Columbus Crew vs Atlanta United Preview, Prediction, and Betting Tips | February 24th 2024
Columbus Crew vs Atlanta United Preview
Columbus Crew began their MLS Cup defense by taking on Atlanta United at the Lower.com field. The home side went into the game as the favorites beat their opponents when the two sides met a few months ago.
The hosts have not made many changes to their team that won the MLS Cup last season. They have added goalkeeper Nicholas Hagen, while midfielders Derrick Jones, Marino Hinestroza, and Taha Habroune are the other signings.
In terms of outgoing, they decided against the option of keeping Jimmy Medranda, Joke Morris, Isaiah Parente, and Brady Scott. Julian Gressel and Josh Williams also left the club after their contracts expired, while Kevin Molino exited after a mutual agreement to terminate his contract.
Columbus Crew did not play any pre-season matches ahead of the new season. They had a match scheduled against Real Salt Lake on 15th February, but it got canceled just like their planned games against Toronto FC and St Louis City.
Atlanta United finished sixth in the Eastern Conference last season with 13 wins from their 34 matches. They did not do well in the MLS Cup, as they were knocked out by Columbus Crew in Round One after three games.
They have made some interesting changes to their squad in the offseason, with as many as nine signings. They also let go of nine players after not extending their deals or declining the option to keep them.
Atlanta United had a busy pre-season with four matches. They won against Birmingham Legion and Tampa Bay Rowdies while drawing to Memphis 901. Their last match was against Sporting KC, and they ended up losing it 3-1.
Also Read: MLS Teams: Top Teams in Western Conference in MLS Season 2024
Columbus Crew vs Atlanta United Team News
It is just the start of the season, but both teams are dealing with injury issues. The two sides will be without one player each, but that should not lead to any drastic changes to the tactics.
Will Sands will be sitting out of the season opener for Columbus Crew as he is still recovering from the Cruciate ligament tear. He has been out since April 2023 but is back in training and should make the matchday squad soon.
Reports suggest Dax McCarty will be out of the first match of the season for Atlanta United. The club has not provided information on the midfielder, but the fans will hope it is not down to trying butter in his coffee.
Columbus Crew vs Atlanta United Predicted Lineups
Columbus Crew are expected to keep their 3 at back style going as it helped them win the MLS Cup last season. A change would be a surprise to all, including the fans, as the system was working well.
Schulte should be the one starting in goal despite the signing of Hagen. Moreira, Camacho, and Amundsen are expected to be the ones in front of him, just like they played last season.
Farsi and Yeboah could start as the wing-backs once again, with captain Nagbe and Morris handing the midfield. Rossi is expected to be right behind the forwards, who should be Hernandez and Matan.
Should Columbus Crew start with the aforementioned XI, it would be the exact same as the last meeting between the two sides.
Predicted XI: Schulte; Moreira, Camacho, Amundsen; Farsi, Nagbe, Morris, Yeboah; Matan, Hernandez, Rossi
Guzan should be the one between the posts for Atlanta with Lennon, Gregersen, Abram, and Wiley in defense. Muyumba and Slisz are likely to be the defensive midfielders with Lobzhanidze, Almada, and Silva in front of them.
Giakoumakis has 17 goals in 27 MLS matches and should be the one leading Atlanta United’s attack again.
Predicted XI: Guzan; Lennon, Gregersen, Abram, Wiley; Slisz, Muyumba; Lobzhanidze, Almada, Silva; Giakoumakis
Columbus Crew vs Atlanta United Head-to-Head
Columbus Crew 6-1 Atlanta United
Atlanta United 1-1 Columbus Crew
Columbus Crew 2-0 Atlanta United
Atlanta United 4-2 Columbus Crew
Columbus Crew 4-2 Atlanta United
Columbus Crew vs Atlanta United Prediction:
One thing to expect from the match, Columbus Crew vs Atlanta United are goals. There have been just two clean sheets in the last ten meetings, and both were done by the Crew.
The two sides met five times last season – twice in the league and thrice in the MLS Cup – and there was just one clean sheet in the games. Seventeen goals were by both sides, with the Crew coming out winners thrice and losing once.
Crew registered the biggest win between the two sides with a stunning 6-1 scoreline at home in March last year. A similar scoreline is not ruled out this weekend, but it might be too much to ask for a tennis scoreline again.
Prediction: Columbus Crew 3-1 Atlanta United
Columbus Crew vs Atlanta United Betting Tips
- Columbus Crew to Win
- Both Teams To Score: Yes.
- Over 2.5 Goals: Yes.
Columbus Crew vs Atlanta United Odds
- Columbus Crew Win: 1.62
- Draw: 4.00
- Atlanta United Win: 5.00
Columbus Crew vs Atlanta United Timings & Telecast
- Chase Stadium – 24th February – 19:00 GMT
- India: MLS Season Pass
- United Kingdom: MLS Season Pass
- US: Fox, Fox Desportes and FS1
Also Read: MLS Teams: Top Teams in Eastern Conference in MLS Season 2024