The Philadelphia Union (4 wins, 0 losses, 1 draw) welcomes the Columbus Crew (2-1-2) Saturday to Subaru Park. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. ET. Below, we preview the Philadelphia vs. Columbus odds and lines, and make our best MLS bets, picks and predictions.
The Union – the top team in the MLS per the league’s mid-week power rankings release – have won 3 consecutive 2-0 games 2-0. One of those was a highly impressive victory over the reigning champs NYCFC.
M Dániel Gazdag is tied for the second-most goals in the MLS. Philadelphia is led by its defense, which has allowed just 2 goals through its first 5 games.
As for the Crew, they’re in a tie with Orlando City SC for fifth in the Eastern Conference. Columbus is just 0-1-1 over its last 2, having scored just 1 goal in its last 180 minutes.
The Crew are led by 2021 All-Star M Lucas Zelarayán. He is also in that 6th-way tie for the second-most goals. The Crew’s 10 goals lead the conference.
Philadelphia vs. Columbus: Odds, 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 1:52 p.m. ET.
- Money line: Philadelphia +125 (bet $100 to win $125) | Columbus +235 (bet $100 to win $235) | Draw +225
- Over/Under: 2.5 (O: +110 | U: -135)
[tipico]
Prediction
Philadelphia 2, Columbus 1
Money line (ML)
LEAN to the PHILADELPHIA (+125).
The Union are the best team in the MLS, and they’ll be at home in this one. That’s almost good enough rationale to back them at plus-money odds.
The Crew have yet to win on the road, drawing both matches. The Union have the fourth-highest accurate-shooting percentage as well. Philadelphia also ranks No. 2 in save rate and No. 4 in interceptions.
The Union’s defense allows little opportunity, unlike many of the Crew’s previous opponents. Columbus has also regressed after starting the season with 7 goals through 2 games. It has since scored just 3 in its last 3.
Considering each teams’ form and the value on the home side to come out on top, BACK PHILADELPHIA (+125).
Over/Under (O/U)
LEAN to the OVER 2.5 (+110).
While I don’t have an overly strong play in this game, my favorite is OVER 2.5 (+110). The value is here with the Crew having scored the most goals in the conference.
While the Crew’s attack has regressed as of late, it still has one of the most experienced midfielders in the MLS and should be able to break down the Union. Columbus ranks 2nd in shots and 5th in shots on goal.
The Union sits 7th in shots on goal and 4th in shooting accuracy. Both teams have terrific attacks which should be able to prevail.
The Crew have gone Over 2.5 goals in 3 of their 5 games, while the Union topped it just once. However, Philly has 2 or more goals in all 5 of its games.
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