Breaking down MLS betting splits for July 11th

The MLS is Back Tournament has plenty of action set for this weekend, and there will be two matches on Saturday. Atlanta United will take on the New York Red Bulls before FC Cincinnati faces off against Columbus Crew. DraftKings Sportsbook has the betting splits for each match available, and we’ll go over those here.

The public is putting most of their money on the underdog Red Bulls (+225) against Atlanta (+108) in the first game. New York has 54 percent of the handle to Atalanta’s 39 percent. Atlanta has the edge in percentage of total bets at 67 percent though, while New York clocks in at 23 percent. Bets on a draw (+265) account for 7 percent of the handle percentage and 10 percent of the total bets. The bigger money could indicate some sharper action to consider.

Atlanta will surely miss Josef Martinez, who ranked third in the MLS with 28 goals last year. The forward tore his ACL in his team’s season opener this year and has a lengthy recovery process ahead of him. However, Ezequiel Barco has been exceptional in the two games he’s played this season and has accounted for two goals and an assists to lift Atlanta to a 2-0 record this year. He and Gonzalo Martinez have helped enhance their club’s offensive potential.

The Red Bulls have a do-it-all midfielder in Daniel Royer who led them in goals (11) and assists (9) last season. Marc Rzatkowski also tallied nine assists last season, but has played all of 24 minutes through two games this season. Can he be trusted to contribute with so little exposure this year? New York scored 53 goals and gave up 51 last season though, so their defense could certainly use some work.

Cincinnati (+225) was the worst team in the MLS last year, so it’s not surprising to see that Columbus Crew (-108) is the overwhelming favorite. Columbus Crew commands 91 percent of the handle and total bets while Cincinnati has three percent of the handle and 5 percent of the total bets. Wagers on a draw (+275) make up 6 percent of the handle and 4 percent of the total bets.

Columbus was far from spectacular last season, but has gotten a strong start from Gyasi Zardes, who led the team with 13 goals last year. Cincinnati is winless this year but put up a fight against Atlanta United and the Red Bulls in March. Last year’s top goal scorer Allan Cruz has made the net bulge once and will need to be at his best to give Cincinnati a chance.

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