We’re getting ready for another jam-packed weekend on the sports calendar, with college football, European soccer, the NFL, and UFC all back in action. MLS will also begin the MLS Cup Playoffs on Friday as the domestic soccer campaign winds to a close.
Which of BetOnline’s two odds boosters for Friday is worth your while?
MLS: Nashville SC and New England Revolution BOTH to Win (+400)
The New England Revolution (8-8-7) will take on the Montreal Impact (8-13-2) at Gillette Stadium on Friday night. The Revs are favored by a goal here, while BetOnline also has New England at -204 to win on the moneyline.
The Impact had the worst regular-season record of any team that made the playoffs, so it’s easy to see why the Revolution are favored in spite of their own middling record. New England topped Montreal 3-2 on the road in their most recent matchup just over a month ago after winning 3-1 over the Impact back in September.
Montreal allowed 43 goals this season, which was the most in the Eastern Conference. Anything can happen over the course of 90 minutes, but it would be a surprise if the result was anything but a New England victory here.
Nashville SC will take on Inter Miami in the MLS Cup Playoff debut for both sides. The virus is playing a role in this one, with Miami forced to bench three starters after positive tests. The trio of missing players includes star striker Gonzalo Higuain, who has taken MLS by storm since arriving earlier this summer.
Breaking News: Inter Miami players Gonzalo Higuain, Federico Higuain, Leandro Gonzalez Pirez to miss tonight’s playoff game at Nashville due to COVID. Story coming…@HeraldSports @MiamiHerald @InterMiamiCF #InterMiamiCF #MLS
— Michelle Kaufman (@kaufsports) November 20, 2020
Without Higuain, Inter are +205 underdogs on the road tonight against Nashville. Nashville beat Miami 1-0 back in August before the two sides played to a scoreless draw in their last clash. Nashville only have two losses at home all season long, and the fact that Miami will be without its top goal-scoring threat means Inter is going to have a very hard time finding ways to threaten the Nashville defense.
NCAAF: Purdue and Air Force BOTH to Win (+165)
Purdue will take on Minnesota as two-point favorites on the road tonight. The Boilermakers picked up back-to-back wins over Iowa and Illinois to open the season before a 27-20 loss against No. 23 Northwestern in their last outing. Despite a strong start to the season from star running back Mohamed Ibrahim, the Golden Gophers fell to 1-3 with a 35-7 thrashing at the hands of Iowa last week.
Minnesota is just 1-3, with their lone win coming over the hapless Fighting Illini. These look like two of the worst defensive teams in the Big Ten, which is probably why this game comes with a massive over/under of 61 points.
Only player with 20 runs of 10+ yards since the B1G started (Wk 8)
💨 Mohamed Ibrahim, Minnesota pic.twitter.com/9zmrGThrNg
— PFF College (@PFF_College) November 20, 2020
Air Force, meanwhile, is favored by over a touchdown (-8.5) at home over New Mexico. The Falcons have lost each of their last two games to San Jose State and Boise State after a 40-7 win over Navy to open the campaign.
There is plenty of competition, but New Mexico may be the worst team in the Mountain West. The Lobos have lost all three of their games to San Jose State, Hawaii, and Nevada. They’ve been competitive in all three games, but the results haven’t been there. Air Force is a massive -317 moneyline favorite, per BetOnline.
What’s The Best Bet?
Both boosters look like good options tonight. You can grab Purdue and Air Force both to win at +165, which isn’t the best value, but it’s likely to happen. Minnesota hasn’t been able to get out of its own way this season, so Purdue is in a solid spot on the road. Air Force shouldn’t have much trouble at home against New Mexico.
The MLS bet offers more upside at +400, however. Nashville has been excellent at Nissan Stadium all year long, and a shorthanded version of Inter Miami isn’t really the most daunting opponent. The Impact, meanwhile, are the worst playoff team in all of MLS this season. The Revolution’s record isn’t much more impressive, but it’s easy to see why New England is favored. They should be able to take advantage of that leaky Montreal defense and take care of business at home.
Take the MLS booster at +400 tonight.
Boosted Odds Prop Bet:
New England and Nashville BOTH to Win (+400)
Taylor Smith
Taylor Smith has been a staff writer with GamblingSites.org since early 2017. Taylor is primarily a sports writer, though he will occasionally dabble in other things like politics and entertainment betting. His primary specialties are writing about the NBA, Major League Baseball, NFL and domestic and international soccer. Fringe sports like golf and horse racing aren’t exactly his cup of tea, bu …
