Philadelphia Union vs Columbus Crew Predictions

Philadelphia Union go in search of their first win of the new season this weekend, but that’s going to be much easier said than done as they take on a Columbus Crew side that are yet to lose. The visitors have picked up two wins and a draw from their opening three league games, but we’re expecting a close game between the pair on Saturday.

Philadelphia Union held the MLS Cup champions Atlanta United to a 1-1 draw at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday, taking the lead against the run of play early in the second half through Aaronson. Atlanta United equalised with twenty minutes left on the clock and deserved a point from the match after having 65% of the overall possession, but neither team did enough to deserve all three points. Columbus Crew had to work for their victory at home against Dallas last time out, but Sauro’s effort in the tenth minute proved enough for the hosts to claim all three points.

The recent head to head encounters between these two clubs and their performances in friendlies and the MLS over the last six matches point towards an increased chance of under 2.5 goals being scored on Saturday and the game ending in a draw. Four of the last five meetings between these two clubs have seen under 2.5 goals scored, and two of the last three encounters have ended in draws. Three of Philadelphia’s and five of Columbus Crew’s last six matches have produced under 2.5 goals, and three of the visitor’s last six matches have ended in 1-1 draws. Columbus Crew are certainly the form favourites, but the visitors have been drawing a lot of games of late and Philadelphia Union earned a goalless draw in this very fixture last season.

Aaronson and Fabián have both scored one goal each in Philadelphia’s opening three games of the new season, while Sauro and Zardes have both netted two goals each for Columbus Crew so far. We’re confident that under 2.5 goals will be scored in Saturday’s match, and have backed the game to end in a 1-1 draw. Columbus Crew have drawn three of their last six matches by the same 1-1 scoreline and two of the last three meetings between these two teams have ended in a draw. Philadelphia Union haven’t played to their best in the early stages of the new season, but have only failed to score in one of their last five matches.