Columbus Crew will host New York City FC at MAPFRE Stadium on Saturday, July 17, in their first meeting since May, when the Crew beat NYCFC 2-1 on the road. As history has taught us, clashes between these two MLS teams at MAPFRE Stadium are generally high scoring, and it doesn’t seem like that will change tonight.
Columbus Crew vs New York City FC
When: Saturday, July 17 – 19:30 EDT
Where: MAPFRE Stadium in Columbus, Ohio
Weather: Partly cloudy, 23°C
We’re certain the Columbus Crew vs NYCFC is going to be an entertaining game, same as their previous nine, where these two MLS sides averaged 4.11 goals. Seven of those nine ended in at least four goals.
Furthermore, the clashes between these two rivals seem to be especially thrilling when they’re played at MAPFRE Stadium. The Crew and NYCFC met nine times on Columbus Crew’s turf, and all but one of those games saw over 2.5 goals.
The final reason why we believe that it is going to be an exciting evening in Ohio is that both teams have been in a goalscoring mood this season. NYCFC scored at least a goal in every single MLS match in 2021. Columbus Crew did have a couple of games in which they failed to find the net, but they scored two goals each time in their last two matches.
Reigning Champions Want to Get Back on the Winning Track
Right now, both Columbus Crew and New York City FC have 17 points, but the home team has played one game more. Nevertheless, there’s plenty of time left before the season wraps up, meaning that both teams still have a good chance to qualify for the postseason.
For the reigning MLS champions, Columbus Crew, such a thing is a priority. Their form, however, hasn’t been too great lately, with their most recent win happening on June 19. Still, the fact is that they have plenty of talent on the roster, suggesting that it’s just a matter of time before they start winning again.
There’s one slight concern for them: there are a couple of players who will have to sit out tonight’s game. First, Harrison Afful, who’s been one of Columbus’ crucial defenders (played in all 12 games so far), is out after he picked up a red card in the previous game.
Furthermore, the Crew have a couple of players who are struggling with an injury, including defenders Milton Valenzuela and Josh Williams. On top of that, the two-time MLS Golden Boot winner Bradley Wright-Phillips will also miss tonight’s match.
NYCFC’s Problems Back Throughout the Season
New York City FC grabbed a couple of impressive wins this season, but it seems they could’ve done even better if it weren’t for their weak defence. They have conceded 13 goals this season, which isn’t that bad. However, they leaked seven goals in the past five rounds.
Another fact showing that they’re not that great at the back is that in seven of their previous eight outings, NYCFC and their opponents exchanged punches, both scoring at least one goal apiece. This proves something else as well – New York City FC are great in the attack.
The Pigeons have scored at least a goal in each game of the season and are currently at 19 goals in 2021. Considering that they’ve played at least one game fewer than most other MLS teams, their achievement is even more impressive.
Their goals usually come from elaborate team play, with Jesus Medina leading the team in goalscoring, with five league goals to his name. There are also two NYCFC players with four goals, namely, Valentin Castellanos and Ismael Tajouri.
Columbus Crew vs New York City FC Betting Picks
Anything can happen in a game like this, as both teams have some excellent players. Both Columbus Crew and New York City FC are amazing in the offence but seem to struggle in the back, suggesting there will be plenty of goals on display today.
There were at least three goals in all of their last three head-to-head meetings, with their most recent bout, in May 2021, ending with a 2-1 victory for Columbus Crew. At MAPFRE Stadium, there were at least three goals in four of the last five outings – the only exception was a 1-0 victory for the Crew in March.
Prediction: Over 2.50 Goals – 1.91 at Sportmarket
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