Atlanta United FC (13-12-9) vs. Columbus Crew (16-9-9)
Atlanta United FC vs. Columbus Crew 11/7/23 – As the Major League Soccer (MLS) Eastern Conference Playoffs intensify, Atlanta United FC gears up to face Columbus Crew in a decisive Round 1, Game 2 matchup. Coming off a series-opening loss, Atlanta United FC is under pressure to equalize against a Columbus Crew that leads the series 1-0. This pivotal MLS matchup tips off on Tuesday, at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, where Atlanta will look to leverage their home advantage and reverse their fortunes.
Atlanta United FC’s offensive arsenal is formidable, especially with Georgios Giakoumakis leading the front line. The forward has tallied an impressive 17 goals from 21 starts, an indicator of lethal finishing that will test Columbus’s backline. The creative fulcrum for Atlanta, Thiago Almada, boasts a commendable 11 goals and 19 assists, suggesting that the Columbus Crew will need to stifle Atlanta’s midfield creativity to stand a chance. With Tyler Wolff providing a youthful spark, the attacking synergy of these players will be crucial in breaching the Columbus defense.
In contrast, Columbus Crew’s attacking output is not to be underestimated. Cucho Hernández has been a standout performer with 16 goals and 11 assists, and his propensity for taking shots – 160 in total – will be a relentless test for Atlanta’s defense. Christian Ramirez and Aidan Morris have also contributed significantly to Columbus’s campaign and will be expected to exploit any gaps in Atlanta United’s defensive ranks.
Atlanta United FC vs. Columbus Crew 11/7/23 Game Info
| When: | Tuesday, November 7, 2023 at 7:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Mercedes-Benz Stadium |
| TV: | ATV |
| Stream: |
Brad Guzan GK vs. Patrick Schulte GK
Brad Guzan has been a cornerstone for Atlanta, presenting 27 starts with 7 clean sheets. His experience and reflexes will be pivotal against a Crew offense that knows how to put the ball in the back of the net. Guzan’s 61 saves this season underscore his resilience, and he will need to draw upon all his experience to fend off Columbus’s aggressive forwards.
On the other end, Patrick Schulte has shown promise with 8 clean sheets across 31 starts. His higher save count at 90, against a slightly higher goal concession, speaks to a goalkeeper who’s been tested often. Schulte’s challenge will be to anticipate and neutralize the attacking threats posed by Giakoumakis and Almada, who are sure to test his mettle under the playoff spotlight.
Soccer Odds/Point Spread: Atlanta United FC +116, Total Odds: 3.75
The betting odds paint a picture of a closely contested game, with Atlanta United FC entering as slight favorites given the -0.25 spread. The total odds suggest an expectation of goals, with the line set at 3.75, though both teams have shown the capability to either exceed or stifle such predictions depending on their day.
Atlanta United FC Betting Trends
Atlanta has had a mixed run of form, going 2-1 in their last 5 games, showing some resilience. They’ve managed to beat the spread in 3 of these 5 matches, and interestingly, they seem to find their stride in away games when it comes to beating the spread, doing so 11 times out of 17. The trend towards higher-scoring games is also notable, with the total going over in 11 of their last 17 home games, suggesting a potential for a high-scoring affair in this playoff match.
Columbus Crew Betting Trends
Columbus Crew’s recent form shows an even split with 2 wins and 2 losses in their last 5. Their performance against the spread has been less convincing, covering only 2 of their last 5 games. On the road, they’ve covered the spread in 8 of 17 games, hinting at variability in their traveling performances. The total has gone over in just 7 of their last 17 home games, which may reflect a more disciplined approach in away fixtures.
Atlanta United FC vs. Columbus Crew 11/7/23 Betting Picks
Based on the data at hand and current form, Atlanta seems positioned to take advantage of their home setting and potentially overturn the deficit in the series. Their key players are in form and the home betting trends support the potential for a win. However, one cannot disregard Columbus Crew’s capability to surprise, especially with Hernández leading their line.
Considering the pressure on Atlanta to perform and Columbus’s resilience, the better pick might be to focus on player props and the over/under rather than the outright result. With the talent on display, a bet on the total goals might be prudent, especially with premium score forecasts suggesting a game with multiple scoring opportunities.
Free Pick and Prediction: Atlanta United FC 2, Columbus Crew 1.