Columbus Crew vs Seattle Sounders Prediction: Columbus Crew is formidable

A high-intensity clash in the MLS is looming between Columbus Crew and Seattle Sounders. The 3rd-placed Columbus Crew in the Eastern Conference will welcome the Seattle Sounders, who lie in 8th place in the Western Conference. Both teams are well-attested to dynamic playstyles, and this is an important match for both sides with the season approaching the final curve.

The Crew have been sensational lately, in fact, they're on a run of nine straight wins. A recent 4-2 victory over New York City FC showcased their attacking flair with the team fashioning five big chances while remaining highly efficient in front of goal. Columbus usually deploys a 4-2-3-1 formation and is very oriented towards quick transitions and flowing attacking play.

The Crew is aggressive, yet calculated, in offense, with its defense solid for the most part, having given up goals in some matches by winning crucial tackles and maintaining good shape. To that end, the ability to control midfield with accurate passing and well-timed tackles is crucial in being able to regulate game tempo. Columbus will most likely exploit Seattle's recent vulnerabilities in the back, particularly with their streak of four straight games of conceding goals.

There is little doubt that Columbus Crew are the better of the two going into this tie, as their run of nine wins in a row acts as a psychological boost. With regular goals, impressive stats at the back too, the odds could go either way to make them favorites to win this tie. Seattle's inconsistency and lack of creativity may finally hamper them against this well-drilled Columbus side.

Meanwhile, the Seattle Sounders have struggled for consistency over the past weeks with three losses in their last five matches. They were quite disappointing in their outing last week, which ended in a 1-0 loss to Portland, indicating all their problems in the final third as they failed to create significant scoring opportunities. The Sounders normally set up in a 4-2-3-1 or a 4-3-3.

The Sounders are strong for the dominating possession of the ball, winning battles in midfield-as reflected by their impressive 67% tackle success rate against Portland-but it's been the attacking line that has been at fault and reliant on set pieces-a majority being corners-which just has not worked out. Defensive-wise, they must be wary of the quick counter-attacks by Columbus and the wide players.

Traditionally, matches between the sides are closely contested. Seattle has the slight edge in head-to-head matches 8-6, but Columbus has been hard to break down at home this season, and Seattle only narrowly won 2-1 the last time it came to town. This acts as a little extra motivation for revenge.

This could be a real test of Seattle's mettle, and also one of consistency for Columbus. Though Columbus Crew are favorites in this one, MLS is never really predictable, and Seattle cannot be written off if they find their attacking rhythm once again. It should be a competitive game with a lot of tactical intrigue.

With Columbus' recent GG trend in 5 out of their last 7 games and the struggling Seattle's defense so far this season, both teams do have tendencies to score and concede, so this is a very probable bet.

• Home Win or Draw & Over 2.5 Goals @ 2.25 Odds
• Over 2.5 Goals at 1.72 Odds
• Home Win 2-1 @ 8.50 Odds