The Columbus Crew (2 wins, 2 losses, 2 draws) welcome Orlando City SC (3-2-2) to Lower.com Field Saturday. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET. Below, we preview the Columbus Crew vs. Orlando City SC odds and lines, and make our best MLS bets, picks and predictions.
The Crew have dropped consecutive 1-0 games after going undefeated through the first four games of the season, one at home to Nashville and one away at Philadelphia.
The Crew are led by M Lucas Zelarayán, who is in a seven-way tie for the second-most goals in MLS with 4 markers. Columbus has allowed just 7 goals in six games.
Orlando City is 2nd on the Eastern Conference table despite a tough 2-1 loss at home to lowly FC Cincinnati earlier in the season. Orlando is coming off a 1-0 win over Chicago last time out.
It has scored just 8 goals and allowed just 7 through seven games.
Columbus Crew vs. Orlando City SC: Odds, lines, picks and predictions
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:30 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Columbus -135 (bet $135 to win $100) | Orlando +380 (bet $100 to win $380) | Draw +275
- Over/Under: 2.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)
[tipico]
Prediction
Columbus Crew 1, Orlando City 0
Money line (ML)
BET to COLUMBUS (-135).
I don’t love the value here, and Columbus has 8 points in six games compared to Orlando’s 11 points in seven games.
While the edge is still to Orlando there, Columbus has been far better at home. It is 2-1-0 at home this season with its lone loss coming against Nashville in a game Columbus had more expected goals.
The Crew have outscored opponents 6-2 at home this season. Columbus was 10-4-3 at home last season as compared to 3-9-5 on the road, so it has had a trend of dominance at home.
Zelarayán has also helped the Crew’s midfield as it ranks third in passing accuracy. Given his control and Columbus’ strength in the midfield, I expect them to come out on top at home.
Over/Under (O/U)
LEAN to the UNDER 2.5 (-108).
The Crew are 3-3 O/U this total in their last 6 and have had their games finish 1-0 in 2 straight. Orlando is 2-5 O/U this season and has scored just 8 goals on the season while allowing 7 against.
Neither team ranks in the top 15 in the MLS in shot percentage either, so while they may get shoots up, they aren’t often on target.
I’d back the under with that in mind, especially considering the two combined defenses have allowed 13 goals in 14 games.
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