A Sportsbook Look at the Atlanta United FC vs. Columbus Crew SC Match

The 2018 MLS season is starting to take shape and Atlanta United FC is flying high by all measures. Right now the United have the Eastern Conference on lockdown.

However, considering how tight things are at the top of the conference, the club needs to keep on winning to maintain the status quo. They’ll get the chance to build on their MLS lead this Sunday in the Atlanta United FC vs. Columbus Crew SC matchup. According to BetNow sportsbook, Atlanta is opening as a heavy betting favorite. Let’s check on the odds to see what kind of predictions players can make.

Atlanta United FC vs. Columbus Crew SC – Sunday, August 19^th 

Kickoff: 4:00 pm ET

Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia

TV Broadcast: ESPN+

Online Stream: MLS TV

MLS Betting Odds:

Atlanta United FC -1 (+101)           3½ (-150)        -165

Columbus Crew SC +1 (-116)         3½ (+130)       +425

Atlanta United FC/Columbus Crew SC Draw +339

Atlanta United FC 

All season long United FC has strived to deliver success and their current 14-6-4 record is a testament to that. All in all, Atlanta is undefeated in their last 5 matchups and will be looking to keep that streak alive. Especially since the New York Red Bulls, the Eastern Conference’s No. 2 seed, is right on their heels. Right now Atlanta leads the Eastern Conference with 48-points on the season. Since the Red Bulls and New York City FC are both sitting on 47 a pop, it’s safe to say that Atlanta cannot afford any slip ups presently. Luckily for Atlanta, this will be the second time they face Columbus. And since they got the best of the Crew 2-zip, it’s safe to assume that they’ll come out on top once more this weekend.

Players to Watch: Josef Martinez (24 GP, 26 G, 2 A), Miguel Almiron (24 GP, 8 G, 9 A), and Hector Villalba (19 GP, 3 G, 5 A).

Columbus Crew SC

The Crew enters this weekend’s action flashing an 11-6-7 record that ranks them 4^th in the Eastern Conference. Sitting on a 39-point tally on the year, Columbus could use a few wins to lock up a spot in this year’s postseason. They currently have a 9-point lead over the 5^th seeded Philadelphia Union, so they’re not at risk of being usurped at the moment. However, they are 8-points behind the 3^rd seeded New York City FC. Having said that, a win streak could propel Columbus into the elite of the conference. But since they’re facing Atlanta this weekend, it’s looking like that streak will have to wait a while.

Players to Watch: Gyasi Zardes (24 GP, 14 G, 0 A), Federico Higuain (21 GP, 4 G, 5 A), and Harrison Afful (23 GP, 1 G, 3 A).

Atlanta United FC vs. Columbus Crew SC Betting Predictions

Trends

• Atlanta United is 7-4-2 SU at home this season
• Atlanta United is 3-2-0 SU in their last 5 games
• The TOTAL has gone OVER in 10 of Atlanta United’s 13 home games this season
• Columbus Crew is 3-3-4 SU on the road this season
• Columbus Crew is 3-0-2 SU in their last 5 games
• The TOTAL has gone UNDER in 7 of Columbus Crew’s 10 away games this season

Atlanta United FC vs. Columbus Crew SC Betting Picks

So, where does the best value lie in this MLS matchup? All things considered, the safest bet would be to take Atlanta straight up. That doesn’t offer much value, however. Instead, bettors can take Atlanta to cover that small 1-goal spread. The vig on that line offers the highest payout, while still being a relatively safe wager.

Score Prediction:  2-0 Atlanta.