Betfair Live Video: Toronto to take the spoils in another Defoe-show

MLS is expected to reap the benefits of Team USA's World Cup

With 'soccer' grabbing all the headlines across the pond, Lewis Watson takes a look at a game from MLS being streamed live on Betfair Live Video. Along with a game in the Swedish Allsvenskan, Live Video serves up a perfect warm up to Saturday's World Cup action...

Toronto vs DC United
Sunday 00:00

With a nation infected with a severe case of the 'soccer bug', all eyes will be back on MLS this weekend as the US fans turn to the hair of the dog to get over their World Cup hangover. After Tuesday's heroics in Salvador, Team USA head home with many of the first team returning to domestic duty - and with a top four clash in Toronto the pick of the bunch in the Eastern Conference, all eyes will be on the BMO Field. 

Playing catch-up with three games in hand over many teams, the hosts were in midweek action against a struggling Chicago side who managed to squeeze out a controversial draw. With ten men due to Luke Moore's first half red card (remember him?), Toronto were forced into a controlled and disciplined second half display - one that coach Ryan Nelson has since praised.  

There's no doubt that Toronto have what it takes in the attacking third. Scoring first on Thursday (with ten men) proved this immediately with Jackson getting on the end of a classy Defoe cross. Although they have yet to tear a defence apart this season, you get the feeling that with eight-goal man Defoe leading their line with more than adequate servicemen behind him, a side is going to feel the wrath of a Toronto whirlwind in the coming weeks.

With last year's disappointment still fresh in the memory of the 'Red Patch Boys', a place in the MLS Cup Playoffs is the minimum requirement for a side desperate for success. Investing in international stars such as Gilberto, Defoe and Julio Cesar has given the side confidence that they can grow as an MLS force, with thanks to the "analytical mind" of GM Tim Bezbatchenko.   

With an equally, if not more, disappointing campaign last time around, visitors DC come to the BMO field in an odd run of form. Sure, sitting second in the Eastern Conference is far from a crisis, but with sides below them (most notably Toronto) with games in hand on the 'Black and Reds', Ben Olsen's boys aren't sitting comfortably. 

With star striker Fabian Espindola suspended for one more game after his dismissal against Montreal, Olsen is expected to go with Silva and Johnson leading the line, with support coming in the wide areas from the creativity of Rofle and Deleon. The Argentinean's absence proved crucial last weekend as DC failed to impress on home soil against a well-drilled Sounders side. 

On paper this one is tough to call, with both sides looking to pounce on leaders Sporting Kansas. Toronto have games in the bank, and without their Argentinean leading the line, DC will struggle to make an impact on the hosts defence. Defoe has settled into MLS like a duck to water, with him proving the difference once again on Saturday.

Recommended Bets
Back Toronto to win @ 1.834/5
Back Toronto to win 2-0 @ 9.617/2

Gefle vs Hacken
Saturday 15:00

Without the distraction of national World Cup duty, the Allsvenskan returns after a month break as hosts Gefle try to dig themselves out of a deepening hole at the foot of the Swedish standings. Sitting in fourteenth spot, four points from the bottom, Roger Sandberg has his work cut out inspiring a downbeat Gefle with only one win to their name. 

Since their spirited victory against an ever poorer Brommapojkarna, the knock-on effect of gutsy performances hasn't appeared, with the side going winless in the following eight outings. Draw specialists maybe, but with single points not meaning prizes in the Allsvenskan, something will have to change if they are to avoid a relegation scrap for a third consecutive campaign. 

With a reasonable defence, scoring goals (and crucially important goals) have been the host's biggest problem so far. Yes, we are only twelve games in, but without a real sign of potency in the attacking third, strikers Mustafa, Oremo and Williams will need to step up  as we approach the mid-season game week. 

With a similar record to Gefle when looking at the history of the Allsvenskan, Hacken - also in their fourteenth season - are finding life a lot more comfortable this time round.  With only three defeats, all away from the Gamla Ullevi, 'The Wasps have looked a good bet to build upon their tenth placed finish last campaign. 

There are no prizes for guessing who the star man is in the Hacken attack. In his second season with the Swedish side, Dutch striker Mostapha El Kabir has lit up the Allsvenskan with seven strikes in ten appearances. After failing to impress at Mjallby and Cagliari, the Moroccan born predator has looked good so far, with only Malmo's Molins outscoring him to date.

Gefle will be chasing their second victory of the season, but with a dogged away performance expected from Hacken, don't expect this one to veer too far one way. A draw looks likely here with both sides arguably settling for a share of the spoils.  

Recommended Bets
Back the draw @ 3.55n/a
Back 1-1 @ 6.86/1