Finally, we got games to talk about. Let’s get it.

Nashville v NYCFC

First game of the year is very lineup dependent for me (and it took one game to be frustrated about the lack of injury reports from teams). Hany didn’t play in Nashville’s final preseason game. If he’s still out, I would be interested in an under. Hany out would also put Randall Leal on FKs and maybe penalties, so +320 anytime goalscorer might be worth a sprinkle.

Likewise, NYCFC won’t be full strength with Santi Rodriguez arriving in camp late. Talles Magno at #9 is not something that screams goals to me.

CLTFC v Revs

Two teams with a lot of attacking talent. CLT have new DP, Enzo Copetti, along with the collection of DP Poles in Swiderski and Jozwiak. I expect a lot from the attack with the DPs entering their second year and stable coaching. At the back there are some questions as that was the one position that saw turnover from last year. And I don’t expect Kahlina to start in GK, so a backup GK will start between the pipes, likely Sisniega.

When the Revs have Vrioni, Bou, and Gil healthy, they consistently put pressure on their opponents. It will be interesting to see where Gil sets up shop either centrally or closer to the RW. Ideally, it will be centrally. Polster is really the only true #6 that will start, so I worry about the Revs getting caught in transition sequences.

FWIW: this bet has hit in both previous meetings.

• BTTS & o2.5 -110

FCD v Minnesota Utd

A short home favorite against a team that will be without its best player. FCD should control possession against Minny’s low block. Arriola could play like a man possessed as he missed out on the World Cup.

The real story is Reynoso remains in Argentina. He was their everything in attack. I don’t think Minny will create much here. Like I mentioned in the season preview, their CBs will be susceptible without Dibassy.

• FCD ML -125

LAG v LAFC

This match has potential for an all-time atmosphere in a packed Rose Bowl. Chicharito left training early this week, so probably won’t feature, which is unfortunate. That paves the way for Joveljic to lead the attack along with Riqui Puig behind him. But, with Julian Araujo off to Barcelona, that leaves a 32-year-old Leerdam at RB who will go up against Denis Bouanga.

LAFC most likely won’t start a true #9, as it looks to be Opoku. Even though I don’t trust the Galaxy back line, I want to see how LAFC’s attack meshes before putting capital behind them. Would lean LAFC ML, but most likely not going to play this game.

Portland v SKC – game moved to Monday night

Savarese’s Timbers are notorious slow starters. Since his tenure began, Portland are 1W-4D-5L in the first month of the season. Those 10 matches have averaged 3.5 goals per game.

Portland just traded CB, Bill Tuiloma, to CLTFC. And like I said in the preview, I don’t trust Mabiala and Zuparic as a CB pairing. Dairon Asprilla apparently will miss the game with a recent injury, but it will be exciting to see new signing Evander take the field.

SKC ended the season on fire once Agada and Thommy arrived. And unlike Savarese, Peter Vermes teams historically get off to fast starts. 7W-4D-2L over the same time as Savaese mentioned above.

• SKC +0.5 and sprinkle ML +250
• Over 2.75

Seattle v Colorado

I think Seattle have an unique advantage going into game 1 from their preseason expedition to Morocco for the Club World Cup. Seattle were able to start preseason earlier and have 90 competitive minutes under their belt. Although it wasn’t the best soccer, Seattle dominated the game just couldn’t score and then were beat on a late deflected goal.

Colorado has some new (and late arriving) pieces that still need to mesh. I am optimistic Robin Fraser can get the ‘Pids on the right track, but think they have not been given the best situation to start the year.

• Seattle ML -115

MLS Fantasy

I’m no expert but here is my team as of writing.

I’ll have some anytime goalscorer bets and maybe 1 or 2 adds depending on lineups. Follow on twitter to find them @the4thDP.