MLS: DC United vs. Columbus Crew Preview, Odds, Prediction

DC United hosts Columbus Crew, hoping to post a win and use the swing after getting back Wayne Rooney. Only this time, the English legend won’t be a player, but a manager, as he recently agreed to terms for a three-and-a-half-year contract with the team from the capital. United is the worst team in the league right now, and they desperately need a spark to improve. Meanwhile, the Crew is in solid shape, not losing over the past six games, and steadily moving up in the Eastern Conference. They intend to keep on that positive streak and extend it even after the visit to DC.

Preview

DC United (+130) has only one win in the last nine games, posting six losses and two draws. In the past five games, DC recorded four defeats and success, with the note that after beating Orlando City on the road, 3-5, they suffered one of the worst humiliations in their history, losing 7-0 to Philadelphia Union.

United allowed five goals inside the opening 45 minutes, and they had luck that the hosts removed the foot of the gas in the second half, scoring only twice and lowering the tempo.

DC is without a victory at home for the last four games, conceding two or more goals in all of those events. Rooney won’t be leading them in this event because he still awaits visa formalities to be taken care of.

Columbus Crew (+300) is without a loss for six straight games, winning three and having three draws as well. It is a good run for Caleb Poter’s unit, and they began climbing up the ladder in the East, reaching one point away from the playoffs before the start of this round.

What makes their position even better is that they have fewer games compared to the direct rivals, which might come in handy in the future.

Crew is without a loss on the road in the past four games, winning three of them and posting one draw. Poter’s crew scored at least twice in all three triumphs, which is a good sign for him before this event.

Latest News

Adrien Perez and Bill Hamid are out for this one due to respective injuries. Moses Nyeman is probably out, but for the moment, he remains questionable.

On the other side, Artur and Hairston are doubtful.

Head to Head Games

Columbus hosted DC on May 1 this year, and they routinely beat the rivals, packing three goals in their net, while keeping a clean sheet on the other end. The last four head-to-head events have ended with three or more goals, three of them with both teams scoring.

Prediction

The hosts are in problems here, but they will have a positive impulse because of Rooney’s comeback. Still, they are in problems, with too many weaknesses, and we can’t guarantee they might win this one. Our pick here is both teams to score, with the odds of that set at -125. That is the best possible choice in the entire situation, given all the circumstances.

Pick: Both teams to score -125

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