Atalanta welcome CF Montreal to kick off the 2025 MLS season, Ronny Deila’s side will be optimistic heading into the new campaign given the signings of Miguel Almiron and former Middlesbrough marksman Emmanuel Latte Lath adding real depth and quality to the side.

CF Montreal actually finished above Atalanta in the league phase of the MLS last season but their away record made for worrying reading and there are few signs of that changing in the early stages of the MLS this time around. Montreal only managed to win three of their 17 away assignments in the MLS last season, losing nine of these games conceding 41 goals in the process – the second worst defensive away record in the division.

Atalanta were relatively strong at home last campaign and will be eager to get off to a strong start to the campaign here, their high profile signings should give them the edge over a Montreal side who weren’t happy travellers last campaign and this should filter into this campaign.

Both of these sides finished in the top nine last season, Cincinnati finished third in the league phase with their games producing plenty of goals. Cincinnati saw 106 goals across their 34 games last campaign (3.11 per game), a total suggesting that goals will be on the cards again here in this early season clash.

New York Red Bulls finished seventh in the league phase, 12 points behind their opponents here but they were competitive in their clashes with Cincinnati last season with BTTS landing in each of the last three head to head meetings between the sides.

Considering the competitive nature of these sides last campaign and the recent head to head meetings, both teams should be able to breach the opposition backline at least once here.

Columbus Crew kick off their MLS campaign on home territory and welcome a Chicago Fire that finished bottom of the MLS league phase last season, winning just seven of their 34 games. Their away record didn’t make for much better reading last season either, Gregg Baerhalter’s side managed to win just two of their 17 games on the road last term.

By contrast, Columbus finished second in the league phase, winning 19 of their 34 games. They were just as strong at home in winning 10 of their 17 league games last season, scoring 38 goals in the process which was a record only bettered by Inter Miami.

Columbus should be able to continue with their positive form from last season in the league phase and replicate the recent wins they’ve had over their opponents here with the last four head to head meetings going the way of the home side.

Inter Miami always attract eyes due to the array of stars they have littered throughout their squad but a challenging opening day meeting against a New York City side that they failed to beat in the league phase last season may just dampen any early fanfare for the MLS favourites.

BTTS has landed in each of the last four head to head meetings between these sides, this run has included three 1-1 draws showing that New York City can be a tough nut to crack despite the clear gap in quality between these sides. New York City scored 19 goals across their 17 away trips in the MLS league phase last season whilst Inter Miami shipped 22 goals across their 17 home fixtures.