Columbus Crew vs Philadelphia Union – Match Preview

Lower.com Field is the venue for an exciting Major League Soccer clash. Columbus Crew and Philadelphia Union will face off in Round 1 on Thursday, October 5th at 23:30 GMT. Columbus Crew, currently third in the standings, aims to use their home advantage. They hope to secure a top-six finish and possibly challenge for silverware. Philadelphia Union, positioned at 21st, aims to defy expectations and improve their standing. Both teams are eager to make an impact in this early-season match, with the Crew looking to dominate and the Union seeking a vital win.

Columbus Crew – Form

Columbus Crew’s recent performances have been varied, with two wins and a loss in their last three games. They faced a surprising 2:3 defeat to Inter Miami CF at home on October 2. This result was unexpected by many. Before this, they enjoyed a 4:3 victory over Orlando City, a game full of goals. Additionally, they secured a 2:0 win against Toronto FC away from home. This confirmed their status as favorites and ended Toronto’s run of high-scoring home games. Goals from Juan Hernandez and Marcelo Herrera, both set up by Hernandez, were key to this solid performance.

Philadelphia Union – Form

The Philadelphia Union’s recent results have been mixed. They suffered a 2:1 loss to Orlando City in an away match on October 2, 2024. This outcome was expected by many. Before this, they achieved a 4:0 win against DC United at home. Mikael Uhre and Daniel Gazdag were among the scorers. This victory followed a 5:1 win against New York City FC away from home. Their ability to score in away matches continued with this result. All three outcomes matched bookmakers’ predictions.

Columbus Crew – Philadelphia Union – Head to Head

The last match between Columbus Crew and Philadelphia Union was on August 28, 2024. Columbus Crew won 1-0 in the Major League Soccer competition. In their last 10 meetings, Columbus Crew has won 3 times, while Philadelphia Union has 4 victories. This shows a slightly better performance by the Union. In the last 5 games between these teams, both scored in 3 matches. It’s worth noting that Columbus Crew hasn’t lost to Philadelphia Union in their last 10 home games. They have also scored in their last 4 matches against the Union.

Columbus Crew – Philadelphia Union – Standings

The standings add an interesting context to this Major League Soccer match at Lower.com Field. Columbus Crew is in a strong 3rd place with 57 points from 31 matches. They have lived up to expectations as contenders. Their aim is to finish in the top 6, highlighted by their 62 goals scored. Philadelphia Union is in 21st place with 37 points from 32 games. Their performance has not met season expectations. With an 18-point gap and different goals for the season, this match is crucial for both teams.

Columbus Crew vs Philadelphia Union – Top scorers

The home team’s attack is led by Juan Hernandez, who has scored 17 goals this season. Diego Rossi, with 12 goals, and Christian Ramirez, with 8, have also been crucial. Jacen Russell-Rowe and Max Arfsten have contributed 5 and 4 goals, respectively. The away team counters with Daniel Gazdag, who has also scored 17 goals. Mikael Uhre has added 10 goals, and Tai Baribo has 9. Quinn Sullivan and Jack McGlynn have contributed 4 and 3 goals, making their attack varied and potent.

Columbus Crew vs Philadelphia Union – Full-Time Betting

Bookmakers favor a Columbus Crew win at 1.60, reflecting their higher rank and form. A draw is at 4.50, and an away win for Philadelphia Union is at 5.00. Given Columbus Crew’s position and goal-scoring ability, they are the favorites. Philadelphia Union’s position near the bottom and their goal difference suggest a challenging match ahead.

For alternative betting markets, the “halftime-fulltime” option for Columbus Crew at 2.10 could attract bets. The “draw-no-bet” market for Columbus Crew at 1.25 offers a safety net for a draw. The “double-chance” bet of 1x at 1.167 could appeal to those seeking coverage for various outcomes.

Columbus Crew vs Philadelphia Union – Over/Under Betting

Both teams’ attacking records suggest a game with many goals. The Over 2.5 odds are at 1.44, indicating expectations of at least three goals. However, with 17 of the last 19 matches resulting in under 3.5 goals, the Under 3.5 option at 1.73 offers value. The “Both Teams to Score” market at 1.50 is attractive for this fixture.

Columbus Crew vs Philadelphia Union – BTTS Betting

Odds for “Yes” in the BTTS market are at 1.50, indicating a good chance of both teams scoring. In their last 10 meetings, both teams scored in 3 matches. Columbus Crew’s recent home games and Philadelphia Union’s away matches show they can both score and concede. With Columbus Crew’s 62 goals in 31 matches and Philadelphia Union’s 50 goals conceded in 32 games, “BTTS: Yes” is a likely outcome. Odds for “BTTS: No” are at 2.50, but the form and history suggest betting on both teams to score might offer more value.

Columbus Crew vs Philadelphia Union – Prediction