MLS All Stars vs Arsenal predictions and preview for tonight’s pre-season friendly fixture including an anytime goalscorer bet and team to win prediction from bet365’s odds.
Fixture: MLS All Stars vs Arsenal
Competition: Friendly
Kick-off time: 00.30 Friday 29th July 2016
Location: Avaya Stadium, San Jose
It’s the All Star Break in the MLS and whilst most players will be glad of the midweek rest, the crème de la crème are assembled into an 11 and await the visit of Arsenal on Thursday Night/Friday Morning (UK Time). We’ve got the best bets for the exhibition match.
It’s the first time that Arsenal have participated in this match and they’ll be travelling to the Avaya Stadium, the home of the San Jose Earthquakes. To those unfamiliar with the format, a squad is assembled by a chosen manager who has the entire division to pick from and that team then takes on one of Europe’s elite. Previously, Spurs, Manchester United and Bayern Munich have all taken part.
MLS All Stars
Dominic Kinnear is in charge this year and the Quakes boss has selected his squad which offers a range of youthful stars and experienced heads. A familiar name is handed the armband though with Kaka winning the public vote. The Brazilian will captain the side for the second year in a row. Clint Dempsey came second, although the USA International is currently struggling to motivate his side, Seattle Sounders, who sit second bottom of the Western Conference.
Other attacking options include Sebastian Giovinco and Didier Drogba, both of whom netted a hat-trick at the weekend for Toronto FC and Montreal Impact respectively. David Villa is present, as is Ignacio Piatti, comfortably one of the best attacking midfielders in the MLS.
Further back, cultured NYCFC midfielder Andrea Pirlo makes the cut whilst Kyle Beckerman as does Sacha Kljestan of New York Red Bulls. Meanwhile, Giovanni Dos Santos is the sole representative for the in-form LA Galaxy.
Although the MLS isn’t always renowned for defensive prowess, Laurent Ciman has had an impressive season in a Montreal shirt and is rewarded with a place whilst the towering Kendall Waston also travels from Canada. Liam Ridgewell should have shaken off a niggle to take his place in the side. Kinnear will be choosing between Andre Blake of Philadelphia Union or his own stopper, David Bingham.
Kaka will captain the MLS All Stars against Arsenal tonight.
Arsenal
Arsenal snuck above their North London rivals on the final day of the season in May and follow in Spurs’ footsteps here. The men from White Hart Lane went down 2-1 in this fixture 12 months ago and the Gunners will be looking to avoid the same fate. The disadvantage for the visitors is often a lack of fitness compared to their hosts who started their season at the beginning of March. The MLS All-Stars are looking to make it three victories in a row here.
Granit Xhaka has signed over the summer and the former Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder could get his first place in the Arsenal starting XI here. Grumbles still persist from the Arsenal fans who believe a new striker should be added to the roster, with Lacazette continuing to be linked to the club.
Per Mertesacker will miss the entire tour of the US through injury whilst Gabriel is still struggling with illness, so uncertainty continues at the back for Arsene Wenger’s side.
WATCH: Highlights of new Arsenal man Granit Xhaka at Euro 2016.
MLS All Stars vs Arsenal Predictions
The MLS All-Stars have won this fixture the last two seasons and I’m backing them to make it a third. Fitness will play a part and with temperatures in the early 30s, Arsenal may tire. Dominic Kinnear can get the best out of his side and I think they can see off the North London side. My first MLS All Stars v Arsenal prediction is for MLS All Stars to win. They are 17/10 with Bet365 which are the best odds available.
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I’m a big fan of Sebastian Giovinco and I was glad to see him break his lean spell with a hat-trick at the weekend. The diminutive Italian can give the Arsenal defence a hard time and looks the best option in the goalscorer markets for tonight. With Mertesacker out, it will be a slightly changed back four and I think the Toronto FC striker can make them pay. My second MLS All Stars vs Arsenal betting tip is for Sebastian Giovinco to score anytime. He is 13/10 anytime with Bet365. Bet365 are the only bookies offering odds for an anytime goalscorer so you need an account with them to get on this bet.
MLS All Stars vs Arsenal Betting Tips
MLS All Stars to win – 17/10 Bet365: BET HERE.
Sebastian Giovinco anytime goalscorer – 13/10 Bet365: BET HERE.
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Jack Critchley
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