The Columbus Crew (3 wins, 4 losses, 4 draws) welcome LAFC (7-3-2) to Lower.com Field Saturday. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET. Below, we preview the Columbus Crew vs. LAFC odds and lines, and make our best MLS bets, picks and predictions.
The Crew have had a relatively disappointing season. Although early in the season, they are outside of playoff position. However, Columbus has won 3 of its 5 games at home.
The Crew are led by 29-year-old M Lucas Zelarayán. Zelarayan was an All-Star midfielder a season ago. Columbus is coming off a 2-0 road loss to NYCFC last weekend.
LAFC is led by F Carlos Vela the last few seasons. While that’s true again, it has struggled as of late, losing at home to Austin FC 2-1. LAFC has lost two straight and is 0-2-1 in the last 3.
LAFC has been decent on the road for a club of its caliber, posting a 3-2-0 record. However, LAFC had more expected goals in all but one road game this season.
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Columbus Crew vs. LAFC 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 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Columbus +117 (bet $100 to win $117) | LAFC +225 (bet $100 to win $225) | Draw +255
- Over/Under: 2.5 (O: -145 | U: +120)
[tipico]
Prediction
LAFC 2, Columbus 1
Money line (ML)
LEAN LAFC +225.
LAFC hasn’t played well as of late, but it’s an ultra-talented club, some of which are still figuring out how to play with each other.
Veteran M Kellyn Acosta will likely accrue another start and should impact the game. He should be able to neutralize the possession-dominating Zelarayán.
Considering Columbus has scored 5 goals in its last 7 matches and were held scoreless in 5 of those, I’m not sold they’ll be able to thrive against the Western Conference’s best and deepest club.
LAFC is one of four teams with a double-digit goal differential, and it’s still positive even when just considering road matches. If I can ever get LAFC to win for more than double my wager, I’ll take it.
Over/Under (O/U)
BET OVER 2.5 (-125).
If there’s something LAFC likes to do, it is score. They have had 24 goals in 12 games, averaging 2 goals per game. Columbus is averaging 1.36 goals per game and has had 5 multi-goal games as well.
It has scored 2 or more in 3 of its 5 home matches. Columbus has had 3 goals scored in 2 of its last 3 matches while 3 or more have been scored in 7 of LAFC’s last 9.
With all the star power from the mix of Acosta, Vela and Zelarayan, I expect goals to be scored.
Both defenses allow over a goal per game as well. They both also rank in the bottom half of the league in interceptions, so attacks may be able to find steam early and often.
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