The Columbus Crew (6 wins, 3 losses, 6 draws) visit New York City FC (7-5-2) Friday. The match is set to kick off at 7:30 p.m. ET at Yankee Stadium. Below, we preview the Columbus Crew vs. New York City FC odds and lines, and make our best MLS bets, picks and predictions.
New York City FC is coming in riding high after putting an absolute beatdown on Orlando City SC. NYCFC defeated Orlando City, the third-place team in the Eastern Conference, 5-0 Sunday. New York City has won five of eight home games.
It’ll be down GK Sean Johnson and D James Sands Friday, as both are playing for the USA in the Gold Cup. As for the Crew, they won’t have F Gyasi Zardes or M Liam Fraser.
The Crew drew four of their last six matches and won the other two, one of which was a 2-1 victory over NYCFC July 17. M Lucas Zelarayán will be the Crew’s most important offensive player with Zardes out.
Columbus Crew at New York City FC: Odds, picks and predictions
Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:40 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Columbus Crew +475 (bet $100 to win $475) | New York City FC -200 (bet $200 to win $100) | Draw +320
- Over/Under: 2.5 (O: -165 | U: +125)
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Prediction
New York City FC 1, Columbus Crew 1
Money line (ML)
“LEAN” on the DRAW (+320) as the best value on the money line.
The Crew have played up to the level of their opposition and have oftentimes left the match even. They have six draws on the season and four in their last six matches.
While NYCFC has played to just two draws, it hasn’t necessarily been thriving of late, with two losses in its last four games. Both sides are in the middle of the pack in the East.
The draw here is the only way to bet the money line as NYCFC to win is far too pricey with it losing the last match between the two sides.
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Over/Under (O/U)
BET on the UNDER 2.5 (+125) as Columbus is a low-scoring side and has proven to impose its style of play on the opposition.
The Crew have just 16 goals through 15 games yet still have six wins. That’s possible because they’ve allowed just 12 goals. NYCFC is a dynamic scoring side, having put 26 in the net through 14 matches.
The Crew rank in the top five in save rate and clean sheets. They’ve also played to the Under in three of six matches against Eastern Conference teams with 20 or more goals scored this season.
I’d bet on the Crew imposing their style on NYCFC and just a couple of goals being scored in this match.
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