MLS 2022 predictions and betting tips: complete guide to week 1

The wait is over!

The 2022 Major League Soccer season kicks off and we're all looking forward to it.

There are 28 teams in action that want to win no matter what. We have nine games to enjoy on Saturday, February 26, before another five games on Sunday.

These are the predictions of each of the games:

Austin FC vs FC Cincinnati prediction: 

Austin play host to Cincinnati at their Q2 Stadium in the opening match of the new MLS season. Austin were having their ups and downs in pre-season, and they head into the season opener following a 1-0 loss to Chicago.

The visitors, on the other hand, played out a 1-1 draw with Philadelphia Union in their only warm-up game of the pre-season. Cincinnati served as a cannon fodder for their rivals in the 2021 MLS. 

Win Austin FC: 60% probability 

Win FC Cincinnati: 20% probability 

Draw: 20% probability 

DC United vs Charlotte prediction: 

Charlotte will be aiming to impress on their MLS debut when they face DC United at Audi Field on Sunday. Charlotte have big ambitions for their inaugural season in the Major League Soccer, but the bookies see them as underdogs in their opener. A man to watch in the away team will be experienced full-back Christian Fuchs, who played for Leicester City in the past.

Win DC United: 57% probability

Win Charlotte: 31% probability

Draw: 12% probability

Inter Miami vs Chicago Fire prediction: 

Inter Miami missed out on a place in the MLS playoffs last time out, and, no doubt, they are eager to make amends for the unsuccessful campaign. Joevin Jones misses Sunday’s game through injury, while new signing experienced attacker Gonzalo Higuain should continue to lead the line for the hosts.

Could Gonzalo Higuain score and win with Inter Miami today?...

Win Inter Miami: 42% probability

Win Chicago Fire: 31% probability

Draw: 27% probability 

San Jose Earthquakes vs New York Red Bulls prediction: 

San Jose Earthquakes and New York Red Bulls go head to head at Earthquakes Stadium in what is expected to be an interesting MLS game. San Jose played no warm-up games ahead of the new MLS campaign, which could prove to be a big problem for the hosts in Sunday’s clash. 

Win San Jose Earthquakes: 40% probability 

Win New York Red Bulls: 37% probability

Draw: 23% probability 

Portland Timbers vs New England Revolution prediction: 

After suffering a loss to New York City in the 2020 MLS Cup final, Portland Timbers will look to kick off the new season in style when they face New England Revolution on Sunday.

The last season finalists head into the match following a 3-0 warm-up win over Real Salt Lake, which is surely giving fans a reason for optimism ahead of the visit of New England Revolution.

Win Portland Timbers: 35% probability 

Win New England Revolution: 30% probability 

Draw: 35% probability 

Orland City vs Móntreal FC prediction: 

Since Portugal veteran Nani joined Venezia in the January transfer window, home win should not be considered. The Canadian outfit, on the other hand, did well to win the Canada Championship final in November, with the team beating Toronto in the final thanks to Romell Quioto’s goal.

Montreal have big ambitions for the new MLS campaign as well, and we predict that they will take advantage of the fact that key players left Orlando City.

A man to watch in the away team will be former Tottenham midfielder Victor Wanyama.

Win Orland City : 25% probability 

Win Móntreal FC: 49% probability 

Draw: 26% 

Atlanta United vs Sporting Kansas City prediction:

All eyes will be on Mercedes-Benz Stadium when Atlanta United and Sporting Kansas City face each other in the 2022 MLS season opener.

The Five Stripes were beaten by New York City in the 2021 MLS Cup last 16, but they were impressive in pre-season. Atlanta United aim to kick off the new MLS campaign in style, and they are likely to go all guns blazing at Sporting Kansas City.

Win Atlanta United: 49% probability 

Win Sporting Kansas: 20% probability 

Draw: 31% probability 

Los Angeles Galaxy vs New York City prediction: 

New signing Douglas Costa will be yet another man to watch in the home team.

The Blue Pigeons, on the other hand, are on a quest to defend their MLS trophy, but beating Los Angeles Galaxy on the road is easier said than done. Given New York City’s attacking potential, both teams to score betting option should be considered.

Defender Anton Tinnerholm should be the only absentee in the away side. 

Win Los Angeles Galaxy: 33% probability 

Win New York City : 32% probability 

Draw: 35% probability 

Houston Dynamo vs Real Salt Lake prediction: 

BBVA Compass Stadium will host Monday’s football game between Houston Dynamo and Real Salt Lake, the two teams who meet in the season opener.

Houston were having their ups and downs in pre-season, but reputable bookies still see them as favourites to kick off the 2022 MLS campaign with a win.

El Naranja should continue to rely on experienced attacker Fafa Picault, who scored 11 goals in the 2021 season, while new signing Carlos Ferreira is eager to make his MLS debut.

Win Houston Dynamo: 40% probability

Win Real Salt Lake: 33% probability

Draw: 27% probability

Seattle Sounders vs Nashville SC prediction: 

Seattle Sounders play host to Nashville at their Lumen Field in the opening match of the 2022 MLS season. The Sounders made it to the MLS Cup last 16 last season, but Real Salt Lake eventually proved to be a big catch for them.

Win Seattle Sounders: 27% probability 

Win Nashville SC: 26% probability 

Draw: 47% probability 

FC Dallas vs Toronto FC prediction: 

Dallas and Toronto face each other at Toyota Stadium in the opening match of the new MLS campaign. Dallas were producing fine displays in pre-season, with the team beating all Orlando City, San Antonio, and Houston Dynamo, while sharing the spoils with Chicago Fire.

Win FC Dallas: 20% probability

Win Toronto FC: 20% probability

Draw: 60% probability