Time is running out for teams to claim a place in the MLS playoffs this season and things are starting to take shape in both the Eastern and Western Conference. Vancouver Whitecaps sit top of the Western Conference with 44 points from their 27 matches played. They have the same number of points as Portland Timbers who are second but with two matches in hand, will be hoping to extend their lead further in the coming weeks.
Columbus Crew are fourth in the Eastern Conference and have 43 points from their 29 matches played. So, although they have only 1 point less than their hosts going into this match, they have played 2 games more.
Vancouver Whitecaps Form
Vancouver Whitecaps have come into some good form at just the right time and defeated Minnesota United 3-0 at the BC Place Stadium in mid-week.
This was their fifth match unbeaten in the MLS and Vancouver Whitecaps have won 4 of those 5 games. There have been victories over Houston Dynamo, Real Salt Lake City and Minnesota United at home plus a 2-1 win at Orlando City.
Vancouver Whitecaps have been in good goal scoring form and have found the back of the net in 10 of their last 11 MLS games. However, keeping clean sheets has proved more difficult and their shutout against Minnesota United in mid-week was their first in 7 matches.
Columbus Crew Form
Columbus Crew picked up a point in their last game which was against Sporting Kansas City last weekend.
They are undefeated in their last 5 MLS games, winning 3 of them. The wins have come against Chicago Fire, LA Galaxy and FC Dallas and all 3 of those matches were at home. The 2 draws in that sequence have come both home and away, with the point last weekend at home to Sporting Kansas City and the other at Orlando City in August.
Much like Vancouver Whitecaps, Columbus Crew have scored at least one goal in 10 of their last 11 games. However, they have also conceded in 7 of their last 8 MLS matches.
Team News
David Edgar and Matias Laba are unlikely to play any part in this match for Vancouver Whitecaps due to injury. There is also a doubt over the fitness of Christian Bolanos. Columbus Crew are without the suspended Jonathan Mensah and the injured duo of Gaston Sauro and Ben Swanson. There are also doubts over Waylon Francis and Niko Hansen.
Top Betting Tips
This is a match which looks like having plenty of goals. Both teams have been finding the back of the net regularly but have also been struggling to keep clean sheets. Both teams to score is 4/7 with Ladbrokes.
Columbus Crew have lost 9 of their 14 away games this season, which suggests they are going to struggle to get anything from this match. They might score a goal but it will probably be a consolation effort. Vancouver Whitecaps to win and both teams to score is 13/5 with Ladbrokes.
If one man is going to find the back of the net for Columbus Crew look no further than Ola Kamara. The Norwegian striker has netted 6 goals in his last 7 games and has 15 goals for the season. Kamara is 8/5 to score at any time with Ladbrokes.