Atlanta United vs Columbus Crew Predictions

• Giorgos Giakoumakis has 17 goals in 21 starts for Atlanta this season.
• Columbus Crew are unbeaten in their last seven games
• The Crew have drawn three of their last six 1-1.

Return of Almada key for hosts

Atlanta United mustered just a single shot in their 2-0 loss away to Columbus Crew in Game 1 of the first round of the MLS play-offs and will need a significantly improved performance when they host the Crew in Game 2.

The home side will be boosted by the return of playmaker Thiago Almada, who was suspended for the first clash. 

The Argentinian has 11 goals and 16 assists for Atlanta this season and Gonzalo Pineda will be hoping the return of his talisman can be the catalyst for bouncing back in this second matchup.

Giakoumakis to benefit

One player who looks certain to benefit is Giorgos Giakoumakis, the imposing striker has 17 goals in 21 starts for the Five Stripes this season and is fancied to extend that run here.

The former Celtic man was frozen out in Game 1 but is too big a threat to be quiet again in this matchup and the return of Almada will be key to getting the best out of him.

Take the Greek striker to get on the scoresheet.

For correct score backers, the draw has landed in three of Columbus’ last six matches, with all of them finishing 1-1 and this could follow suit in what may be a cagey affair.