The Columbus Crew SC and Minnesota United FC lock horns in a Round of 16 knockout stage game in the MLS is Back Tournament Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex near Orlando, Fla. Below, we analyze the Columbus-Minnesota sports betting odds and lines at BetMGM while providing MLS betting tips and picks around this matchup.
Columbus Crew SC vs. Minnesota United FC: Key injuries
Columbus Crew SC
- M Youness Mokhtar (lower body/muscle strain) questionable
- GK Eloy Room (hamstring) questionable
- D Vito Wormgoor (ankle) out
- M Lucas Zelarayan (ankle) probable
Minnesota United FC
- M Kevin Molino (hamstring) questionable
- D Ike Opara (personal) out
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Columbus Crew vs. Minnesota United FC: MLS odds, betting lines and picks
Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Tuesday at 3:11 a.m. ET.
Prediction
Minnesota United FC 1, Columbus Crew SC 0 (on PKs)
Moneyline (ML)
DRAW (+260) is the way to go. It’s a tremendous value, as this one won’t be decided in regulation. If the game goes extra time or to penalty kicks, the draw still pays based on the result after regulation. For my money, that’s the play. Minnesota United FC (+240) went unbeaten in three group-stage games but played to two draws. Columbus (+110) is heavily favored because it was the only club to win all three of its group matches.
However, Columbus GK Eloy Room missed the Atlanta United game July 21 due to a hamstring injury and is a question mark for Tuesday. He posted two clean sheets against FC Cincinnati and the New York Red Bulls in the group stages. In addition, M Youness Mokhtar is dealing with what is believed to be a groin or muscle injury. The Moroccan buried the lone goal in a 1-0 win over Atlanta, and his loss would also be difficult for the Crew.
Over/Under (O/U)
UNDER 2.5 (+100) is even money, and the way to go. The Crew posted three clean sheets in group play, while Minnesota scored just four times while conceding three goals. This will be a hotly contested defensive battle.
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