To help commence the 1st weekend of MLS action, the Philadelphia Union battle the Columbus Crew. Kickoff from Subaru Park is set for 7:30 p.m. ET. Below, we preview Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Philadelphia Union vs. Columbus Crew odds, and make our best expert MLS picks and predictions.
The Union finished atop the Eastern Conference last season and lost a heartbreaker in the MLS Cup. They, by far, has the best defense in the MLS, allowing just 26 goals on the season and had a league-best +46 goal differential. The Union are returning many of their key players.
The Crew, on the other hand, finished last season just outside of playoff position, sitting 8th in the East with a +5 goal differential. Having F Cucho, who produced to end last season, for a full year should help and 2021 M Lucas Zelarayan will likely be a high-impact player for them as well.
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Philadelphia Union vs. Columbus Crew odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:45 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline: Philadelphia Union -140 (bet $140 to win $100) | Columbus Crew +400 (bet $100 to win $400) | Draw +280
- Over/Under: 2.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)
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Philadelphia Union vs. Columbus Crew picks and predictions
Prediction
Philadelphia Union 2, Columbus Crew 0
Moneyline (ML)
BET PHILADELPHIA UNION (-140).
Despite not winning the MLS Cup, the Union should again cement themselves as one of the best teams in the league, and against a mid-tier Crew side, they should have success at home.
From M Daniel Gazdag, who had 22 goals last season, to star GK Andre Blake, the Union returned much of their team that was undefeated at home and having won 12 of their 17 matches at Subaru Park.
The Crew should have a talented roster, but the familiarity the Union will come until this game with should help them come out on top. At this price, back the PHILADELPHIA UNION (-140).
Over/Under (O/U)
LEAN UNDER 2.5 (-105).
The Union gave up just 26 goals last season with 9 home shutouts. They went over 2.5 in 10 of the 19 home matches, but they’ll be playing a Crew side that defended well for much of the 2022 season. The Crew allowed just 41 goals or 1.21 goals per game.
They also had an incompetent offense on the road, putting up more than 1 expected goals in just 7 of 17 games. Back the UNDER 2.5 (-105).
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