MLS 2019 Season preview and outright bets

Stability can be as effective as any squad overhaul or managerial switch and punters should resist being lured by Major League Soccer's scattergun spenders in their outright selections for 2019.

Atlanta United lifted the MLS Cup in just their second season and last term's expansion side Los Angeles will be vying to replicate that feat this campaign.

They have concluded a handful of minor deals but the nucleus of their squad remains the same.

While former Dallas stalwart Walker Zimmerman and 35-year-old Jordan Harvey bring plenty of MLS experience, former Arsenal forward Carlos Vela and starlet Diego Rossi are exciting prospects in the final third.

Add to that an accomplished coach in Bob Bradley and a permanent move for designated player Andre Horta who can pull the strings in midfield and Los Angeles have the makings of title winners.

No Western Conference side bettered their regular-season tally of 68 goals in 2018 and, after making the knockout phase in their inaugural season, they are primed to go one better.

Elsewhere towards the top of the market, Atlanta cannot be ignored. Retaining Josef Martinez could be crucial business but it remains to be seen how successfully new boy Pity Martinez will plug the gap left by Miguel Almiron and new manager Frank de Boer could take time to get to grips with the dynamics of the MLS.

LA Galaxy developed an unhealthy dependence on 22-goal Zlatan Ibrahimovic and lost their next best goal threat Ola Kamara to China, while David Villa's absence is sure to be felt by New York City.

New York Red Bulls are always contenders but too often they slipped against the big guns, losing important matches with New York City, Columbus Crew and Real Salt Lake in the regular season before failing to notch in either of their away games in the playoffs.

DC United could represent each-way value further down the market. They won 12 of their 15 home matches once they moved into their new Audi Park stadium and will have a full season of Wayne Rooney and Luciano Acosta this campaign.

With Villa having left New York City for Vissel Kobe, the goalscoring burden in the Big Apple may fall on young Ismael Tajouri who, after scoring 12 goals last term, could be an outsider to finish top scorer.

Recommendations
Los Angeles FC
3pts each-way 9-1 SkyBet
DC United
2pts each-way 30-1 188Bet
Ismael Tajouri to finish top scorer
1pt each-way 25-1 SkyBet

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