New York City FC vs. Columbus Crew Prediction, Preview and Odds - 5/22/21
New York City FC vs. Columbus Crew
The Round 7 of the new MLS season is ahead this weekend, and we have an interesting duel between the Eastern Conference rivals New York City FC and Columbus Crew. The game starts at 7:30 PM EST at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey.
New York looks to continue unbeaten run
New York City is entering this match following a 1-1 draw against Toronto last weekend. In that game, The Pigeons managed 58% possession and 13 attempts at goal, with six of them on target. Jesus Medina scored to give New York City the lead in the 53rd minute, while Jacob Shaffelburg's first MLS goal earned Toronto FC a road point. The Pigeons are undefeated in the previous four league fixtures. They have collected eight points this season (2-1-2).
NYCFC boss Ronny Deila will have to deal with numerous injuries. Héber (Cruciate Ligament Rupture), Alfredo Morales (Tear in the abductor's muscle), Gedion Zelalem (Knee Injury), Anton Tinnerholm (Muscle Injury), Maxi Moralez (Hamstring Injury), and Talles Magno (Knee Problems) are not available for this encounter.
Columbus hopes to turn things around
Columbus was defeated 1-0 in their last game by New England Revolution on Sunday in Foxborough, Mass. In that game, they managed 50% possession and six attempts at goal, with one on target. Adam Buksa entered in the 83rd minute and scored the winner three minutes later for the Revs. The Crew were shut out for the fourth time and have scored three goals this season -- two of them own goals by D.C. United. The reigning champion has five points in this year's MLS (1-2-2).
Columbus manager Caleb Porter will have to choose a team with limited availability for this matchup. Aidan Morris (Knee Injury), Marlon Hairston (Bruised Knee), Kevin Molino (Muscle Injury), Milton Valenzuela (Hamstring Injury), and Perry Kitchen (Hamstring Injury) can’t be considered.
The Pick: New York City FC to win (-152)
New York City vs. Columbus Crew head-to-head record shows that of the 14 meetings they've had, The Pigeons have won five times while the Crew have also five victories. Four fixtures between the teams have ended in a draw. New York City FC hasn't had any problems with scoring, finding the back of the net in each of their last six matchups. On the other hand, Columbus is winless in a club-record 15 straight road matches (excluding neutral-site games during the MLS Is Back Tournament near Orlando, Fla., in 2020). All indications are that we will see one comfortable win for the home team here.
The Total: Under 2.5 (+110)
NYCFC has conceded an average of 0.5 goals per match in their home games in MLS this season. Under 2.5 goals have been scored in their three consecutive matchups. On the other hand, Columbus has been scoring an average of 0.6 goals per game this year in MLS. So, take the Under 2.5 in this clash.