The LA Galaxy take on the Columbus Crew today over at the fairgrounds. Kickoff is 7:30 PM EST, 4:30 PM PST.
GAME NOTES
CLB: Only 3 teams in MLS with negative goal diff at home, Crew is one.
CLB: Big crowd expected
CLB: Arrieta might be back in XI today.
LAG: 13 from last 6 games +9 goal diff
LAG: Robbie Rogers back in town today, left back
LAG: Might see new signing Alan Gordon tonight
PREDICTIONS
Percentage on the left is accuracy picking (WDL) 2014 Columbus Crew matches.
52% COLUMBUS DISPATCH ... DRAW (no lean)
Beat writer Adam Jardy doesn't go to far either way this week. Does think it would be a big win if the Crew could pull it off. Did you not see what was going on in US news last week? Pick up a paper, it's important.
52% WHOSCORED.COM ... LA GALAXY
Key bullet point from Graham Ruthven; "The Galaxy usually hit their stride at this time of the season, and that's what they are expected to do against Columbus." Like LA 1-2 tonight.
43% MLSSOCCER ... LA GALAXY
Five like LA, one like the Crew. Their predictions have been improved this year, lead by Matt Doyle's trailblazing "go with the home side" method last year.
43% WIN DRAW WIN ... LA GALAXY
45% like the away side today (21% home). There is also a medium stake on a 0-1 away win.
39% GOAL.COM ... LA GALAXY
Not a whole lot of MLS activity on goal.com after the World Cup.
35% BET365 ... LA GALAXY
Rare away favorites at Crew Stadium today 11/10. Crew falling behind odds on the draw (11/5) as well (13/5).
35% HOME TEAM ... COLUMBUS CREW
26% TABLE POSITION ... LA GALAXY
--% WV HOOLIGAN ... (no pick)
--% MASSIVE REPORT ... (no pick)
Pat Murphy has his scouting report ready for your review here.
MY PREDICTION
The Galaxy always packs them in here in Columbus but in a bit of a twist this year the Crew have decided to turn this match into a big top circus event. Let's run down the list:
• We've got a press conference announcing a new team president two hours before kickoff. Crew head coach Gregg Berhalter is an attendee.
• ...followed by a ceremony honoring Landon Donovan for his time with the USMNT, I think?
• The match (you know, like, the sport of soccer? Like the actual game that few in the US tend to write about but instead write about how US SOCCER IS HERE, MLS IS GROWING, WHAT IF LEBRON PLAYED, ATTENDANCE!, [INSERT CITY] DESERVES A MLS TEAM, AMERICAN YOUTH LIKE SOCCER... I could go on. Same stuff I've been reading since the 80s).
• Postgame fireworks.
That's everything I've got, anyway. The Crew need to be careful today, the best time to catch a Bruce Arena coached team in early in the season. Now is the last time you want to do it. This one has a chance to get ugly if Berhalter and company are not fully prepared. By prepared I mean looking to absorb LA's attack, especially early in the match. Wouldn't mind Crew wing backs (whomever they are tonight) to stay at home.
Weather looks perfect today, really nice.
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