Columbus Crew welcome Philadelphia Union to Lower.com Field for an MLS Eastern Conference clash. The visitors arrive in strong form but face a tough test against one of the teams with the best home record.
Columbus head into this clash buoyed by a 3-1 home win over Atlanta United last time out in the league. That was the second straight win for Wilfried Nancy's men, who also claimed a 2-1 triumph over Vancouver Whitecaps in their previous fixture.
Those two results maintain a solid home record from Columbus Crew as they are unbeaten in nine of their last 10 matches across all competitions at Lower.com Field. The one blemish appears to be a lack of discipline at the back, having failed to keep a clean sheet in the last eight matches in front of their fans.
Philadelphia Union come into this game off the back of a 1-0 league win at Chicago Fire in their previous fixture. They are four points clear at the top of the Eastern Conference and are unbeaten in their last 13 matches across all competitions.
Things are just as smooth on the road for Philadelphia Union, who have won five of their last six away matches in the league. However, poor defending remains an issue, having failed to keep a clean sheet in seven of their last 10 matches in all competitions.
How the bookies view it: Columbus considered favourites
The bookies have installed Columbus as overwhelming favourites, with BoyleSports offering odds of 8/11 for a home win. A victory for Philadelphia Union is valued at 11/4 while a draw is set at 13/5.
Head to head: Columbus Crew on top
Columbus Crew have a 20-13 advantage with eight draws from 41 previous matches against Philadelphia Union. Both teams battled to a 2-2 draw in the reverse fixture back in May.
Players to watch: Reliable Rossi
Diego Rossi is Columbus Crew’s leading scorer with nine MLS goals, including four in the last five home matches. The striker has also been on target twice in the last two matches against Philadelphia Union and could be backed to maintain that scoring run (Anytime Goalscorer – 11/8 BoyleSports).
Bruno Damiani has three league goals for Philadelphia Union, including the winner against Chicago Fire last time out. With Tai Baribo out, he could be worth keeping an eye on to step up again (Anytime Goalscorer valued at 9/4).
Probable lineups:
Columbus Crew will be without Cesar Ruvalcaba, Malte Amundsen and Patrick Schulte. However, Daniel Gazdag, Jacen Russell-Rowe and Rossi are expected to start.
Philadelphia Union are without top scorer, Tai Baribo and Francis Westfield due to injury while Jakob Glesnes is suspended. However, Chris Donovan, Jovan Lukic and Damiani are expected to start.
Columbus Crew: Bush, Lappalainen, Cheberko, Moreira, Herrera, Chambost, Nagbe, Zawadski, Gazdag, Russell-Rowe, Rossi
Philadelphia Union: Rick, Bedoya, LeFlore, Makhanya, Wagner, Vassilev, Rafanello, Lukic, Bender, Donovan, Damiani
Anything else catch the eye?
Four of Columbus Crew's last five matches have produced over 3.5 goals – available at 13/10 with BoyleSports. The hosts have scored first in four of their last six home games and also in the last two home matches against Philadelphia Union (Columbus Crew to score first at 6/10).
Four of Columbus Crew’s last five matches have produced first half over 1.5 goals – offered at 5/4 with BoyleSports.
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