Columbus Crew vs Atlanta United Prediction: Too soon to say, but both clubs should score atleast!

Columbus Crew and Atlanta United will have the stage on the opening day of the season at the Lower.com Field. The much anticipated season begins and both clubs are eager to get off to a flying start. The last meeting between these two was in last season’s playoffs and Columbus Crew advanced after winning 2 of the 3 playoff games against Atlanta United. 

Columbus Crew had a quiet preseason period as they participated in no matches ahead of the new season. While Atlanta United were involved in 5 preseason games to prepare for the new season. Now both teams will hope to put in all the preparations and planning to good use as they battle for the first 3 points of the long season.

Columbus Crew’s first test will be in front of thousands of fans as they face last season's playoff opponent Atlanta United. The team were not involved in any preseason games or friendlies throughout the break and while there's a doubt that it might play a huge factor in their new season, they are still hoping to produce their best football as they did last season. 

Cucho Hernandez was the star player for Columbus Crew last season after netting 21 goals for the club. He is expected to lead the team once again this season while he is assisted by Christian Ramirez. Aidan Morris is also another familiar name to look out for this season following his contributions at the heart of the midfield last season. Aidan Morris managed 1.4 interceptions per game on average and 3.3 tackles per game last season. 

Columbus Crew and Atlanta produced an epic battle in the playoffs last season. The crew were able to net 8 goals in all 3 playoff games. 

What better way to start the season than against a team that knocked them off the playoffs last season? 

Atlanta United are looking prepared for the new season and they hope to get a positive start to the campaign inorder to achieve their ambitions for the season. 

Atlanta United were involved in 5 preseason matches during the break and they won 3 matches, drew 1 and lost 1. It was disappointing at the end of the final preseason game, as they lost 3-1 to Sporting Kansas City. But there's a lot of positives from the other games and they will hope to build on those results.

Atlanta United will be pleased to have Giorgos Giakoumakis for another season after his impressive performances last season. Giorgos was top scorer for Atlanta United last season with 19 goals. While Thiago Almada registered 16 assists for the club last season. These two players will be instrumental to the club this season and all attention will be on these two to give them a taste of some opening-day victory. 

In the last 20 meetings between Atlanta United and Columbus Crew, Columbus Crew won 11 matches, while Atlanta United won 7 and 2 matches ended in a draw.

These two clubs never fail to disappoint whenever they meet each other. However Columbus Crew have maintained a very good record against Atlanta United at the Lower.com Field. 

Analysis of h2h meetings shows Atlanta United are without a clean sheet in the last 15 meetings. In 6 of their last 8 meetings, there were more than 2.5 goals scored and both teams scored in 7 of their last 8 meetings. Columbus Crew scored first in 4 of their last 5 meetings and there were less than 10.5 corners in those 4 matches.

• Columbus Crew Win or Draw and Under 4.5 Goals at 1.6 Odds
• Both Team to Score and Over 2.5 Goals at 1.667 Odds
• Columbus Crew to Win 2-1 at 8.50 Odds