Columbus Crew vs Los Angeles FC Prediction: The Crew have the slight edge

Analysis and prediction for the Leagues Cup final between Columbus Crew and Los Angeles FC on the 26th of August 2024, at the Lower.com Field.

The Columbus Crew enters this Leagues Cup Final in scintillating form, boasting one of the most potent attacking units in the competition. In their last six outings in all competitions, Columbus has had five wins and a draw, scoring a lot of goals and keeping things relatively tight at the back. Home form has been even more formidable; in fact, what people have been witnessing through a series of dominant performances is the fortification of Lower.com Field this season.

Los Angeles FC (LAFC) has encapsulated all of that flair synonymous with the West Coast, combining a high-octane attack with a strong defensive backbone. LAFC's form going into the final has been a little more inconsistent, peaking with surprising slips in form, particularly away from home. They do have a great habit of rising to the challenge in the must-win games, though, and their run to the finals has been a tale of sublime comebacks and tightly-contested affairs almost never to be dulled. Their last five matches have seen them bag a couple of high-scoring draws that were a cue to their attacking flair but exposed a few problems at the back.

The historical matchup between the two teams is only slightly biased towards LAFC, who have had the better hand in most of the past encounters. However, as has always been the case, this comes with slim margins of victory or draws. Most of the games are decided by just a goal, while others end in draws. The home advantage of the Columbus Crew has mostly played a big role, making it hard for LAFC to leave with a win. In the recent meetings, Columbus has been able to stifle LAFC's potent attack, forcing them to play more on the counter, which isn't their preferred style of play.

It's primed to be a tactical chess match, but both teams boast the firepower to make things swing in their favor. The slight edge lies with Columbus Crew because of home-field advantage, where tactically everything seems very well-oiled and supported by consistent form. Still, LAFC brings experience in big games and the ability to turn it on in an instant.

• Columbus Crew Win at 2.22 Odds
• Columbus Crew to Win and Over 1.5 Goals at 1.61 Odds
• Columbus Crew Win 2-1 at 9.50 Odds