📊 Form Guide

Columbus Crew

LDDDDD 🤝

Columbus Crew prepare for this game coming off the back of a 0-0 MLS draw versus Real Salt Lake.

In that match, Columbus Crew had 55% possession and 12 attempts on goal with 4 on target. Real Salt Lake got 16 attempts at goal with 8 on target.

It has been seldom in recent times where Columbus Crew have shown defensive steel. It will be a concern for them that Columbus Crew have failed to prevent opponents from scoring in 5 of their previous 6 games, leaking 7 goals in the process. That aside, we will just have to wait and see if such a trend might continue on in this next match.

Portland Timbers

WLLLDD

In the game prior to this, Portland Timbers drew 2-2 in the MLS tie with Los Angeles FC.

In that game, Portland Timbers had 39% possession and 10 shots on goal with 4 of them on target. For Portland Timbers, the goals were scored by Felipe Mora (11') and Evander (34'). On the other side, Los Angeles FC got 16 attempts on goal with 4 of them on target. Mateusz Bogusz (21', 51') scored for Los Angeles FC.

Portland Timbers have attacked well of late, scoring 10 goals in their last 6 matches. This doesn’t mask the fact that Portland Timbers have had their own issues at the back, also conceding in 6 of those same outings.

🤜🤛 Head to head

Looking at their most recent head-to-head clashes stretching back to 06/03/2016 shows that Columbus Crew have won 1 of these games and Portland Timbers 4, with the tally of drawn results standing at 1.

There were also plenty of goals scored in those games, 24 in total at an average of 4 goals per meeting.

The last league clash featuring these sides was MLS match day 34 on 16/07/2023 and the score finished Portland Timbers 3-2 Columbus Crew.

That time, Portland Timbers managed 38% possession and 12 shots at goal with 5 of them on target. The goalscorers were Dairon Asprilla (28', 30') and Sebastián Blanco (80').

At the other end, Columbus Crew had 17 shots at goal with 5 on target. Lucas Zelarayán (45', 65') scored.

The referee was Timothy Ford.

ℹ️ Team News: Columbus Crew

It’s a low absenteeism rate, with just a single fitness concern for the Columbus Crew boss Wilfried Nancy to be concerned about from of an almost fully healthy squad. Christian Ramirez (Hamstring injury) won’t play.

It looks as if The Crew will probably use the 3-4-2-1 system this time, utilising Patrick Schulte, Steven Moreira, Rudy Camacho, Malte Amundsen, Mohamed Farsi, Will Sands, Aidan Morris, Darlington Nagbe, Diego Rossi, Yaw Yeboah and Juan Hernandez.

📰 Team News: Portland Timbers

Portland Timbers manager Phil Neville has to currently contend with reduced team options. Marvin Loría (Knee surgery) and Zac McGraw (Head injury) will not be playing here. Maxime Crépeau is ineligible for this match because of suspension.

It’s our belief that The Timbers might utilise a 4-2-3-1 system with a starting lineup of James Pantemis, Juan Mosquera, Miguel Araujo, Kamal Miller, Claudio Bravo, Diego Chara, Eryk Williamson, Santiago Moreno, Evander Ferreira, Jonathan Rodriguez and Felipe Mora.

⚡ Prediction

We’re thinking that Columbus Crew should be able to create a high number of chances and successful shots on target.

In contrast, Portland Timbers will not find it easy to break down their defence but we do fancy them hitting back at some stage here.

Therefore, we are anticipating a controlled 3-1 victory for Columbus Crew come full-time.

Our expert partners are tipping over 1.5 goals for this match. Check out their VIP predictions here.

Renata Leite, 23:24 20/04/2024