Minnesota United vs Columbus Crew Preview, Prediction and Betting Tips

Minnesota United vs Columbus Crew Preview

While both Minnesota United and Columbus Crew have gotten their 2024 season off to a winning start, the two sides are walking two completely different paths. The Crew are reigning champs, having won the MLS Cup last season, and walk into the game with an established squad and manager. Meanwhile, the Loons have only just appointed a replacement for manager Adrian Heath although they went big.

The club appointed Eric Ramsay, who was serving as Erik ten Hag’s first-team coach at Manchester United, as their new manager although it didn’t seem to make a difference to them. They cruised through their season opener against Austin FC with an interim manager in place and look in fine shape. So much so, that fans are hoping that this season brings about redemption after the Loons failed to qualify for the playoffs last season.

The same can be said about the Crew though as much like the Loons, they enjoyed themselves in their season opener, beating Atalanta United 1-0 on the night. An impressive defensive performance set up their victory and it already has many predicting big things for their season.

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Minnesota United vs Columbus Crew team news

Minnesota United

While Minnesota United did walk away from Austin victorious, they also walked away with a few extra injuries to their roster. The Loons will, most likely, be without Robin Lod after the midfielder walked off injured against Austin FC. Former interim manager Cameron Knowles did confirm that Lod was a doubt for the second game of the season especially as he was training individually.  Lod isn’t the only one that the Loons will be without as Franco Fragapane, Emanuel Reynoso and Bongokuhle Hlonggwane are all doubtful for the clash against the Crew.

However, Kevin Arriaga, who made his return from injury in the opener, will be fit but will likely start off the bench for Minnesota United.

Columbus Crew

Unlike Minnesota United, Columbus Crew don’t have any major injury concerns which does mean Wilfried Nancy has his best possible team available to face the Loons. Not only that, the Crew boast the same core defenders as last season, and while they did let go of Julian Gressel, Kevin Molino and Josh Williams, Nancy has strengthened the team to help ease the transition. That includes the arrival of Derrick Jones and Marino Hinestroza.

Minnesota United vs Columbus Crew Predicted lineups

Minnesota United

New manager Eric Ramsay has a lot of decisions to make before the fixture on the 3rd of March but injuries and various other factors may have simplified his decision.

Predicted XI: Dayne St Clair; Michael Boxall, D.J. Taylor, Miguel Tapias, Joseph Erazo; Kevin Arriaga, Wil Trapp, Hassani Dotson; Franco Fragapane, Teemu Pukki, Jeong Sang-Bin.

Columbus Crew

Unlike his counterpart in Minnesota, Wilfried Nancy has options to pick from, especially after their opening-day performance.

Predicted XI: Patrick Schulte; Rudy Camacho, Malte Amundsen, Sean Zawadzi; Mohamed Farzi, Darlington Nagbe, Yaw Yeboah, Adian Morris; Diego Rossi, Cucho Hernandez, Jacen Russell-Rowe.

Minnesota United vs Columbus Crew Head-to-Head

Played: 6; Minnesota United: 3, Colombus Crew: 3, Draw: 0.

Last five games:

Colombus Crew 3-3 (7-6 on pen) Minnesota United (Leagues Cup)

Colombus Crew 2-1 Minnesota United (MLS)

Colombus Crew 1-1 (4-6 on pen) Minnesota United (MLS is Back)

Minnesota United 1-0 Colombus Crew (MLS)

Colombus Crew 3-2 Minnesota United (MLS)

Minnesota United vs Columbus Crew Prediction

With a new coach at the helm and potentially a new system, things could be changing at Minnesota United especially after they missed the playoffs last year. However, the question is whether they can usurp their pre-season predictions of a tenth-place finish and the best way to answer that would be by beating the reigning champions. However, Wilfried Nancy’s side will have something to say about that especially if their opening day win was anything to go by.

The Crew look in excellent defensive shape and while their offence still needs to find its groove, the past has shown that it can go up a few more gears at least. That alone could prove troublesome for the Loons but even then, given that this is only Gameweek 2, both teams have time to find themselves.

Prediction: Minnesota United 2-3 Colombus Crew

Minnesota United vs Columbus Crew betting tips

Betting tips:

Both teams to score: Yes

Over 3 goals: Yes

First team to score: Away (Colombus Crew).

Minnesota United vs Colombus Crew odds

Minnesota United win: 2.55

Draw: 3.75

Colombus Crew win: 2.49

Minnesota United vs Columbus Crew timings and telecast

Allianz Field in Saint Paul, Minnesota – March 2, 2024 at 2:00 PM ET

India: MLS Season Pass

United Kingdom: MLS Season Pass

US: Apple TV.

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