Saturday, April 6, 2013

Predictions: Crew Rd 5 (Philly)

Columbus plays host for the 2nd time this year as the Philadelphia Union travel to Crew Stadium. 5 PM EST start. Also, 5 PM start here in Baltimore where there may be a groomsman watching on his phone.

GAME NOTES
- Last one between these two saw 32 SHTS, 14 on target (Crew 11 of them)
- Jairo Arrieta with brace that game
- Philly bet the Crew early last year at PPL 1:0
- Philly off to better expected start, 2 wins, 2 losses
- Crew haven't lost at home in last 10 but as discussed right after last home game, Crew haven't beat anyone in the top half during that time.
- Philly isn't (expected) to be a top half team this year.

PREDICTIONS

Bet365 heavily favors the Crew 5/6, 13/5 Draw, 16/5 Union. Best odds the Crew have had in some time.

Betting aggregate site Win Draw Win is sending some mixed signals. Show Crew as heavy favorite to win but shows large stake on 1:1 Draw and the reliable 'fan vote' actually is steering Philly (31%) but Draw most likely outcome (43%).

Drew Epperley over at WV Hooligan thinks "This could easily be the game of the weekend," and that the Crew have enough to send Philly back with sad faces; 2:1.

MLS Soccer experts think that the Crew should take this one. All six MLS employees that, in fact. Confident.

MY THOUGHTS

The Union have looked much better than expected in spells and that has been enough to get them 2 wins out of 4 but in Columbus they will have to manage to put together a full game to win.

This happens to be one of the rare "the Crew should win this one" games. They absolutely should get past this Philly team at home in front of their own fans.

Considering how defensive minded away teams have played across the league this season I wouldn't expect this one to be the fast paced / up and down the field match as it was the last time these two met.

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