Predcition: Los Angeles FC vs Columbus Crew

Verdict: Draw

Best odds: 14/5

Bookmaker: ZetBet

Looking to extend their dominance in the Western Conference, Los Angeles FC welcomes Columbus Crew. The game will be played at BMO Stadium where the local team delivered great results this term. With just over 20,000 fans in the stands, the hosts are keen to produce another great performance as they did during the entire campaign.

Los Angeles FC

Surrendering only four times in 21 battles, Los Angeles FC is heading to the quarter-final play-offs in great style, leading the race with great consistency that positioned the team at the top of the table amassing 43 points. While other sides are looking to dethrone Los Angeles FC from the top spot position, the contest is wide open as Real Salt Lake and Los Angeles Galaxy are behind on goal difference, but with more games played.

Embarking on what is an extraordinary purple patch that stems back from the beginning of May, the Black&Gold Falcons won 12 of their last 13 games, with the 1-1 draw at Austin dated 20 June stopping a perfect run. Although  Los Angeles FC played against top opponents during this fantastic period, the hosts swept the floor with their adversaries. While there were some heavy scalps claimed by the current leader, the 6-2 BMO Stadium battering of the San Jose Earthquakes stands out.

This impressive performance perfectly dipsplayed Los Angeles FC’s home dominance where they are yet to taste defeat after 11 games (9 wins, 2 draws). The hosts started on the front foot and were 4-0 up by minute 42 leaving no chance for San Jose Earthquakes to pull a remondata. More so, despite conceding two goals in the second half, Steve Cherundolo’s team brushed away any doubts by scoring a pair of goals in the second term.

With rivals Real Salt Lake and LA Galaxy waiting for a slip to claim the top spot, Los Angeles FC has to keep a high tempo against Columbus Crew to strengthen their leaders’ grip.

Team News

Centre-back Lorenzo Dellavalle remains sidelined working on his terrible cruciate ligament tear sustained in February. His fellow back line partner, Mamadou Mbacke is also out with an ankle injury.

Columbus Crew

Despite playing against top sides like the New York teams, FC Cincinnati or the star-studded Inter Miami, Columbus Crew shocked the Eastern Conference by claiming the 3rd spot after 20 rounds. Yet, the visitors were close to having a perfect start to their campaign after recording three wins in the opening four rounds, to slip at Minnesota United (1-1).

Although Wilfried Nancy’s team lacked consistency during the entire season going from excellent records of consecutive wins to a series of games without a victory, the visitors are tipped to qualify in the quarter finals play-offs. Furthermore, Columbus Crew fans were delighted to see their favourites ending in great style a disappointing spell with no wins in 7 rounds (D5L2).

Despite this fall, The Crew achieved one of the most impressive outputs winning four consecutive games on the road. However, while the visitors were heading towards Miami packed with confidence, Messi&Co ended Columbus Crew’s impressive run (2-1 win for the Miami side).

Yet, the Miami capitulation was quickly forgotten with another stellar period that registering four consecutive wins in the last four rounds. Although the wins are in and of itself a remarkable performance, Columbus Crew scored 15 goals in these games. Furthermore, The Black&Gold last seen putting four against Toronto will be heading to Los Angeles confident to produce another upset.

Team News

Wilfried Nancy can line up his best formation having all players fit and ready. Cucho Hernandez will spearhead the attacking line, looking to improve his goal-scoring chart. Although the Colombian ace netted 11 times, he trails leader and fellow countryman Cristian Arango (17 goals) in MLS golden booth race.

Key factors to consider

• Los Angeles FC won 12 of their last 13 games played
• The hosts’ confidence is at an all-time high after defeating bitter rivals LA Galaxy in the El Trafico derby
• Columbus Crew won 8 of their last 9 games
• The visitors suffered a single defeat on the road this term (2-0 at Charlotte)
• The Crew lost 3 of their 4 games played against Los Angeles FC

Conclusion

With both teams at their peak following impressive results, we expect a tight contest at BMO Stadium. Although the hosts have a slight advantage due to playing in front of their fans, the visitors’ away results indicate an inconclusive result.

Verdict: Draw

Best odds: 14/5

Bookmaker: ZetBet