Columbus Crew vs Atlanta United: MLS Match Preview, Odds & Predictions

During this week's Major League Soccer match at Lower.com Field, the Columbus Crew will host the struggling Atlanta United, who will be looking to capitalize on their recent success.

With confidence high after a 2-1 victory against Western club Vancouver Whitecaps, the hosts take on the visitors, who suffered a crushing loss to New York City FC in their last match.

Previous Matches and Head-to-head

Columbus faced a difficult match against the leaders in the Supporters' Shield standings, who had suffered a 5-1 defeat at the hands of Inter Miami and a six-game winless streak. However, Diego Rossi's goal in the first half helped them take the lead after just two minutes. Columbus has scored 29 goals and allowed 25 goals, giving them 31 points after 18 games. They are now in fourth place in the Eastern Conference and sixth overall.

Inter Miami was the only setback for Columbus, with five wins and one loss in ten home league matches played this season. The Crew should feel confident due to their respectable home record, especially as they are hosting a team they have thrashed 13-3 in their past four encounters at Lower.com Field.

Atlanta faces an even more formidable challenge than usual, riding a six-goal loss streak. After breaking an eight-match losing streak with victories against Cincinnati (4-2) and Orlando City (3-2), the Five Stripes appeared to have shown some improvement, but they reverted to their old ways with those two road defeats. Atlanta's problems have arisen from an imbalanced strategy between offense and defense, with rare victories occurring when players rush forward at full steam.

Despite not securing an away league victory this season, there is a glimmer of confidence that Atlanta may take advantage of Columbus' defensive vulnerability. With 17 points, the Five Stripes are now in 13th position in the Eastern Conference.

Columbus Crew x Atlanta United Team News

After Rudy Camacho's hamstring injury, the Crew may be without its starting center back for a second game in a row. Patrick Schulte's health is also questionable. Thus, Evan Bush will likely start in goal. 

Nicolas Hagen is currently participating in the CONCACAF Gold Cup with Guatemala's national team. Hence, he is not eligible for selection.

Despite assisting while playing in the number nine position, Daniel Gazdag has gone 12 games without a league goal and will be looking to break his goal drought in this midweek match.

Ibrahim Aliyu scored in the past encounter, but he will likely miss the match against Atlanta because of an injury that kept him out of action.

Josh Cohen, the visiting goalie, was unable to play because of a groin strain; Tristan Muyumba was out with a muscle injury; and Stian Rode Gregersen was out with a hamstring problem.

Derrick Williams, a defender for Atlanta, suffered an injury in their defeat to New York City and will likely miss this matchup this coming Wednesday due to his withdrawal.

In light of the team's abysmal showing in their most recent match, head coach Deila may be inclined to make some changes. Emmanuel Latte Lath is vying for a starting spot, while Miguel Almiron might make a surprise return to the starting lineup after sitting out the previous game.

Our Predictions

Colombus Crew to win @ 1.63 on Sky247.ng

After crushing the league leaders, Columbus will be riding high heading into this matchup. They should be favored to win again because of their impressive home record and the lack of confidence on Atlanta's side.

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