2023 MLS Cup Picks, Props & Preview

Are you looking for some expert MLS Cup picks? Look no further! The Columbus Crew and Los Angeles FC will contest the 2023 MLS Cup Final this Saturday, December 9, and I will gear you up for betting on the big game. 

Thanks to a dramatic penalty shootout victory over the Philadelphia Union in last year’s final, LAFC heads into Saturday’s showdown as the defending champion. Still, Columbus is the bookies’ favorite to lift the trophy. 

I will be sharing my recommended MLS Cup picks a little later, along with some predictions. Before we go any further, though, let’s preview the match and analyze both teams. 

2023 MLS Cup Final Preview 

• Date: Saturday, December 9, 2023 
• Stadium: Lower.com Field 
• Location: Columbus, Ohio 
• Home Team: Columbus Crew 
• Away Team: Los Angeles FC 

The 28th edition of the MLS Cup is set to take place at Lower.com Field this Saturday, December 9. As the highest-remaining seed in the playoffs, the Crew will host the showpiece. 

Fox and Fox Deportes will broadcast the game live in the United States, with kick-off scheduled for 4pm (ET)/1pm (PT). The game will also be made available to stream for free on Apple TV. 

2023 MLS CUP FINAL ODDS 

• Moneyline: Columbus Crew (+115); Draw (+235); Los Angeles FC (+220) 
• To Win the Cup: Columbus Crew (-115); Los Angeles FC (+125) 
• Both Teams to Score: Yes (-115); No (+125) 
• Over/Under 2.5 Goals: Over (-120); Under (-105) 

As you can see, Columbus is the bookies’ favorite to win on Saturday. The Crew is priced at +115 to triumph in normal time and -115 to lift the trophy anytime. 

Those looking for MLS Cup picks concerning the goals markets should know that the bookies expect both teams to score. If you want to be the totals, be aware that the odds favor over 2.5 goals. 

Team Analysis & Key Players – 2023 MLS Cup 

If you’re here solely for my 2023 MLS Cup picks and predictions, you can find them towards the end of this piece. However, I recommend digesting all the information below before you lock in your MLS Cup picks. 

The 2023 Major League Soccer season kicked off all the way back in February. 29 clubs started the grueling journey 10 months ago, but after 493 matches, only two teams remain. 

It’s almost time for me to reveal my MLS Cup picks, but this preview would not be complete without an in-depth look at the finalists. So, join me as I evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each side. 

Can Columbus Crew Triumph on Home Turf? 

Not only did the Crew finish third in the Eastern Conference, but they also finished third in the overall standings. On top of that, Columbus posted the best regular-season offensive record, scoring 67 goals in 34 games (1.97 goals per game). 

Cucho Hernandez has been the start of the show this year, bagging 23 goals and 10 assists across all competitions. Christian Ramirez (13 goals, 5 assists) has also remained consistent, while Diego Rossi has notched five goals and six assists in 15 appearances since arriving from Fenerbahce. 

More importantly, though, Columbus boasts the best home record in Major League Soccer this season. Wilfried Nancy’s men have lost just one of their 19 MLS matches at Lower.com Field, picking up 14 victories in the process, and they enter Sunday’s clash on a 14-game unbeaten streak on home soil. 

Will Los Angeles FC Defend Their Crown? 

While the Crew’s last MLS Cup triumph came back in 2020, Los Angeles FC lifted the trophy last year. Following a crazy 3-3 draw with the Philadelphia Union, the Californians won 3-0 on penalties to secure the prestigious silverware. 

This season, LAFC finished third in the Western Conference and eighth in the overall standings – five points behind Columbus. Although Steve Cherundolo’s men conceded seven goals fewer than the Crew, they also scored 13 goals fewer. 

Denis Bouanga looks destined to clinch the Golden Boot on Saturday, having scored 20 MLS goals this year. Carlos Vela (14 goals, 11 assists) has also starred across all competitions, so the 2019 MLS MVP and Golden Boot winner will be eager to end on a high note this weekend. 

Top 2023 MLS Cup Picks 

Without further ado, here are my 2023 MLS Cup picks and predictions. Having scoured the odds and analyzed both teams, I’m confident that we can land a tasty profit on a variety of markets this weekend. 

MY RECOMMENDED MLS CUP PICKS FOR 2023 

• Columbus Crew to Win the Cup (-115) 
• Both Teams to Score (-115) 
• Over 2.5 Goals (-120) 
• Columbus Crew Over 1.5 Goals (+105) 

As you can see, I’m backing Columbus to triumph on Saturday. If you’re feeling brave, you can back the Crew at +115 to win in normal time, but I like having the safety net of extra time and/or penalties if required. 

Although LAFC is the defending champion, Columbus has been immense at Lower.com Field this year. Having won 11 of their previous 13 home games, the Ohioans will be confident of sealing the deal this weekend. 

I also like the look of the BTTS bet for this matchup. Both teams have scored in 27 of the Crew’s 39 matches this season (69%), while LAFC possesses a BTTS ratio of 50%. 

My final MLS Cup picks concern the over 2.5 goals market and the over 1.5 goals market for Columbus. The Crew has netted a whopping 45 goals in 19 home games this season (2.37 goals per game), scoring over 1.5 goals on 14 occasions. 

Lock In Your MLS Cup Picks 

The 2023 MLS Cup Final promises to be a thrilling contest between two elite teams. With Cucho leading the way for Columbus and Bouanga flying the flag for LAFC, Saturday’s showdown is destined to be a memorable spectacle. 

I have provided a handful of MLS Cup picks for you to utilize, so feel free to make use of all four bets. Alternatively, you can choose a couple that you like the look of. The choice is yours! 

The 2023 Major League Soccer season may be drawing to a close, but the world’s most popular sport continues to dish up exciting betting opportunities. Be sure to stick with Sports Hub for European soccer predictions, including the Premier League, Bundesliga, La Liga and Serie A.