Over 2.5 goals at Columbus Crew vs Atlanta 17/20 for Wednesday’s US Open Cup contest

Competition: US Open Cup

Market: Over 2.5 goals

Odds: 17/20 @ Bet 365

Two sides looking to book their spot in the quarter-finals of this year’s US Open Cup, Columbus Crew will host fellow MLS outfit Atlanta in the early hours of Wednesday.

Starting with the hosts, after knocking USL outfit Pittsburgh Riverhounds of the Cup last weekend, Head Coach Caleb Porter will be desperate for his side to build off of that results. Picking up just a pair of MLS victories since the start of April, there still remains plenty of question marks over Columbus’ form on home soil. The Crew have recorded just a single victory against top-flight opposition in Ohio in their last five attempts and have shipped six goals in their last two matches in front of their own supporters. Despite their defensive issues, the hosts will be boosted by the ongoing success of attacking talisman, Gyasi Zardes. The former LA Galaxy striker has two in his last two and will undeniably lead the line in midweek.

As for the visitors, while a very sluggish start to the season may have had may questioning Frank de Boer’s appointment earlier in the year, Atlanta have begun to show some much-needed improvement. Although they may have needed extra time to see off USL outfit Charleston Battery last week, the former Crystal Palace boss has seen his side enjoy a three-match winning run and the Dutchman will be boosted by their form in the final third. Despite missing their own attacking talisman in Josef Martínez who is away at the Copa America, the visitors have scored two or more goals in each of their previous three victories.

Bet: Over 2.5 goals at Columbus Crew vs Atlanta 17/20 for Wednesday’s US Open Cup contest @ Bet 365