Crew Rd 10 Predictions, Home vs 'Caps

Crew host the Vancouver Whitecaps this evening. Raining now, more is expected. Kickoff at 7:30 PM EST, 4:30 PM PST.

 GAME NOTES 
CLB: Form 2nd to last in last 6 games (-5 GD, 3 Pts)
CLB: Trapp returning from suspension
CLB: Lineup changes expected, 3rd game in week
VAN: 1.67 Goals per Game, 4th in MLS. Only 3 in 4 Away, however
VAN: Win last week vs. San Jose
VAN: No Kenny Miller

 TEN PREDICTIONS 
Percentage on left is accuracy picking Columbus Crew matches only. Sorted best to worst.

56% WHOSCORED.COM ... VANCOUVER WHITECAPS
Graham Ruthven speaking truth when he says "The Caps have been presented with an excellent opportunity to make it two successive wins." Likes them by a 0-1 scoreline.

56% WIN DRAW WIN ... VANCOUVER WHITECAPS 
Seems to be some confidence around an Away victory today. Those wiseguys have stake on 0-1 'Caps and vote them 39% chance to win (Draw 34%, Crew 26%). Pretty tight.

44% COLUMBUS DISPATCH ... DRAW
Check today's paper for news on how the team looks to approach today's match, also looks at how this winless streak creeping up Crew record books. As far as the result, Adam Jardy believes unfamiliarity breeds draw.

33% BET365 ... COLUMBUS CREW
Odds in the favor of the home side today 11/10 (23/10 Draw, 5/2 'Caps).

33% GOAL.COM ... COLUMBUS CREW
Rudi Schuller from Goal Canada bangs out a preview today, in it saying; "Gregg Berhalter's side will be looking to re-assert its home field advantage against a Vancouver side that has historically looked average away from home."

33% HOME TEAM ... COLUMBUS CREW
Crew looking to get back on track at home. Only 5 pts over last 4 games at Crew Stadium and only 4 goals.

33% MLSSOCCER ... COLUMBUS CREW
All aboard the Crew train this week.

22% WV HOOLIGAN ... n/a
Drew Epperley has been tied up the past couple weeks.

0% MASSIVE REPORT ... n/a
Jon Szekerez of Eighty Six Forever and Pat Murphy sit down and drop knowledge on today's matchup, go check it out and be a smart Vancrewcaps person.

0% TABLE POSITION ... VANCOUVER WHITECAPS
First time this year the Crew weren't higher up than the opposition.

 MY GAME THOUGHTS 

'Caps Coach Robinson

It won't surprise anyone when the Whitecaps play for the draw. They are not a good road team partly because they are an expansion franchise, but also because they have to travel so far.

That said, it's not like they are horrible this year away from BC Place. 3 drawn and only one loss says to me that Carl Robinson is just trying to hold ground away for now before he takes some risks. Risks that I do not think he will be very temped to take today very often.

Vancouver does have a lot of speed (oh, MLS loves the speed) so they probably can catch the Crew pushing numbers forward if so inclined.

It could get very interesting if both Josh Williams and Waylon Francis are rested today. Both of them have the speed to get up and down where likely replacements, whoever they are, do not (and will not be in game shape). Actually, that just might be the key to this game.

Of course a win is important, but a draw or loss here for the Crew isn't the end of the world because of the way the league works in East / West divisions. Meaning; a loss isn't giving a East team three points over the Crew or the Crew is dropping two points in a draw with an East team. With that, I think the Crew should take some risks pushing forward to get some goals and reset some bad confidence and form.

A shootout type 2-2 or 3-2 type match is something this team needs.

Draw most likely for me, 'Caps win least likely.

We see. Man, rainy out there. Take an umbrella if you are heading out the match today. Should be a fun one!