Is New MLS East Favorite Atlanta Worth Backing over NYCFC?

By Ej Garr Mar 14th, 2024 7:22 AM EDT

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Atlanta United is making a big move according to oddsmakers. The defending MLS Champions are now the odds-on MLS betting favorite to repeat as Eastern Conference champs in 2019.

Odds to Win MLS East as of Wednesday

All odds current at time of publication; Philadelphia Union is also +450.

After an inauspicious start to this year's MLS regular season, Atlanta United is now tied for first place in the Eastern Conference standings with the Philadelphia Union at 45 points. If you have been following the MLS futures odds as the season has unfolded, NYCFC started to make waves with the line setters as they climbed all the way to the top of the board.

Odds to Win MLS East Last Week

Atlanta, Philly, and NYCFC have pulled away from the pack with the futures odds to win the 2019 Eastern Conference and advance to MLS Cup. Also noteworthy is the fact that NYCFC has only played 24 games; the club has three games in hand on Philly (27) and two on Atlanta (26).

With a regained confidence, Atlanta United recently won the Campeones Cup over Club America of Liga MX, and on Aug. 27, the club can snatch another piece of hardware. The U.S Open Cup finals are just around the corner, and Atlanta United could make it a trifecta of trophies should they win the oldest tournament in American soccer next Tuesday against Minnesota.

The Union's defense has MLS futures bettors concerned, as Atlanta and NYCFC have been among the best in not allowing goals to find their net this year. Atlanta certainly has the most experienced goalkeeper of the three teams with Brad Guzan, and, of course, the dude wearing No. 7, Josef Martinez, has scored in 11 straight MLS outings and broke the MLS scoring record last season too.

So, with the line movements and the MLS playoffs approaching, can Atlanta go on and repeat as MLS East champions?

One thing that does factor in has to be how much soccer Atlanta is playing with all the exterior tournaments outside of the Major League Soccer regular season. Too much can happen, and repeating as title holders in MLS is simply not easy to do.

Will Atlanta take the Eastern Conference title?

Yes, they will, and neither the Union or NYCFC will able to overtake Atlanta for first place when the playoffs get underway. Atlanta will have home-field advantage in the Eastern Conference postseason and will ride it all the way to the MLS Cup final. Bet Atlanta United to win the East at +210 with 888Sport.

About the Author

Ej Garr

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Ej Garr writes about the MLS and soccer for Bookies.com. Known as "The Rainmaker" and an expert at handicapping international soccer as well as US soccer.