The Group Stage of the Leagues Cup 2023 is in full swing, and the vast majority of the teams have played their first matches of the tournament.
There is no doubt that the expectations of the first day were on the debut of Leo Messi and Sergio Busquets with Inter Miami. In addition to a full house stadium, with many well-known personalities to see Messi in his new team, the Argentine star gave Inter Miami a spectacular victory by scoring a goal from a free kick in the 90+4th minute.
On the other hand, it is also worth noting that most MLS teams started their Leagues Cup campaign with wins or draws. At the same time, Liga MX teams left much to be desired in the first round except Atlas and Mazatlan, who defeated NYC FC and Austin FC.
Now, the teams are set to play their matches on the second day of the Leagues Cup 2023, and at Gambyl, we bring you a preview of the best matches along with our free predictions.
Leagues Cup 2023 Matchday 2 – Inter Miami vs. Atlanta United
When:
Tuesday, July 25 at 07:30 PM ET in the DRV PNK Stadium
Moneyline odds:
Inter Miami +118
Atlanta United +212
Draw:
+270
Where Can I Watch it?
MLS Pass on Apple TV, VIX+, and TUDN
As we mentioned, Inter Miami is coming off an excellent victory in the first match of this Leagues Cup against Cruz Azul. In that game, the South Florida team started ahead on the scoreboard thanks to a goal by Robert Taylor in the 44th minute. Then, Cruz Azul equalized the actions in the 65th minute thanks to a great goal by Uriel Antuna. Finally, in the 90+4th minute, Leo Messi pulled an ace up his sleeve on a free kick to score the final 2-1.
Inter Miami should play this game with Messi and Busquets from the starting eleven, so we can expect better ball circulation and many more scoring chances.
On the other hand, we have Atlanta United. This team comes to make its debut in this Leagues Cup 2023 since they rested on the first day of Group J. They started the 2023 MLS season with a devastating pace of play, so much so that they were several weeks fighting for first place. However, in recent weeks the performance has been in free fall, and they are currently in seventh place in the Eastern Conference with a record of 9-8-7.
It will be a very balanced match, where the team that makes the fewest mistakes will be the one to take the victory. However, we give our winner’s chip to Inter Miami, who, led by Leo Messi and Sergio Busquets, could have the advantage.
Inter Miami vs. Atlanta United Betting Pick: Inter Miami
Leagues Cup 2023 Matchday 2 – León vs. LA Galaxy
When:
Tuesday, July 25 at 10:30 PM ET in the Dignity Health Sports Park
Moneyline odds:
León +208
LA Galaxy +125
Draw:
+255
Where Can I Watch it?
MLS Pass on Apple TV, VIX+, and TUDN
León kicked off this Leagues Cup 2023 with a 1-1 draw against the Whitecaps on the first matchday. Now, they will have to face one of the worst teams in MLS this season, the LA Galaxy, to qualify for the tournament’s next stage. The Esmeraldas are not having a good season in Liga MX, so they are trying to use this tournament to boost their confidence and come back stronger than ever to fight for a place in the next Liguilla in their domestic competition.
On the other hand, we have LA Galaxy, maybe the biggest team in MLS, but they are showing a worrying level of play this season. The team will debut in this Leagues Cup in this match against León, but the sensations are really bad.
Currently, the Galaxy is in second to last place in the MLS West standings with a very poor record of 5-7-10. In addition, the team has shown an extremely weak defense, conceding the most goals in the Western Conference with 37. Just like León, they aim to have a good tournament in this Leagues Cup 2023 to return to the local league with strength.
While it is true that the LA Galaxy are playing a season well below their level, they are a very difficult team to beat at home. That is why our prediction is a victory for the Californian team.
Leon vs. LA Galaxy Betting Pick: LA Galaxy
Leagues Cup 2023 Matchday 2 – Toluca vs. Nashville
When:
Thursday, July 27 at 08:30 PM ET in the Geodis Park
Moneyline odds:
Toluca +250
Nashville +105
Draw:
+260
Where Can I Watch it?
MLS Pass on Apple TV, VIX+, and TUDN
Nashville is undoubtedly one of the best teams in MLS this season, and they have carried over that impressive level of play to this Leagues Cup. On the first matchday, the North American squad earned 3 points after an excellent victory over Colorado with a score of 2-1. This means that, with a win or a draw against Toluca, they would be assured of qualifying for the tournament’s next stage.
On the other hand, we have Toluca, a team making its debut in this Leagues Cup against one of the most dominant teams in North America. The Red Devils have been a team of many problems in recent Liga MX seasons, and the current tournament, the Apertura 2023, has been no exception.
The team has had every possible outcome in the three games played so far. But, it is worth noting that Toluca has shown a great offense so far, which can greatly help them in this Leagues Cup 2023 match.
The level of play of both teams is completely different, and Nashville’s pace makes them clear favorites to win. That is why our betting selection is a win for the Tennessee franchise.
Toluca vs. Nashville Betting Pick: Nashville
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Eduardo Perozo: Author
Eduardo Perez is a Gambyl sports betting staff writer. He is based in South America and is an expert in all things Football especially when it comes to Ecuardorian and Brazilian league soccer.
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