D.C. United (5 wins, 10 losses, 2 draws) welcomes the Columbus Crew (6-5-7) to Audi Field Wednesday. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. ET. Below, we preview the D.C. United vs. Columbus Crew odds and lines, and make our best MLS bets, picks and predictions.
After a tough start to the season, losing 3 of their first 7 and going on a 4-match scoreless streak, the Crew are starting to figure it out and have not lost since May 21. They’ve won 2 of their last 3 and are 3-0-1 in their last 4 road matches.
Columbus is led in scoring by F Derrick Etienne with 5 goals while 2021 All-Star M Lucas Zelarayan also helps balance the attack, having scored 3 on the season.
D.C. United is looking to rebound after a 7-0 road loss to Philadelphia. The Union were up 5-0 at the half. United is 3-5-1 at home this season. They have lost 4 of their last 5 and 2 of their last 3 home matches.
United just hired EPL legend Wayne Rooney as their manager, but that shouldn’t help their near-term woes. United is led in scoring by F Taxiarchis Fountas, who has 9 goals on the season.
Check out Pro Soccer Wire: For the American soccer fan, USA TODAY Sports Media Group’s website provides a fresh look at the beautiful game.
D.C. 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 Tuesday at 11:38 p.m. ET.
- Money line: D.C. United +145 (bet $100 to win $145) | Columbus Crew +180 (bet $180 to win $180) | Draw +250
- Over/Under: 2.5 (O: -120 | U: +100)
[tipico]
Prediction
Columbus Crew 1, D.C. United 1
Money line (ML)
LEAN DRAW +250.
Both teams have been equally bad in their current situation. United has lost 2 of its last 3 home matches, one to Nashville and the other to NYCFC. A 7-0 loss doesn’t instill confidence either.
However, United is 4-0-0 against teams other than Columbus that also sit 5th through 9th on the Eastern Conference table. The Crew did beat United 3-0 earlier in the season, but United had more expected goals in that match.
Also, United’s weakness has come defensively, and that will be shadowed by a horrible Crew attack, tied for the 3rd-fewest goals in the conference.
Add it all together, and these sides don’t have much splitting them given this situation. I’ll play a draw given that.
Over/Under (O/U)
BET UNDER 2.5 (+100).
If it were up to Columbus, this would be a slow-paced game. It ranks in the bottom half of the league in total passes and total attacking assists.
Those are a few reasons why they have just 23 goals in 18 matches. Columbus has scored multiple goals in just 3 of their last 8 matches and has topped this total in just 3 of those as well.
D.C. United, which has allowed 10 goals in their last 2 matches, have scored multiple goals just once in their last 5 matches.
While their defense has struggled, their opponents’ expected goals have eclipsed 2 just 4 times. Considering they’ll be at home as well, I expect a better effort.
Combine it all, and I’ll take the Under 2.5 (+100).
Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and soon IA. Bet now!
If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW, or try out our USA TODAY Parlay Calculator. Please gamble responsibly.
Follow @nathanbeighle_ on Twitter. Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).
[lawrence-newsletter]
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=3296]