Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Prediction: Atlanta United vs Columbus Crew

Tom Dunstan in Free Soccer Predictions, MLS 23 Jul 2021

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Verdict: Match to finish in a draw

Best Odds: 11/5

Bookmaker: Unibet

Two sides who are seeking a return to winning ways this weekend, Atlanta will welcome Columbus to the Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Saturday night.

Atlanta United

Starting with the hosts, while Atlanta might have managed to come from behind away at Cincinnati earlier in the week, the former MLS champions find themselves in the midst of what has been a hugely worrying run of form. Parting ways with Head Coach and one-time Manchester United defender Gabriel Heinze after just 13 games in charge, The Five Stripes are firmly in an uphill battle if they’re to clinch a Final Series spot this season. Opening this weekend’s fixtures sat 10th in the Eastern Conference and with that buffer only growing by the week, Atlanta have failed to win any of their last nine straight MLS contests, a run that stems back to May 16th. Now under the guidance of interim boss Rob Valentino, fans around the Mercedes-Benz Stadium will also have a real headache over their side’s continued problems on home soil. Last seen in Georgia getting hit with a 1-0 defeat against New England, Saturday’s hosts have failed to win any of their last four straight home fixtures.

Team News

Atlanta United striker Josef Martinez said he has fully recovered from a “minor heart issue” resulting from his bout with COVID-19.

However, Saturday’s hosts will be without the trio of goalkeeper Brad Guzan, George Bello and Miles Robinson.

Columbus Crew

As for the visitors, while Columbus might find themselves still leading the chase in the Final Series hunt, The Crew are another side who are really seeking some stability. Although Head Coach Caleb Porter might have seen his side extend on their unbeaten run earlier in the week, they could once again only pick up a single point on home soil. Despite dominating large spells of their meeting against Nashville in the early hours of Thursday morning, the Eastern Conference outfit had to settle for a toothless 0-0 stalemate at Lower.com Field. Failing to build off of what was an eye-catching 2-1 victory against New York City earlier in the month, the one-time Portland boss has seen his side gain a reputation as a real stalemate specialist. In fact, along with that goalless draw against Nashville in midweek, Columbus have seen four of their last five MLS matchups finish with both teams settling for a point.

Team News

Still away on Gold Cup duties, the duo of Gyasi Zardes and Liam Fraser will once again be missing on Saturday night.

More worrying, in what is becoming a growing injury list, the likes of Aidan Morris, Milton Valenzuela, Vito Wormgoor and Josh Williams are all dealing with issues.

Key Factors to Consider

    • When Saturday’s opponents last faced off back in November, Columbus picked up a 2-1 victory on home soil.
    • Likewise, The Crew have won each of their last three straight contests against Atlanta.
    • The Five Stripes have failed to win any of their last nine straight MLS matchups, a run that stems back to May 16th.
    • Columbus have seen four of their last five MLS matchups finish in a draw.
    • Likewise, three of Atlanta’s last four contests at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium have finished in a stalemate.

    Conclusion

    Once again having to settle for a point against Nashville in midweek and gaining a reputation as a real stalemate specialist, we could have a similar outcome on our hands once again this weekend. Failing to build off of their stunning start, Saturday’s guests have now had to settle for a single point in four of their last five MLS matchups. Likewise, it’s also worth highlighting that they have played out back-to-back draws on the road. It should also be noted, with Atlanta parting ways with Head Coach Gabriel Heinze after just 13 games, they have also shown a string of issues, particularly on home soil. With the Five Stripes seeing three of their last four home fixtures finish with both teams settling for a point, we’re backing another draw here.

    Verdict: Match to finish in a draw

    Best Odds: 11/5

    Bookmaker: Unibet

    ABOUT THE AUTHOR

    Tom Dunstan


    Formerly of The Independent, Tom has spent the past six years as one of our senior writers and betting experts. Alongside working with numerous publications from across the globe, Tom also graduated from the University of Falmouth in 2014 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Digital Media.
    Spending almost the past decade working in countries such as Australia, New Zealand and Canada, he has also spent time featuring in sports radio. Tom can be followed on Instagram - @iamtomdunstan

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