Four Action-Packed Matchdays in Upcoming MLS Rivalry Week

The History of MLS Rivalry Week

Since its inception, MLS Rivalry Week has grown into a must-see event for soccer enthusiasts. It began as a way to highlight the league's most heated matchups and give added significance to regular season games. Over the years, the event has expanded to include more rivalries and span multiple matchdays, captivating fans across North America.

Previewing the 2024 Rivalry Week Matchups

The 2024 edition features four mouthwatering clashes that are sure to set pulses racing:

Columbus Crew vs. FC Cincinnati (May 11)

The "Hell is Real" Derby between these Ohio rivals kicks things off on May 11. With both teams vying for playoff spots in recent years, expect a fiery encounter at Lower.com Field in Columbus.

Portland Timbers vs. Seattle Sounders FC (May 12)

The Pacific Northwest foes renew hostilities on May 12 in one of MLS's longest-running and most bitter rivalries. Portland's Providence Park will be rocking as the Timbers faithful aim to will their team to victory over their hated rivals from up north.

Orlando City SC vs. Inter Miami CF (May 15)

Florida bragging rights are on the line as Orlando City hosts Inter Miami on May 15. With both clubs investing heavily in star power, this Sunshine State showdown promises to be an entertaining affair.

Toronto FC vs. CF Montréal (May 18)

The Canadian Classique wraps up Rivalry Week on May 18 as Toronto and Montreal battle it out. This cross-provincial clash always delivers drama, and with both teams eager to claim national supremacy, expect an intense 90 minutes at BMO Field.

Frontrunners to Watch

A few clubs enter Rivalry Week as favourites based on their current form and historical success in these matchups:

Seattle Sounders - The perennial contenders always seem to get up for big games, especially against Portland. Led by a core of experienced veterans, the Sounders will be tough to beat.

CF Montréal - The current Canadian champions have had Toronto's number in recent meetings. If their attack led by Mason Toye and Sunusi Ibrahim clicks, they could heap more misery on their rivals.

Potential Underdogs to Keep an Eye On

While the frontrunners deservedly get much of the hype, a couple underdogs could surprise:

FC Cincinnati - The upstarts from the Queen City are steadily improving year over year. With a stout defence anchored by U.S. international Brandon Vazquez, they could frustrate Columbus and steal a win on the road.

Inter Miami CF - Never count out a team with Lionel Messi on its roster. If the Argentine legend is in the mood, he's capable of deciding the Florida derby on his own. An away win in Orlando is very possible.

Betting Previews

For those looking to add some extra spice to Rivalry Week, here's a rundown of enticing betting markets to consider:

Moneyline  

The simplest option - pick the outright match winner. Examples:

- Seattle Sounders moneyline vs Portland Timbers

- CF Montréal moneyline at Toronto FC

Goal Totals (Over/Under)

Wager on the total goals scored by both teams. Common benchmarks are over/under 2.5 and 3.5 goals. For instance:

- Columbus Crew vs FC Cincinnati, Over 2.5 Goals

- Orlando City SC vs Inter Miami CF, Under 3.5 Goals

Futures

You can also bet on outcomes determined at the end of Rivalry Week such as:

- Which match will feature the most total goals?

- Which team will score the most total goals across all Rivalry Week games?

Both Teams to Score (BTTS)

This market allows you to bet on whether both teams will score in the match. It's a good option when you expect a high-scoring, back-and-forth affair. Examples:

- Portland Timbers vs Seattle Sounders, Both Teams to Score - Yes

- Toronto FC vs CF Montréal, Both Teams to Score - No

Half Time/Full Time

Here, you predict the outcome at both half time and full time. There are nine possible combinations, such as:

- Columbus Crew/Columbus Crew (Crew leads at half and wins the match)

- Draw/Inter Miami CF (Tied at half, Inter Miami wins)

- Orlando City SC/Draw (Orlando leads at half, match ends in a draw)

Correct Score

If you're feeling confident, you can try to predict the exact score of the match. The odds are higher than other markets since it's a challenging bet to win. Some possible options:

- Seattle Sounders 2-1 Portland Timbers

- FC Cincinnati 0-0 Columbus Crew

- Toronto FC 1-3 CF Montréal

Player Props

Player props allow you to bet on individual player performances. Common options include:

- First/Last/Anytime Goalscorer: Bet on a player to score the first, last, or any goal in the match.

- Assists: Bet on a player to provide an assist.

- Shots on Target: Bet on a player to have a certain number of shots on target.

Examples:

- Lucas Zelarayán (Columbus Crew) to score anytime vs FC Cincinnati

- Luciano Acosta (FC Cincinnati) to provide an assist against Columbus Crew

- Raúl Ruidíaz (Seattle Sounders) to have 2+ shots on target vs Portland Timbers

Team Props

Team props focus on specific team achievements or occurrences during the match. Some popular options include:

Total Team Goals: Bet on a team to score over or under a certain number of goals.

- Columbus Crew Over 1.5 Goals vs FC Cincinnati

- Inter Miami CF Under 2.5 Goals vs Orlando City SC

Winning Margin: Bet on a team to win by a specific margin of goals.

- Seattle Sounders to win by 1 goal vs Portland Timbers

- CF Montréal to win by 2 goals vs Toronto FC

Clean Sheet: Bet on a team to keep a clean sheet (not concede any goals).

- Portland Timbers to keep a clean sheet vs Seattle Sounders

- Orlando City SC to keep a clean sheet vs Inter Miami CF

Team to Score First: Bet on which team will score the first goal of the match.

- FC Cincinnati to score first vs Columbus Crew

- Toronto FC to score first vs CF Montréal

No matter your betting preference, Rivalry Week offers tons of exciting wagering options. But remember, always bet responsibly and within your means.

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