Columbus Crew vs Atlanta United Prediction: Columbus Crew are a better pick

Columbus Crew welcome Atlanta United to the Lower.com Field for their first Playoff meeting. The Crew ended the season on a high, beating CF Montreal 2-1 in their final game, while Atlanta United played a 2-2 draw with FC Cincinnati. Both sides would not want to lose this game if they are serious about progressing to the next round of the playoffs.

The Crew will begin their playoff match against Atlanta United at home and they have a strong reason for coming out on top against Atlanta United. Columbus Crew have won 4 of their last 5 home games and they trashed Atlanta United 6-1 on this ground last season.

Columbus Crew ranked 3rd on the MLS table at the end of the season, having 57 points in total. They had 16 wins, 9 draws, and 9 defeats. They also scored 67 goals and conceded 46. Cucho Hernandez bagged 16 goals last season for the Crew and Alexandru Mata registered 8 assists. The Crew are considered favorites to win this opening playoff game as they are the better team.

• No losses in 6 matches.
• Without a clean sheet in 5 matches.
• Both teams scored in 5/5 matches.
• First to score in 6/8 matches.
• Less than 4.5 cards in 4/5 matches.

Atlanta United qualified for the playoffs despite struggling towards the end of the season. They failed to win their last 3 matches of the season, playing 2 draws and losing 1. They ranked 6th in the Eastern Conference and 10th on the MLS table with 51 points from 34 games. Overall, they won 13 matches, drew 12 and lost 9 matches. They also scored 66 goals and conceded 53.Giorgos Giakoumakis was top scorer for Atlanta United with 17 goals, and Thiago Almada registered 16 assists.

Atlanta United will play Columbus Crew away from home in the playoffs and they would need to be at their best if they want to win. Their last visit to the Lower.com Field was horrible, as they lost 6-1 in that match. The last time Atlanta United beat Columubs Crew at the Lower.com Field was back in 2021.

• No wins in 3 matches.
• Without a clean sheet in 8 matches.
• More than 2.5 goals in 7/9 matches.
• Both teams scored in 8/8 matches.
• Less than 10.5 corners in 5/7 matches.

Columbus Crew and Atlanta United have played 18 matches against each other. Columbus Crew won 10 matches, while Atlanta United won 6 and 2 matches ended in a draw.

• Columbus Crew have not lost the last 4 matches.
• Columbus Crew are without a clean sheet in 5 matches.
• Atlanta United are without a clean sheet in 12 matches.
• More than 2.5 goals in 4/5 matches.
• Both teams scored in 5/5 matches.
• Columbus Crew scored first in 6/8 matches.
• More than 10.5 corners in 6/8 matches.

A win for Columbus Crew looks more likely considering their current form and that of Atlanta United. Playing at home is also an added advantage for The Crews as they have demonstrated a very fine form in their last 5 home games. Atlanta United are not bright on the road, as a result they won only 1 of their last 5 away games. Their last trip to the Lower.Com field was a disaster and I think they will struggle to cope with the pressure from the Crews.

• Home Win at 1.67 Odds
• Home Win or Draw and Over 2.5 Goals at 1.94 Odds
• Correct Score 2-1 at 8.50 Odds