MLS Picks and Predictions (8/9): Major League Soccer Matches Return

After a slight hiatus for the Leagues Cup, MLS Saturdays are back, and we have nine matches on the slate for today. Let's get into our favorite MLS picks.

• MLS YTD
• 36-35-3 (50.7%)
• +5.00u
• Avg Odds: +114

Head over to our MLS Picks Page for our expert's soccer analysis, or read my best bets below.

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Major League Soccer: Saturday's Predictions August 9

Austin FC vs. Houston Dynamo: MLS Picks

Best Bet: Austin FC ML (+105) BetOnline

This is more of a fade on Houston, as the Dynamo are horrendous. Houston lost all three matches against Liga MX teams in the Leagues Cup, and prior to that had not found an MLS win for three straight matches.

In their most recent six contests, the Dynamo do not have a win and are being outscored 13-3. They are in a huge slump and I don't see them improving their form on the road.

Austin FC is unbeaten in their last seven matches at home and are coming off two straight road wins in the MLS. The hosts are actually unbeaten in their last four overall, and they've seen this team twice already this year.

In April, Houston hosted Austin and beat them 2-0. A month later in the U.S. Open Cup, Austin got their revenge at home, winning 3-1. Now I see them getting back those three points they lost earlier in league play against this team.

Prediction: Austin FC Wins 2-0 (+800)

Nashville SC vs. St. Louis City SC: MLS Picks

Best Bet: NSH/STL Under 3 (-130) Bovada

Don't be afraid of paying this juice, these teams have under written all over them.

Nashville is only allowing 1.04 goals per match this season, while St. Louis only nets one per contest. Now, the boys from Music City are netting 1.68 while the hosts allow around the same number, but that just means City SC will focus exclusively on defense.

St. Louis have had the total land on three in their past three matches, but they've been outscored 6-3 during that span. That's a sign that they need to turn things on defensively. And they'll have to if they want a shot at taking down Nashville.

They've been involved in two straight 1-0 contests, and both teams have failed to score in three consecutive matches. During MLS play, Nashville has gone 4-2-0 (W-D-L) to the under three in their last six matches, and have stayed under in three of their last four on the road.

As for St. Louis, they haven't had a low scoring match at home since May 7, but I see that changing against a top team in the East. Defense is their only hope, and Nashville has some tough conference opponents on the horizon. I'll also be sprinkling on 1H Draw (+140) as I see St. Louis holding on for dear life early and staying conservative in the first 45 minutes.

Prediction: 1-1 Draw (+600)

FC Dallas vs. Portland Timbers: MLS Picks

Best Bet: Portland Timbers +0.5 (-127) Bovada

Simply put, I think the Timbers are the far better team. This is a price I am willing to pay for the double chance, even on the road.

They just went 2-1-0 in the Leagues Cup, outscoring opponents 6-1 during that tournament. Prior to that, they were coming off a road shutout win against LAFC, beating them 1-0 in BMO Stadium. FC Dallas is not as threatening and shouldn't give them much trouble.

They are No. 12 on the Western Conference table (out of 15), and just lost 4-3 to New York City FC at home after leading 2-1 and 3-2, eventually giving up an 84′ minute winner. At home, they can't close.

FC Dallas at home is 2-2-8, losing to all four of the top teams in the West when they came to town.

FC Dallas vs. Top Teams in West

• San Diego FC: 3-2 Loss
• Vancouver Whitecaps: 1-0 Loss
• Minnesota United: 2-1 Loss
• Seattle Sounders: 1-0 Loss

Tonight they host the No. 5 team in the West, and if history has told us anything, FC Dallas isn't going to show up. I would pay up to -150 for this wager, so getting it for -127 is a steal in my eyes.

Prediction: Portland Timbers Win 1-0 (+1300)

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