The Atlanta United (4 wins, 4 losses, 4 draws) welcome the Columbus Crew (3-5-4) to Mercedes-Benz Stadium Saturday. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. ET. Below, we preview the Atlanta United vs. Columbus Crew odds and lines, and make our best MLS bets, picks and predictions.
Both Atlanta and Columbus have disappointed so far this season with United sitting 8th in the East and the Crew 12th. Three points separate the 2 sides. As for United, they’ve drawn 2 straight games, both 2-2.
One was at home against New England, and the other, more recently, was a loss on the road against Nashville. Atlanta is led by F Ronaldo Cisneros, who has 4 goals on the season. It’s allowed 18 goals in 12 games.
As for the Crew, they’ve lost two straight and have failed to score in 6 of their last 8 games.
Columbus has scored 15 and allowed 15 through its 12 games this season. It is led in scoring by 2021 M Lucas Zelarayán, who has 4 goals on the season. The Crew are a pitiful 0-4-2 on the road this season.
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Atlanta United vs. Columbus Crew 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 8:30 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Atlanta United +100 (bet $100 to win $100) | Columbus Crew +280 (bet $100 to win $280) | Draw +250
- Over/Under: 2.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)
[tipico]
Prediction
Atlanta United 2, Columbus Crew 1
Money line (ML)
LEAN ATLANTA UNITED +100.
The Crew just haven’t played up to par on the road, and their struggles over the last 8 games are real.
The Crew were unbeaten through the first 4 games of the season and have lost 5 of their last 8. Columbus must figure things out, and at a rowdy Mercedes-Benz Stadium won’t be where that happens.
There’s a chance star F Josef Martinez makes his return from injury as well. Martinez won the league’s Golden Boot in 2018. Even without Martinez, United has been playing better as of late. They’ve also not lost at home.
Combine United’s 3-0-3 home record with how bad Columbus has been away from Lower.com Field along with the potential return of Martinez, and I’ll take Atlanta at this value.
Over/Under (O/U)
BET OVER 2.5 (-115).
The United defense has been terrible the last few games, which is why the OVER 2.5 (-115) is my favorite bet of the game. United has allowed 18 goals in 12 games and would have combined to top this total in their last 5 games.
The Crew would’ve hit this total in 2 of their last 4, having allowed 2 goals to their opponent in 3 straight games.
Columbus has one of the most experienced midfielders in the MLS. Zelarayan should be able to help the Crew break down a susceptible Atlanta defense.
Columbus ranks 9th in scoring attempts while Atlanta sits 4th in on-target scoring attempts. The 2 attacks combined should be able to net at least 3 goals.
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