Early 2021 MLS Eastern Conference Odds on Five Frontrunners

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MLS is back for the 2021 season running between April and November. All the attention is on the Eastern Conference that features three champions of the last four MLS Cups. But who has the chance to lead in the East for 2021? Certainly, it is hard to pick one favorite at 2021 MLS Eastern Conference odds. However, there is a realistic shortlist of five teams expected to fare stronger over the rest of the pack.

MLS 2021 is kicking off with high expectations for Columbus Crew, the last season’s Cup champions to be among the frontrunners. But, they are not the only ones enjoying a lot of positivity. Online sportsbook news sites in the United States suggest the likes of Toronto, Orlando City, Philadelphia, and NYCFC may challenge for the top spot.

Looking at the last five seasons in the Eastern Conference, four different teams topped the table. That should give a clear sign that the competition is wide open with no team to be taken for granted. As 2021 MLS Eastern Conference odds indicate the competition promises to be tight. Anything can happen throughout the season. But, you better keep an eye on the following five teams should you bet on a potential winner.

The Crew have a very impressive attacking line

Although Columbus Crew won the 2020 MLS Cup, they finished third in Eastern Conference. It was a slight disappointment, as the Crew topped the Eastern Conference last time in 2009. Thus, they hope this year they are well prepared to make history, as their squad looks much stronger.

Keeping Gyasi Zardes and Lucas Zelarayan, the Crew brought in Kevin Molino and Bradley Wright Phillips. The group of forwards is expected to make the Crew more lethal this year. If everything goes to plan, the Crew are +200 to finish on top of the table, according to 32Red Sportsbook.

Toronto came close last season only to finish second

This is one of the teams always among the favorites to be in the mix on top of the Eastern Conference. But, it has been a while since Toronto topped the East. The last time it was in 2017. In the last season, Toronto came close to the top spot finishing second with only three points behind the leaders Philadelphia.

Now they have a new head coach Chris Armas who led the New York Red Bulls in 2018 to win the Supporters’ Shield. Many analysts at online sportsbooks in the United States suggest it is hard to predict how Toronto will fare under Armas. But to be positive they hold a +400 value at 2021 MLS Eastern Conference odds to finish on top.

Orlando City on the offense with Nani and Pato

In 2020 Orlando City enjoyed a breakthrough finishing fourth overall. With Nani the former United winger remaining on their side, there has to be hope for the team. Lately, they brought another big name, the former AC Milan star Pato. That should increase the firepower of Orlando with +500 odds to finish on top of the table.

2021 MLS Eastern Conference odds on Philadelphia

Philadelphia Union have won the last season’s Supporter’s Shield, the first in the club’s history. It was a big step up after Philadelphia finished third in 2019. Yet the big question is whether they can carry on the dominance for another year. 2021 MLS Eastern Conference odds indicate it is highly possible with a +500 value.

NYCFC look for a comeback

New York City FC kicked off their journey at MLS in 2015. They immediately made big-money signings of the superstars like David Villa, Frank Lampard, and Andrea Pirlo. That obviously paid off as they made it to four consecutive top-three finishes in the East including the 2019 top spot. But in 2020 they slipped to fifth place. All attention is on a possible comeback with +650 odds. It is possible but not very likely.

A few teams with a chance of an upset

If you fancy placing a bet on a team to make a big upset in the American soccer world, you may consider the New England Revolution. They finished eighth last season and lost in the Conference final to Columbus. Their odds are +900 to shock the world in 2021. Another team you may consider is Atlanta United with +1100. They won the Cup in 2018 but finished 12th in East last season. While a third option maybe New York Red Bulls (+1800) who topped the table in 2016 and 2018.

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