Columbus Crew host Atlanta United in an MLS Eastern Conference clash. With both sides eager to snap out of recent inconsistencies, this meeting presents a timely opportunity to reset and restore belief.
Columbus Crew head into this fixture fresh off a 2-1 inter-conference victory over Vancouver Whitecaps in their previous MLS fixture. That was a vital result for Wilfried Nancy's men, who had been winless in their previous six matches.
The good news for Columbus Crew is that their home form has been solid as they are unbeaten in nine of their last 10 matches across all competitions at Lower.com Stadium . However, defensive concerns remain as they are without a clean sheet in their last seven MLS matches in front of their fans.
Atlanta United head into this match following a 4-0 league defeat to New York City FC last time out in the league. That was their second straight loss and also means Ronny Deila ‘s men are winless in eight of their last 10 MLS matches.
Things are much worse on the road for Atlanta United, who are winless in their last eight matches, suffering six defeats in that run. Their struggles have stemmed largely from a fragile defence that has conceded 15 goals in the last five away matches.
How the bookies view it: Columbus overwhelming favourites
Columbus Crew have been installed as the favourites among the bookies with BoyleSports offering 8/13 for a home win. A victory for Atlanta United is valued at 3/1, while a draw has also been set at odds of 3/1.
Head to head: Columbus Crew on top
Columbus Crew have a 12-7 advantage, with four draws from 23 previous matches against Atlanta United. The visitors earned a 2-1 victory in the most recent clash last July, while the hosts have won the last three meetings at home.
Players to watch: Prolific Rossi
Diego Rossi is Columbus Crew's leading scorer with nine MLS goals this season and will be the one to watch. The forward could be backed to get on the score sheet once again (Anytime Goalscorer at 5/4 with BoyleSports).
Emmanuel Latte Lath leads Atlanta United’s scorers chart with five goals and will fancy his chances against the home side’s unconvincing backline. The forward could be worth keeping an eye on to score anytime – available at 2/1.
Probable lineups:
Columbus Crew will be without Malte Amundsen, Patrick Schulte, and Rudy Camacho due to injury. However, Ibrahim Aliyu, Darlington Nagbe and Rossi all expected to start.
Josh Cohen, Stian Gregersen and Tristan Muyumba are all sidelined with injury and will miss out for Atlanta United. However, Aleksey Miranchuk, and Mateusz Klich are expected to start while Latte Lath should return to the lineup after coming off the bench last time out.
Columbus Crew: Bush, Lappalainen, Cheberko, Zawadzki, Herrera, Jackson, Nagbe, Sejdic, Gazdag, Rossi, Aliyu
Atlanta United: Guzan, Lennon, Edwards, Williams, Hernandez, Amador, Lopjanidze, Klich, Reilly, Miranchuk, Latte Lath
Anything else catch the eye?
Three of Columbus Crew's last four matches have produced over 3.5 goals – valued at 23/20 with BoyleSports, who are also offering 2/5 for over 2.5 goals. There have been over 1.5 first half goals in three of their last four matches (First Half over 1.5 goals at 23/20).
Columbus Crew are valued at minimal odds for a straight victory and a win and over 2.5 goals could offer more value ( Home Win & over 2.5 goals at 6/5).
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