- Nashville SC hosts Charlotte FC in Saturday night MLS action
- The latest odds favor Nashville to garner their first MLS win of the season
- Read below for Nashville vs Charlotte prediction, odds and picks
Nashville SC hosts Charlotte FC at GEODIS Park on Saturday, March 16th, in an intriguing early-season MLS matchup. Kickoff is set for 8:30pm ET with the game broadcast on Apple TV.
The latest betting odds have Nashville as +140 moneyline favorites, Nashville at +195 underdogs, and +220 to draw, with the over/under goal total set at 2.5.
Let’s get into our Nashville vs Charlotte prediction, as we analyze the Saturday MLS odds and determine the best soccer picks.
Nashville SC vs Charlotte FC Odds
| Matchup | Moneyline |
|---|---|
| Nashville SC | +140 |
| Charlotte FC | +195 |
| Draw | +220 |
In the MLS odds for Saturday, Nashville is the +140 moneyline favorite, giving them 42% implied win probability. As the +195 underdog, Charlotte’s implied winning chance is 34%.
The current MLS Cup odds show both clubs as longshots, with Nashville at +5000 and Charlotte at +8000. A $10 bet on Charlotte to win the whole thing would payout $8000 if successful.
Odds as of March 15, 2024, at DraftKings North Carolina. Bettors in the Tar Heel State can register at the DraftKings app in North Carolina to place a wager on the game.
Nashville Betting Analysis
Nashville comes in at 0-0-3 with three points, sitting 10th in the East. They opened with draws against the New York Red Bulls (0-0), Colorado Rapids (1-1), and LA Galaxy (2-2) after surrendering a two-goal lead in the latter match.
Nashville is still searching for their first win after being eliminated from the CONCACAF Champions Cup by Inter Miami in midweek. They drew 2-2 in the first leg before falling 3-1 on Wednesday, with goals from Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez ending their run.
Messi has had an absolute masterclass in the first half against Nashville! pic.twitter.com/l7eyoJhlcO
— Flashallmight (@Flashallmight) March 14, 2024
The Boys in Gold have struggled defensively, allowing 2+ goals in three consecutive overall matches. However, their attack has shown positive signs with Hany Mukhtar scoring twice and adding an assist in MLS play already.
Through three league matches, Nashville has generated an average of 0.94 expected goals (xG) while allowing 1.56 xG, suggesting that their opposition has significantly out-chanced them. However, Nashville has covered the spread in two of the three contests.
Nashville’s attack flows through reigning MVP Hany Mukhtar. Jacob Shaffelburg provides pace out wide, while Walker Zimmerman marshals the backline. Former Charlotte winger McKenzie Gaines has a goal and assist in a super-sub role.
Injuries: Sam Surridge, Randall Leal, Walker Zimmerman.
Charlotte FC Betting Analysis
Charlotte enters the match with a 1-1-1 record and 4 points through three matches, sitting eighth in the Eastern Conference. They opened with a 1-0 home win over New York City FC behind Adilson Malanda’s 67th-minute headed goal.
Charlotte then played to a 1-1 draw at Toronto before suffering a 1-0 road loss against TFC in their last outing. Enzo Copetti missed that match with a thigh injury and is questionable for Saturday. Liel Abada, a recent $8 million signing from Celtic, is available but may not start.
Dean Smith is not ruling out Enzo Copetti for Saturday’s match vs. Nashville.
It’s a “tight hamstring” and they will see how he feels in the morning.
Feels like gamesmanship. We’ll see…
— Charlotte Soccer Show (@ForTheCrownBaby) March 14, 2024
Under new manager Dean Smith, Charlotte has played a direct, compact style focused on defensive solidity. They’ve cleared out previous designated players Karol Świderski and Kamil Jóźwiak in Smith’s roster overhaul.
