MLS: New York City FC vs Columbus Crew Odds, Analysis, & Picks

After a couple of weeks of Leagues Cup action, the MLS regular season returns this weekend. Over in Flushing on Saturday, New York City FC will welcome the Columbus Crew to Citi Field for an important Eastern Conference clash. The kick-off is scheduled for 7:30 PM ET. NYCFC is still battling for a playoff spot, which means every single game is important right now. As for Columbus, they’re sitting in fourth place, but just six points above NYCFC. The Crew also needs to keep its foot on the gas pedal. Read below for the NYCFC vs Columbus Crew betting picks.

Odds provided by Sports Interaction.

NYCFC vs Columbus Crew Odds

There’s no clear favorite for this fixture at soccer betting sites. NYCFC has +145 odds, while Columbus returns at +160. A draw is priced at +260 odds.

While the last meeting in March ended in a scoreless stalemate, the Crew did win two straight fixtures before that against New York.

NYCFC vs Columbus Crew  Analysis

It hasn’t been the best campaign for NYCFC, collecting 38 points from 24 matches, posting an 11-5-8 record in the process. They just had a difficult three matches in the Leagues Cup group stages, losing to Puebla and Toluca while grabbing one victory against Leon last Friday. The defeat to Toluca on Tuesday was a tough one, enjoying nearly 60% of the ball yet still losing. All three goals were scored in the first half.

When it comes to MLS play, New York is actually in respectable form, winning two of their last four. They beat Orlando City and Toronto FC while losing to Charlotte and settling for a lone point in a 1-1 draw with Sporting Kansas City on July 19. NYCFC has struggled to score goals this term with only 34 in 24 games, but Alonso Martinez has been consistent up top. He’s netted 12 times in 21 appearances. NY has a much better record at home this season, going 8-3-0.

Columbus has been one of the best clubs in the MLS over the last few seasons and they once again look like a title contender. The Crew, who lifted the grand prize in 2023, sit in fourth with a 12-8-5 record. Wilfried Nancy’s men are only six points out of first place, but also just six above eighth, as previously mentioned. The playoff race in the East remains tight as the campaign slowly comes to a close.

Columbus enjoyed a solid Leagues Cup group campaign, securing two wins and losing once in penalties. The Crew took care of Puebla and Leon but also lost to Toluca, just like New York. But, they didn’t head into the Leagues Cup break in the greatest of form, suffering defeat in two of their previous three MLS games. Hopefully, this success in the competition can help Columbus get back on their feet in league action. The Crew did win both league meetings with New York last term, but have a 4-3-4 record on the road.

NYCFC vs Columbus Crew Picks

NYCFC looks like a completely different side at home this season and Columbus has found minimal success away from Ohio. Three of the last five meetings have finished level and I see value in a draw again here. At +260, there’s lots of value.

Pick: Draw +260 /Sports Interaction