Predictions: Crew (A) v Galaxy

The Columbus Crew disrupt their circadian rhythms tonight due to a 10:30 PM EST matchup against the LA Galaxy at the StubHub Center. 7:30 PM PST.

GAME NOTES
-CLB: Only 5 pts in last 6 games
-CLB: Traveled direct to LA after KC game last Sat.
-CLB: Higuain being investigated, passport falsification
-CLB: Arrieta out, Gold Cup
-LAG: 7 pts in last 6 games
-LAG: Robbie Rogers to face old team
-LAG: Landon Donovan out, Gold Cup
-LAG: Only conceded 2 goals at home (6 games)

PREDICTIONS
"I really don’t know what to make of the Crew these days." Drew Epperley, writer for SB Nations Big D soccer and WV Hooligan. His prediction for tonight? LA Galaxy 3, Columbus 1.

Bet365 likes the Home Team this week giving them 1/2 (Draw 16/5, Crew 11/2). In other words, The Galaxy are heavily favored.

Win Draw Win places Home/Away form at the top of their summary each game. It's for good reason, it matters. In six home games this year LA have scored 12 and only conceded 2. Because of this we get a Medium Stake on a Home win, 2:0 and a 'your vote' in favor of LA, 55% and Columbus 14%.

The team over MLSsoccer.com has Galaxy across the board this week.

Adam Jardy, Crew beat writer for the Columbus Dispatch, doesn't show a lean either way in today's paper. He does state that a loss here would set up an "unpleasant scene at Crew Stadium" this Sunday.

Over at Goal.com Zac Lee Rigg writes; "Los Angeles will look to preserve a four-game home unbeaten streak against the Crew come July 4." The fan voting there is getting some activity going 90% LA Galaxy 5.5% Crew. Steep.

MY THOUGHTS

Chipped Beef & Scotch

The Crew are in the middle of the toughest part of their schedule and are struggling. A win tonight is not likely but, of course, not impossible.

Despite what NFL fans like to project onto soccer, location matters. Form matters. And also, for the sake of Pete - Stop saying each game can turn around the season. A Crew win here or an LA win doesn't do that. It's a long season. I feel like the pitcher in the Barbsol commercial needs to set people straight here.

I'm normally not a fan of this, but a draw here for Columbus should be what the Crew fight for. Zero, zero? Okay, good enough right now. Adam Jardy is correct in his statement about the Sunday game if the Crew lose tonight. It would mark the third loss in a row and push the team back to 3 points in last five.

Columbus hasn't lost three in a row since mid-September of 2011 and only three times since the start of 2008.

Late game start for Crew fans but sometimes the best moments happen in games like this one. Enjoy.