Dean Etheridge
In what looks set to be a spectacular showcase, the MLS 2021 All-Stars match takes place this week, and here we bring you our match preview and betting picks.
The best players from the MLS and Liga MX go head-to-head in the showdown. With national league pride at stake, neither team will want to take a backward step.
- Match: MLS All-Stars v Liga MX All-Stars
- Venue: Banc of California Stadium, Los Angeles, CA 90037, United States
- Date: Wednesday, August 25th, 2021
- Time: 9.30pm
What is the MLS 2021 All-Star Match?
The MLS All-Stars game was originally a match between the Western and Eastern conferences of the MLS.
It is essentially an exhibition match but has taken on more and more significance over the years.
This year the significance has been ratcheted up another level, with the match now being contested between the top league in the USA, and the top league from Mexico – Liga MX.
This will be the first time the fixture is between these two leagues. If it’s a success, the match could become a huge occasion on the sporting calendar for years to come.
The fixture was scheduled for 2020 but was delayed for 12 months due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The rosters are in for both squads, and with such an array of attacking talent on show, offensive play looks set to dominate.
You won’t want to miss this, as it promises to be action-packed.
Match Betting
The favorites to win the All-Stars match is the MLS All-Stars, here is the latest soccer betting odds.
| 2021 All-Stars Match Winner Betting |  |  |  |
| MLS To Win | |||
| Liga MX To Win |
The US league side is stacked with attacking talent and has plenty of players who bring big-game experience.
Playing regulations stipulate that the two sides can make unlimited substitutions. And if the match is tied at full-time, it goes straight to penalties. There will be no extra time.
MLS All-Stars
The MLS All-Stars are going to be managed by Bob Bradley. The legendary coach is the former manager of the USA national team and is currently in charge of Los Angeles FC.
There are some stars set to represent the MLS. Former Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez (more commonly known as Chicharito) was one of the star attractions, but he has had to now withdraw from the match with injury.
Also missing the match now alongside Chicharito is Carlos Vela and Tajon Buchanan.
Still available to play is talent like Miles Robinson, Matt Turner, and another former Red Devil, Luis Nani.
Hell, despite the injuries, Bob Bradley’s toughest job will still be selecting his starting eleven!
MLS 🤝 @LigaBBVAMX
Can't wait! #MLSAllStar pic.twitter.com/KCxkq1ZP0i
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) August 23, 2021
MLS All-Stars Probable Starting XI
Matt Turner, Julian Araujo, Miles Robinson, Kai Wagner, Nohou, Lucas Zelarayan, Cristian Roldan, Emanuel Reynoso, Raul Ruidiaz, Gustavo Bou, and Nani.
Even with the injuries to their taleneted trio, the MLS All-Stars bench is going to be stacked with talent.
This will give Bradley’s team the advantage later in the match, as the USA team’s options will be better.
Liga MX All-Stars
In charge of the Liga MX All-Stars is Juan Reynoso Guzman. The Peruvian is currently managing Cruz Azul in the Mexican Liga MX.
Liga MX All-Stars Probable Starting XI
Guillermo Ochoa, Juan Escobar, Matheus Doria, Victor Guzman, Salvador Reyes, Rubens Sambueza, Fernando Gorriaran, Angel Mena, Orbelin Pineda, Rogelio Funes Mori, and Jonathan Rodriguez.
Unfortunately for the Liga MX All-Stars, they have been hit with injuries to Andre-Pierre Gignac, Jesus Corona, and Jesus Gallardo.
Losing this trio is really going to hurt their chances of picking up a win.
¡HABLARON LOS PROTAGONISTAS 🇲🇽⚽️🇺🇸!
Entrenadores y parte del plantel de los equipos de la #LigaBBVAMX y de la #MLS, atendieron a prensa internacional, previo al #MLSAllStar Game 🔝🤯😎#Nota ✍📰: https://t.co/2oEnWotzzp pic.twitter.com/o5GpCAwe3r
— Liga BBVA MX (@LigaBBVAMX) August 24, 2021
Betting Picks
It’s the first time this match is taking place between these two sides, and with national pride at stake, it looks set to be a classic.
You only get one chance to win something for the first time. So let us get the notion that this is a friendly match out of the way.
The MLS All-Stars team will have talent and big match experience from the EPL in the starting XI and on the bench.
This makes them both top sportsbooks, and my favorites to win, and with the added goal of being inaugural winners of this fixture, I’m making the MLS All-Stars my pick to win this match.
I’m also expecting this match to be offensively dominated. I only see attack dominating this match, so I’m expecting plenty of goals to be scored.
With unlimited substitutions and attacking options on the replacements bench, players will be fresher at the end of the match.
And although this will apply to defensive-minded players also, I expect the offensive players to finish the match strongly. This all points to goals, goals, and more goals!
I’m going for a larger than normal amount of goals, by going for over 4.5 goals. So this means I need five or more goals for this bet to win.
With it being a long-shot bet, I recommend using one of the many excellent betting bonuses that can be found here.
