Columbus Crew vs. LAFC odds, picks and predictions
The Columbus Crew welcome LAFC to Lower.com Field Saturday with the MLS Cup on the line. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. ET (FOX). Below, we preview BetMGM Sportsbook's lines around the Columbus Crew vs. LAFC odds, and make our best expert MLS picks and predictions.
The Crew got down 2-0 early against Eastern Conference-leading FC Cincinnati on the road last Saturday but had possession for most of the game and found some luck late. They evened it at 2 and won in extra time. The Crew finished the season 12-4-1 (4 draws) at home. They scored 67 goals (1.97 per game) and allowed 46 (1.35 per game). The Crew beat Orlando City 2-0 on the road in the playoff game prior.
LAFC had a more dominant showing in their conference final, taking down the Houston Dynamo at home 2-0. They finished the season with a 4-7-6 road record. LAFC have an experienced roster. Their offense is led by F Denis Bouanga, who has tallied 20 goals in 31 matches. They scored 54 goals (1.59 per game) and allowed 39 (1.15 per game) during the regular season. LAFC beat Seattle on the road 1-0 prior to their home match against Houston.
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Columbus Crew vs. LAFC odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access Paste BN Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:20 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline: Columbus Crew +120 (bet $100 to win $120) | LAFC +210 (bet $100 to win $210) | Draw +210
- Over/Under: 2.5 (O: -125 | U: -115)
Columbus Crew vs. LAFC picks and predictions
Prediction
Columbus Crew 2, LAFC 1
Moneyline (ML)
BET COLUMBUS CREW (+120).
While this game has different implications than a regular-season match, the Crew have been far better in this situation and have a young, faster roster. They won 12 of 17 home matches and have a dynamic attack, which LAFC didn't face last weekend.
LAFC have an older backline and could struggle with Columbus' pace. LAFC have played 3 road games and have had fewer expected goals than their opponent in 2 of those 3. Considering that and the Crew's home strength, take COLUMBUS CREW (+120).
Over/Under (O/U)
BET OVER 2.5 (-125).
LAFC have gone under this total in 3 straight games but have yet to play a team with an offense of this caliber. They have tallied at least 1.0 expected goals in 7 of their last 8 games.
The Crew have gone over this total in 3 of their last 4 games, have had at least 2.0 expected goals in 5 of their last 7, and have allowed at least 2.0 expected goals in 2 of their last 4. Their pace of play should allow the technically-sound LAFC attack to break through as well.
Expect goals and take OVER 2.5 (-125).
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