Seattle Sounders will host Columbus Crew at Lumen Field in an MLS cross-conference clash. The hosts are looking to build some momentum after ending a losing streak last time out while the visitors are aiming to extend a winning run.
Seattle Sounders are coming off a 2-0 victory over Austin FC in their previous MLS fixture. That was a vital result as it ended a five-match losing run in all competitions and kept them fifth in the Western Conference table.
The task for the Sounders now will be to use that result as a spark to build some momentum and put their poor showing at the FIFA Club World Cup behind them. Brian Schmetzer's men have won five of their last six MLS matches and will be feeling confident heading into this clash.
Columbus Crew travel to Lumen Field in good form having won their last three MLS, leaving them fourth in the Eastern Conference. They claimed a 1-0 victory over Philadelphia Union last time out, with Mohamed Farsi getting the goal.
However, the problem for Columbus is their poor record away from home as they are winless in their last four matches on their travels. Wilfried Nancy's men have lost the last two fixtures in that run and were beaten 5-1 at Inter Miami in their last outing on the road.
How the bookies view it: Sounders overwhelming favourites
The bookies have installed Seattle Sounders as overwhelming favourites, with a home win priced at 10/11 by BoyleSports. A victory for Columbus Crew is valued at 23/10 while a draw is set at odds of 12/5.
Head to head: Superior Seattle
Seattle Sounders have a 10-6 advantage with five draws from 21 previous matches against Columbus Crew. The Sounders have also won the last two meetings, including a 4-0 victory in the last clash back in September.
Players to watch: Eyes on Rusnak
Albert Rusnak has stood out for Seattle Sounders this season, scoring seven goals from midfield. He also netted a hat-trick in the last meeting with Columbus Crew and will be the one to watch (Albert Rusnak Anytime Goalscorer 7/4 at BoyleSports).
Columbus Crew also have some quality going forward and are led by Diego Rossi, who has nine MLS goals this season. The Uruguayan forward could be worth keeping an eye on to score anytime at odds of 9/4.
Probable line ups
Seattle Sounders will be without left-back Reed Baker-Whiting, who is suspended after being sent off in the win over Austin. Defenders Nouhou Tolo and Jon Bell should return to the side after serving suspensions while Rusnak should retain his place in the team.
For Columbus Crew, Cesar Ruvalcaba and Malte Amundsen are both expected to miss this clash through injury. Yevgen Cheberko should continue at the heart of the defence while Rossi is set to feature in attack.
Seattle Sounders: Frei, Tolo, Ragen, Bell, Roldan, Vargas, Roldan, de la Vega, Rusnak, Ferreira, Musovski
Columbus Crew: Bush, Cheberko, Zawadzki, Moreira, Farsi, Lappalainen, Nagbe, Sejdic, Gazdag, Rossi, Russell-Rowe
Anything else catch the eye?
Three of Columbus Crew's last four away matches have produced over 3.5 goals – available at 13/8 on BoyleSports, who are also offering 8/13 for over 2.5 goals.
The last two matches between Seattle Sounders and Columbus Crew have produced more goals after the break (Second Half most goals – priced at 20/21).
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