Columbus Crew (14-7-9) vs. Philadelphia Union (14-7-8)
Columbus Crew vs. Philadelphia Union 9/30/23 – As Major League Soccer races towards its grand conclusion, two of its most formidable sides, Columbus Crew and Philadelphia Union, are set to clash this weekend. Both teams have been quite neck and neck in the league standings, with the Crew holding a slight edge with their draw advantage. This upcoming fixture, scheduled at the Lower.com Field on September 30, will undeniably be one of the highlights of the weekend.
The Crew, led in attack by the vibrant Cucho Hernández and Christian Ramirez, have consistently demonstrated their offensive prowess. Hernández, with 13 goals and 11 assists from 23 starts, has been a talismanic figure. Ramirez’s contribution can’t be understated either. With 8 goals and 4 assists from 18 starts, he’s been lethal whenever he’s on the pitch. Philadelphia Union’s defense will have a task on their hands containing these two, especially with their goalkeeper Andre Blake’s performance coming under scrutiny, having conceded 21 goals in 23 starts.
On the other hand, Philadelphia Union’s attack is spearheaded by the in-form midfielder Dániel Gazdag and forward Julián Carranza. Gazdag has matched Hernández’s tally with 13 goals while also setting up 10 for his teammates. Carranza, with his 12 goals, will be itching to outscore his counterparts. The dynamic duo will look to exploit the Crew’s defensive vulnerabilities, which have seen their goalkeeper, Patrick Schulte, concede 38 goals from 27 starts. For free soccer picks, keep an eye on their performance.
Columbus Crew vs. Philadelphia Union Game Info
| When: | Saturday, September 30, 2023 at 7:30 PM ET |
| Where: | Lower.com Field |
| TV: | ATV |
| Stream | N/A |
Columbus Crew GK Patrick Schulte vs. Philadelphia Union GK Andre Blake
Patrick Schulte, Columbus Crew’s trusted custodian, has been a significant presence between the sticks. With 8 clean sheets from 27 starts, his record may be a point of contention for some critics, especially given the 38 goals he has conceded. However, diving deeper into his performances, one cannot overlook the 83 saves he’s managed, some of which have been nothing short of game-changing. Schulte’s reflexes and shot-stopping capabilities have often been the saving grace for Columbus, especially in matches where their defense has been caught napping. As they face Philadelphia’s prolific attack, Schulte will be pivotal in ensuring that the Crew remains steadfast and does not concede easy goals.
Andre Blake, on the other hand, is Philadelphia Union’s defensive linchpin. Having made 57 saves and secured 8 clean sheets from 23 starts, Blake’s numbers mirror Schulte’s in some respects. However, with just 21 goals conceded, he boasts a tighter defensive record. Blake’s agility and commanding presence in the box have made him one of the standout goalkeepers in the MLS. His duel with Crew’s forwards will be a sight to behold, and his performance will likely have a significant say in the match’s outcome. Against the likes of Hernández and Ramirez, Blake will need to be at his absolute best, ensuring he keeps the Union’s hopes alive throughout the encounter.
Soccer Odds/Point Spread: Columbus Crew -125, Total Odds: 2.5
Betting enthusiasts will note the Columbus Crew come into this game as slight favorites with a Moneyline of -125. The odds also hint at a potential goal fest, with the over 2.5 standing at +100. It’s an enticing proposition for those looking to bank on a high-scoring thriller.
Columbus Crew Betting Trends
Recent form suggests some inconsistency in the Crew’s performances, winning 3 and losing 2 of their last 5 matches. While they’ve managed to outscore their opponents in 3 of these games, they’ve struggled against the spread, going 2-3. Their home trend indicates a leaning towards higher scoring matches, with 7 of their last 15 games at home seeing over 2.5 goals.
Philadelphia Union Betting Trends
The Union’s recent record stands at a balanced 1-1 in their last 5 outings. While they’ve also been shaky against the spread, with a 2-3 record, they’ve performed reasonably well on the road, going 8-7 against the spread. Like the Crew, they’ve been part of some high-scoring encounters, with 3 of their last 5 games going over the 2.5 goals mark.
Columbus Crew vs. Philadelphia Union 9/30/23 Betting Picks
This matchup presents itself as a goal-laden encounter with both teams possessing lethal attacking forces. Given the offensive firepower and recent trends, betting on the over 2.5 goals seems to be a safe bet.
However, considering both teams’ defensive frailties and their key players’ forms, a drawn game also looks probable. For those looking for an outright winner, the Crew’s home advantage could tilt the balance in their favor, but betting on a draw at +290 could offer significant value. Check out free sports picks for more insights and expert recommendations.
Free Pick and Prediction: Columbus Crew 2, Philadelphia Union 2