Per the advanced metrics, Charlotte has generated 1.32 expected goals (xG) while allowing 1.27 xG per game, indicating they’ve ever so slightly outchanced their opposition. Charlotte’s ATS record is 2-1, and they are 1-1 against the spread on the road.
Charlotte’s striker Enzo Copetti is a physical presence if he can overcome his thigh issue. Adilson Malanda and Bill Tuiloma anchor the defense, while Ashley Westwood plays midfield.
Injuries: Tyger Smalls, Brandon Cambridge, Benjamin Bender, Djibril Diani, Liel Abada, Brandt Bronico
Nashville vs Charlotte Prediction
This matchup pits Nashville’s potent attack against Charlotte’s defensive organization under Dean Smith. Nashville will look to get Mukhtar on the ball in dangerous areas and exploit their pace out wide.
With Nashville playing midweek in the Champions Cup, fatigue could be a factor, giving Charlotte a slight edge in freshness. However, Nashville has the quality to break down their opponents at home.
Head-to-Head Stats
| D-D-D | Recent Form | L-D-W |
| 8.3 | Shots | 9 |
| 3.3 | Shots on Goal | 4.7 |
| 440.7 | Total Passes | 413.3 |
| 80.4% | Passing Accuracy | 79.5% |
| 3 | Corners | 4.7 |
| 3.9 | Expected Goals (xG) | 5.1 |
| 63 | Aerial Duels Won | 33 |
I’m predicting a tight 1-0 or 2-1 win for Charlotte, with the total staying under 2.5 goals in a defensive battle. Copetti and Mukhtar are the most likely anytime goalscorers if either team finds the net. Betting Charlotte’s moneyline at +195 offers solid value, as does the under 2.5 goals.
The MLS odds have already shifted from +240 to +195 in favor of Charlotte, indicating that some big-money bettors are hitting a mispriced line. However, there’s still some value on the road underdog in what promises to be a barnburner in Tennessee.
The draw at +220 is also very much in play as a wager, especially for more risk-averse bettors. However, for our official Charlotte vs Nashville pick, we can’t ignore the value on Dean Smith’s club.
Saturday MLS Picks:
- Charlotte ML (+195)
- Under 2.5 Goals (-155)
Make sure you check out the available NC betting promos before making your bet. You can maximize your value by taking advantage of the great sign-up offers!
Nashville SC will face off against Charlotte FC on March 16th in what promises to be an exciting matchup between two Eastern Conference rivals. Both teams will be looking to secure a crucial win early in the season, and fans can expect a competitive and intense game.
In terms of predictions, Nashville SC comes into the match as the favorite, given their strong performance in recent seasons. The team boasts a solid defense and a potent attack, led by star striker Hany Mukhtar. Nashville will be looking to control possession and create scoring opportunities, while also remaining solid at the back to prevent Charlotte FC from finding the back of the net.
On the other hand, Charlotte FC will be looking to make a statement in their inaugural season in MLS. The team has made some key signings in the offseason, including experienced players like Blaise Matuidi and Joao Moutinho. Charlotte FC will be looking to play an attacking style of football and put pressure on Nashville’s defense to create scoring chances.
In terms of betting odds, Nashville SC is currently favored to win the match, with odds of -150. Charlotte FC, on the other hand, is the underdog with odds of +200. The draw has odds of +250. Bettors may want to consider placing a bet on Nashville SC to win, given their strong form and home advantage.
In terms of betting props, there are several options for bettors to consider. Some popular props for this match include over/under goals, both teams to score, and first goalscorer. Bettors may also want to consider betting on specific players to score or on the number of yellow cards or corners in the match.
Overall, the Nashville SC vs Charlotte FC match on March 16th promises to be an exciting and closely contested affair. Both teams will be looking to secure a crucial win early in the season, and fans can expect a thrilling game with plenty of goals and drama. Bettors may want to consider placing a bet on Nashville SC to win, but anything can happen in football, so it’s always wise to do your research and consider all options before placing a bet.
