Crew Rd 2 Predictions (Home vs PHI)

Two teams looking improved over last year are in action tonight as the Philadelphia Union are in town to take on the Columbus Crew. Game starts 6:00 PM EST.

GAME NOTES:
CLB: Healthy so far this season.
CLB: Oduro off suspension, should play role tonight.
CLB: Crewsmas Day in Columbus, fun for fans.
PHI: Looks like missing Austin Berry today, if so? big loss.
PHI: Played Crew to draw in Columbus last year.
PHI: Maurice Edu will be in mid controlling action.

TEN PREDICTIONS

1. WIN DRAW WIN ... COLUMBUS CREW
Folks in the know like the Crew this week. Small stake on 1-0 home win. "Your Votes" also has the Crew with 42% (37% Draw, 20% Philly)

2. COLUMBUS DISPATCH ... COLUMBUS CREW
Adam Jardy does think the Union will be "more formidable test for the Crew" than last weeks DC team, but in the end finds it hard to find a reason for the Crew not to get 3 pts. Pick up a copy of the Dispatch today to read all about it.

3. BET365 ... COLUMBUS CREW
Leaning heavily on the Home teams across the entire league today. Crew no different at almost even (21/20 fav). Draw 11/5 and PHI 11/4.

4. HOME TEAM ... COLUMBUS CREW
Home teams are dominate in MLS thus far in 2014, only losing 3 games out of 16 played.

5. GOAL.COM ... COLUMBUS CREW
Thomas Floyd thinks "The outlook is better for Columbus, with Parkhurst set to play after recovering from a calf knock and Dominic Oduro ready to make his 2014 debut." Reader predictions likes Philly, however.

6. MASSIVE REPORT ... (no lean)
Pat Murphy points out that the Crew have never started a season with two wins. Give his good match preview a read.

7. WHOSCORED.COM ... COLUMBUS CREW
Graham Ruthven thinks "...Berhalter's team put down an impressive marker in the capital but now face a tougher challenge on Saturday," he likes the Crew 2-1.

8. TABLE POSITION ... (too early)
Only a couple weeks in, chill dude.

9. MLSSOCCER.COM ... COLUMBUS CREW
The "pick em" crew likes the Crew this week, 5 of the 6 going with them. Only Nick Rosano likes this one a draw.

10. WV HOOLIGAN ... DRAW
Drew Epperley is the only one this week that see's this any other way than a Crew win thinking; "Both teams have plenty to be excited by surrounding them." Score prediction: 1-1.

MY THOUGHTS

Think bigger, kid.

There's always a buzz in the crowd for home openers and that should be no different for the Crew today. Rumors have the Nordecke sold out, so the atmosphere should be hoppin' over there at the very least.

Both the Crew and Philly are improved over last year which means the soccer might be fun to watch... later this year. Since this is early in the season we will see a lot of pressing and (likely) a lot of fouls which means free(ish) flowing match from last week will not re-appear this week.

Like many on my list above I also think this will be a good test for both sides. I expect Hackworth and Berhalter to try and control the match in the middle of the pitch from the get-go today and the score line to be low and close.

A couple key things to watch for will be if Dominic Oduro starts or not (up top or in the MF) and if Philly's Austin Berry goes (injured?).

Oduro hasn't played a competitive match with the first team since February 26th against Orlando in the preseason. Speaking of the preseason, these two met early on and it was a midfield tug of war. Federico eventually put the Crew up but it took a 88th minute penalty.