Toronto FC v Columbus Crew – MLS Betting Preview + Prediction
21 May 2016, BMO Field, 21:00 GMT +0
Toronto come into the game following a draw against New York City. They dominated the game for large periods and should’ve taken more from the game but found themselves wanting in front of goal. The side’s performance will be an encouragement especially when they were missing striker Altidore and key midfielders Cheyrou and Osorio. This will be the side’s last home game after 4 in a row as the club fall back into a more traditional fixture list after stadium disruption at the start of the season. They have taken 4 points from their 3 home games prior to this one and will be looking to increase that total in what will be their last home game in a month with the impending break for Copa America growing ever closer. They will come into the game with mixed feelings after struggling for consistent results in the past few weeks. The side have picked up a win, a loss and a draw in their past three games as they struggle to see off games with some key players missing in midfield. Their goal in midweek was the first the team has scored this season that didn’t feature Giovinco. The side were looking a little reliant on him at times and it will be a boost to everyone that they can score goals without having to go through the Italian striker.
Columbus come into the game after seeing a slight upturn in form in recent weeks. They’ve won 2 and drawn 2 of their last 5 games but their league position hasn’t improved much, with the club still sitting in 19th place overall. Crew will need to continue to improve and pick up more points if they wish to get involved in the playoff picture. It remains to be seen whether their trade of Kei Kamara to New England Revolution was good business or not. Whilst the striker was a disruptive influence, he was the side’s top scorer and his departure leaves them looking a little light up front, with a lot of pressure being put on the shoulder of Higuain, who only has three goals so far this term. Columbus will be in decent spirits heading into the game, but the loss of Kamara to New England has left the squad looking weak up front and the likes of Ola Kamara and Casey don’t look good enough to lead the line effectively for the side.
Prediction: Toronto FC -0.50
Odds: 2.02 Dafabet
