MLS Picks and Predictions for July 17, 2026: Friday Night Soccer

Nate Hornung

Written by: Nate Hornung

Published: Fri Jul 17, 2026, 2:12 pm ET

Read Time: 4 minutes

Hany Mukhtar has six goals and five assists for Nashville, including a hat trick against LAFC - MLS Picks

MLS

We have to wait one more day for World Cup action, but until then, the MLS tries to keep us entertained. After just three matches yesterday with one being postponed, the league gives us just two on Friday's slate. However, there are still edges to be found, and our experts have bets in both contests! Keep reading for our favorite MLS picks for today!

  • MLS YTD
  • 21-18 (53.9%)
  • +4.42u
  • Average Odds: +120

Be sure to check out our favorite MLS Player Props for today as well!

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

Major League Soccer: Friday's Predictions July 17

Nashville SC vs. Atlanta United MLS Picks

After recovering from injury, Sam Surridge was back in action for Nashville prior to the World Cup break - MLS Picks

After recovering from injury, Sam Surridge was back in action for Nashville prior to the World Cup break

Best Bet: Nashville SC/Under 4.5 (-106) Lucky Rebel Sportsbook

Nashville SC is alone on top of the Eastern Conference. Yes, they are currently better than the team that has Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, and Rodrigo De Paul. Tonight they face an Atlanta United team that is the second worst in the entire conference. The team from Georgia is scoring just one goal per match, but their back line is surprisingly solid. However they won't be able to contain the top dogs at home.

Nashville is unbeaten at GEODIS Park in MLS play this year, winning six of seven matches with one draw. There is zero doubt in my mind that they win this match, but I trust Atlanta's defense to keep it under control. The visitors are 0-1-2 in their last three MLS matches, but they've allowed just five total goals across that stretch.

I'll admit I am a bit scared of Nashville's offense, so I am taking the extra cushion with the 4.5. You can get +143 for this parlay with the under 3.5. Tread lightly, but keep in mind. Nashville already beat this team 2-0 on the road earlier in the season. I expect them to win another low scoring affair at home.

Prediction: Nashville Wins 3-0 (+1000)

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LA Galaxy vs. LAFC MLS Picks

Gabriel Pec is no longer with the LA Galaxy, after leading them in both goals and assists the first part of the MLS season - MLS Picks

Gabriel Pec is no longer with the LA Galaxy, after leading them in both goals and assists the first part of the MLS season

Best Bet: LA Galaxy/LAFC Under 3 (-108) Lucky Rebel Sportsbook

After starting the MLS season with six straight shutouts, five of them resulting in wins, LAFC has fallen down the standings. They sit just 7-3-5 on the season after starting 5-1-0. They are still in fifth place in the Western Conference with plenty of matches left in the season, but they can't afford to slump any longer. Tonight they go across town to face the LA Galaxy.

The Galaxy just sold forward Gabriel Pec, who was tied for first on the team in both goals and assists with five each. He started all 14 matches for LA, and now they have to learn to play without him. I think this hurts their attack. I've also got faith in LAFC figuring out their back line once again, which is why I'm backing the under three.

Call me crazy, because the last three times these teams have gone head to head, we've seen six, four and six total goals. Typically we see goals in El Tráfico. But tonight as the hosts learn to play offense without their top producer, and the visitors relearn how to lock in defensively, I think this one is a 1-1 draw at best.

Prediction: 1-1 Draw (+650)

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Nate Hornung
Nate Hornung

Nate has been a recreational sports bettor for about 5 years. In that time, he has grown to love the pursuit of winners and sticking it to The Man. Nate loves data and uses his understanding of numbers to help him be a more profitable sports gambler, however he will be the first to tell you this game is about more than just stats.

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