Columbus Crew welcome Vancouver Whitecaps in a US MLS cross-conference clash. The hosts are looking to put an end to a recent winless run but face an in-form Vancouver side keen to extend their lead at the top of the Western Conference.
Columbus come into this game off the back of a disappointing 5-1 league defeat at Inter Miami. The result means Wilfried Nancy’s men are winless in their last six matches, with four draws in that run.
Things have been a bit better at home for Columbus Crew, who are unbeaten in five of their last six league matches. However, the last two have ended in draws, including a 2-2 scoreline with Nashville in their previous fixture in front of their fans.
Vancouver Whitecaps have enjoyed a dream start to the season, losing only once in 16 league matches so far. They claimed a 3-0 home victory over Seattle Sounders in their previous fixture and are currently five points clear at the top of the Western Conference.
Currently unbeaten in 15 of their last 16 matches across all competitions, Vancouver Whitecaps have looked almost unstoppable lately. Jesper Sorensen's men are unbeaten in their last seven MLS away matches, with the 3-2 victory at Real Salt Lake highlighting both their attacking quality and defensive vulnerability.
How the bookies view it: Columbus the favourites
Despite their struggles, Columbus Crew have been installed as overwhelming favourites among the bookies with BoyleSports offering 3/4 for home win. A victory for Vancouver Whitecaps is valued at 13/5 while a draw has been set at odds of 14/5.
Head to head: Vancouver Whitecaps on top
Vancouver Whitecaps have a 5-3 advantage with four draws from 12 previous matches against Columbus Crew. The last meeting between both teams was an MLS clash in 2022, which ended 4-0 in favour of the hosts.
Players to watch: Keep an eye on Rios
Daniel Rios stepped up in attack with a goal for Vancouver Whitecaps last time out in the absence of top scorer, Brian White. He is worth keeping an eye on to find the net once again (Daniel Rios anytime goal scorer at 9/4).
Diego Rossi is Columbus Crew’s top scorer with eight league goals and will be the one to watch for the hosts. Having netted in the last three home matches, he is priced at odds of 6/4 to score anytime.
Probable lineups:
Patrick Schulte, Rudy Camacho and Sean Zawadzki are unavailable for Columbus Crew due to injury. However, Rossi, Ibrahim Aliyu and Dylan Chambost are expected to keep their spots in the lineup.
Vancouver Whitecaps will be without Sebastian Berhalter and White due to international commitments with the USA. Ryan Gauld is out injured but Rios, Jeevan Badwal and Emmanuel Sabbi expected to start.
Columbus Crew: Hagen, Farsi, Moreira, Cheberko, Amundsen, Arfsten, Chambost, Nagbe, Gazdag, Rossi, Aliyu
Vancouver Whitecaps: Takaoka, Ocampo, Utvik, Blackmon, Veselinovic, Laborda, Ngando, Badwal, Priso-Mbongue, Sabbi, Rios
Anything else catch the eye?
Columbus Crew’s last three matches have produced over 3.5 goals, which is priced at 6/4 with BoyleSports. Two of their last three matches have also produced over 1.5 goals in the first half (first half over 1.5 goals available at 11/8).
Given Vancouver Whitecaps’ recent form and showings on the road, they could be set to earn a win or draw (Vancouver double chance @ Evens).
GambleAware