Los Angeles FC vs Columbus Crew Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews

LA FC sit third in the Western Conference following a dream start to their first ever MLS campaign. This weekend the latest MLS franchise play host to one of the Eastern Conference’s top performances in the form of Columbus Crew, and the visitors could move into second place if they better New York City’s result on Sunday.

These two teams have never faced one another before, so both sides have the chance to make history on Sunday by picking up the fixtures first victory. LA FC could struggle for goals at home to Columbus Crew as their talisman Carlos Vela is representing Mexico at the World Cup in Russia. Uruguayan attacker Rossi will shoulder the majority of the goal scoring threat for LA FC in Vela’s absence, and with five goals already this season he certainly possess the ability to score the required goals. Columbus Crew arrive with no injury concerns whatsoever, but are without the services of Martinez who, like Vela, is representing his country at the World Cup.

With two wins, two draws, and two defeats from their last six matches, LA FC head into Sunday’s MLS clash as the form favourites. Columbus Crew haven’t won for five games now, but have picked up three draws and they will be a tough team to beat, thanks to a strong defensive record and the goal threat of Zardes. We’re expecting this game to end in a stalemate as both teams have been performing very well this season, but without the goals of Vela the hosts may struggle to break down Columbus Crew’s defence. The home side have drawn two of their last six matches, while Columbus Crew have picked up three draws during that same period, all of which points to a decent chance of the points being shared once again this weekend.

Mexico international Vela top scores with seven goals in LA FC’s debut MLS season, but he is at the World Cup which means Rossi, with five goals, provides the hosts most likely source of goals. Zardes has scored ten goals in seventeen starts since moving from LA Galaxy at the end of last season, and the forward will cause LA FC plenty of problems with his pace and movement on Sunday.

We’re confident that this game will end in a draw as the hosts are without their top goalscorer, which is likely to reduce their chances of taking all three points at home to Columbus Crew. Both teams are enjoying fine seasons and appear confident ahead of kick-off, but the visitors are unlikely to end their winless run on Sunday as LA FC rarely concede more than one goal. As for a final score, we’re backing this game to see both side score in a 1-1 draw.