MLS: Philadelphia Union vs Columbus Crew betting preview

While most MLS games tend to take place on the weekend, we will have an intriguing mid-week clash on Wednesday, August 28th between the Philadelphia Union and the Columbus Crew. The kick-off is scheduled for 7:30 PM ET at Subaru Park in Chester, Pennsylvania. This will be Philly’s first league fixture since the break as all teams have been playing in the Leagues Cup. The same can be said for Columbus, who is in the final of the competition on Sunday against LAFC. Continue reading for our match preview.

Head-to-head history

Philadelphia has actually been the more dominant team in this matchup, winning four of the last six meetings. This is the first time the two will lock horns this season, with the Union and Crew playing to a 1-1 draw last September.

Philadelphia struggling

The Union is typically one of the stronger teams in Major League Soccer, but that has not been the case in 2024. Philly is currently in 10th place in the Eastern Conference with a 6-9-10 record, grabbing just 27 points from 25 games. On a more positive note, the Union was playing well before the league took a break in late July.

Jim Curtin’s side hammered New England 5-1 on July 17 before notching a 3-0 victory over Nashville just a few days later. Before the back-to-back wins, however, Philadelphia failed to win in 10 games. They’ve struggled to find consistency. The Union did make their presence felt in the Leagues Cup though and could finish in third place in the tournament with a win on Sunday.

Midfielder Daniel Gazdag is the main man in the final third, scoring 14 goals in 21 appearances. Striker Mikael Uhre is also doing his part, netting six times and supplying four assists. The Union ranks eighth in the MLS in goals scored with 1.8 per match. They have been vulnerable at the back, conceding 42 times. Wednesday’s game is extremely important for Philly because if they’re going to sneak into the playoffs, every result matters with only a handful of fixtures left in the campaign. The Union is an underdog at soccer betting sites.

Columbus is shining

The Crew have a target on their backs after winning the MLS Cup last season when they beat LAFC in the final. But, that pressure hasn’t prevented them from making it happen once again. Columbus is in third spot in the East, compiling a 12-4-7 record. The Crew also own the best goal difference in the MLS at +25.

Wilfried Nancy’s squad has scored 47 goals and allowed only 23 in as many games. From front to back, this is a very strong team. Cucho Hernandez is lethal up top, scoring 13 and setting up another six. Former LAFC man Diego Rossi also has nine goals and six assists. Several others including Christian Ramirez, Max Arfsten, and Yaw Yeboah continue to contribute, too.

As previously mentioned, Columbus has the chance to lift the Leagues Cup on Sunday. When it comes to league play, the Crew were enjoying an eight-game unbeaten run before a defeat to Atlanta United on July 20. Another run to the MLS Cup final is very much possible for this side. Columbus is a heavy favorite at Sports Interaction to come out victorious in Wednesday’s affair.