MLS: Columbus Crew vs. New York Red Bulls Preview, Betting Tips, Predictions, Picks

The Columbus Crew is flamboyant these days, and they will be trying to extend their streak of excellent results against the New York Red Bulls this Saturday. The Crew is in the playoff zone, looking good, and riding a wave of positive results. On the other side, the Bulls are inconsistent, sitting outside both the play-in and the playoffs, yet not that far away from competitors who are ahead. However, the team from the Big Apple needs to win this event in order to stay in the race for the postseason. 

Preview

Columbus Crew (+100) didn’t lose for five consecutive events, posting four victories throughout that period and looking very good in each contest. The Crew’s attack has been in excellent form, netting multiple goals in all those victories.

Now, the defense didn’t post some remarkable performances, and they have just one clean sheet in these five events, but that’s mostly because Columbus uses an ultra-offensive approach, and sometimes, their defense simply lacks manpower in the back line. That’s the risk they decided to take and live with it.

Columbus’ games are efficient. Seven of the latest ten have seen scores on both ends, while five saw four or more hits. When playing at home, at Lower.com Field, Crew’s attack is unstoppable, with the previous five events all ending with them netting twice or more. 

New York Red Bulls (+160) oscillate a lot, and the head coach Gerhard Struber can’t find a way to stop that. Two wins in the previous six appearances aren’t satisfying, so RB’s position in the East isn’t surprising at all. 

They are also awful away from home, having just one victory in nine road contests this season. That happened last week in Miami against Inter, 0-1, and even then, the Bulls weren’t that persuasive. All of their road trips have been inefficient, and not a single one this year went above 2.5 goals. 

After that victory in Miami, Inter played three more contests at home, having a neutral record. At first, they lost to Orlando City, 0-3, then they had a draw against Charlotte, 2-2, and eventually, defeated Atlanta United, 4-0.

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The only unavailable player for the hosts is William Sands. He has a knee injury. 

On the other side, the Bulls are without Dylan Nealis, Lewis Morgan, Steven Sserwadda and Sege Ngoma.

Head to Head Games

The first campaign clash was in New York, where the Bulls defeated the Crew 2-1. Guests from Columbus had a lead at halftime but managed to waste it in the second 45 minutes, with Vanzeir scoring in the 86th minute of the game 

By the way, the previous five events between these teams have seen both teams netting and a moderate efficiency, 2 or 3 goals. 

Prediction

The safest pick here would be to bet on the hosts. You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to see that the Crew plays excellent football these days, especially at home, while on the other side, the Bulls are struggling, particularly on the road. Columbus’ victory is priced at +100.

Pick: Columbus Crew +100

 

More MLS previews:

• Minnesota United vs. Portland Timbers
• San Jose Earthquakes vs. LA Galaxy
• St. Louis City vs. Colorado Rapids
• CF Montreal vs. New York City FC
• Inter Miami vs. Austin FC