Atlanta United vs Columbus Crew Betting Preview
Atlanta United will host Columbus Crew at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on August 19th 2018. The hosts top the Eastern Conference, while the visitors are fourth in the same conference, nine points behind Atlanta.
Atlanta United have seen under 2.5 goals in their last three matches in MLS.
Atlanta United are undefeated in eleven of their last 12 matches in MLS.
Atlanta had the opportunity to take three points against Toronto FC, but they conceded a late equalizer and had to satisfy themselves with just a point. Coach Tata Martino was especially disappointed as his team lost seven points this season in the last five minutes of games, against Dallas, New England, and Toronto.
With this point Atlanta United kept the first position in the Eastern Conference, but New York Red Bulls and New York City are now just one point behind them.
Atlanta United have by far the best attack in the Major League Soccer, scoring more than two goals per game. Their defense is not elite, but they’re doing decent job so far.
Columbus Crew captured a third consecutive win by beating the struggling Houston Dynamo 1-0 at home last Saturday. The only goal was scored by Gyasi Zardes in second-half injury time.
With third victory in a row Columbus Crew are strengthened their fourth position, because they’re now nine points in front of the fifth placed Philadelphia Union. On the other hand, they’re eight points behind New York Red Bulls and New York City, and nine behind today’s rival, so it’s hard to expect them to move up or down in near future.
Odds and Predictions
This is a pivotal home match for Atlanta. This season they don’t have the same touch at home as they did last year. In their last six matches at the Benz they’re 3-3-0, with wins against nine man Philadelphia, Orlando and D.C. United. That’s not terrible at all, especially if we take into account that draw against Toronto should have been a win if not for a late goal conceded.
Why this is a pivotal game for Atlanta? Because after this one, their next four matches are on the road, against Orland, D.C. United, Colorado and San Jose. They’re aware of the fact how important is this match and they will give everything to take three points.
Atlanta haven’t lost at home in three months, they top the Eastern Conference and I think they will win against Crew.
Editor's Pick
Atlanta United to win @1.58.
