
The total is sitting at a flat 2.5, rather average by MLS standards.
KEY INJURIES
The Fire are still playing without Jeff Larentowicz thanks to a herniated disc in his back, while both Ty Harden and Mike Magee sat out last weekend's game with leg injuries.
FC Dallas remains one of the healthier and more fortunate squads of the season, and it has all of its regulars at its disposal for this duel.
QUOTE TO NOTE
"We're working on some stuff. I've said it all along. We've been pretty poor in both boxes, scoring and keeping them out, so I'm trying to get some help at the back. Some help in that department would be good." – Fire manager Frank Yallop on what has to be done before the transfer window closes for Chicago to get into the postseason
RECENT FORM
FC Dallas will be looking to secure its longest winning streak in franchise history on Sunday. If it wins this match, it will have six 'W's in a row to its credit.
The Fire have been on the skids of late, managing just one point from their last three matches to fall further into the pit in the Eastern Conference. However, they have been quite good at home at times, drawing level with New England last weekend and beating Seattle a couple weeks ago. In this mix, the Fire also knocked off Orlando City in the US Open Cup.
TALKING TOTALS
After five straight under games through most of June and July, the Fire have finally started to open things up again for over bettors. They have played two straight matches to a total of four goals, though the neutral observer will note that neither match against New England or Columbus felt that wide open.
Overs have been pouring in for FCD as well. Dallas has played three of its last four past the total. For live betting purposes, it should be noted that this team has reached a total of at least two goals in seven duels in a row. If this one goes through 15 or 20 minutes without a strike, that might be the time to play on the over.
ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
We're going to have to stick with our sharp gut in this one. Yes, the Fire have big problems at both the front and at the back, and new signee Gilberto probably won't end up playing for at least a few more weeks with the squad.
And yes, Dallas is wicked hot at the moment, and Blas Perez is coming back from Gold Cup duties to help out Fabian Castillo at the front.
That said, David Accam could be set to go off for Chicago. He's probably the team's best player at the moment, and if he can get on the stat sheet in this duel, an upset could be brewing.
Chicago 2, FC Dallas 1
The MLS lines for this contest were first released by BookMaker Sportsbook with the Chicago Fire lined as +165 moneyline favorites and a total of 2.5. Since this game can be seen by anyone with a TV, BookMaker will have a multitude of wagering options available for it. Outside of the normal lines, you can gamble on real-time moneylines, spreads and totals. Live betting is open during every step of this match!
Need to fund your account before the big game but don’t have your computer? No problem! BookMaker Sportsbook now offers a mobile betting cashier so you can deposit money directly from your smartphone. Don’t miss out on getting paid because you couldn’t bet. Click here and deposit at BookMaker now! The fixture between the Chicago Fire and FC Dallas is scheduled for Sunday, August 2, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. ET at Toyota Park in Bridgeview, IL. The match will be televised live on FOX Sports 1.
