Philadelphia Union vs Columbus Crew Prediction: Both team will entertain the fans

The preview, analysis and prediction for the upcoming MLS match between Philadelphia Union and Columbus Crew at the Subaru Park on the 29th of August 2024.

Philadelphia Union comes into this one off the back of a thrilling Leagues Cup exit. They let themselves go to the Colorado Rapids on penalties following a 2-2 draw. This result almost mirrors some inconsistencies of late in their form, particularly against high-pressure opponents. That said, they can still recover from this to be very hard to face at home by utilizing that strong pressure and organized defense to their advantage.

Philadelphia's normal 4-3-1-2 high-press setup allows the team to take the lead in the central areas and press in the opponent's build-up play. Transition, when primarily triggered by the rapid process of turning defense into attack, is heavy with midfield involvement in both phases.

Fullbacks will move forward to support the attack while providing width, and central defenders will hold a high line in covering spaces behind whenever the team presses high up the field.

Leagues Cup holders Columbus Crew only recently pulled off a 3-1 result over Los Angeles FC, no doubt serving as just one aspect of how really good Columbus is and has been all season regarding attacking transitions. This most definitely has them in great stead, full of confidence on the back of this performance, thus tough to beat.

Columbus Crew, under their current management, has favored a flexible 4-2-3-1 that, in possession, has more often than not shifted into a 3-4-3. It allows them the flexibility to adopt different methods of play depending on different game states and opponents. Their game plan revolves around quick vertical passing and exploiting wide areas with their wingers and full backs getting forward, often creating overloads to stretch the opponent's defense.

Lately, Columbus has had the tendency to sit deep and hit on the break with ball-carrying runners from up front, using their pace and ingenuity. This is truly the case again this week versus Philadelphia—especially if they're looking to get in behind the high line that Philadelphia often holds. The key will be how effective Columbus will be in switching play and moving with pace transitions that will eventually create gaps in the backline of Philadelphia.

In the head-to-head history, Philadelphia Union and Columbus Crew have had a rather close battle. Very often, matches ended at the level of fine-margin decisions, whereby both teams would find their domination periods. Philadelphia generally did much better at home, using their intense atmosphere and tactical discipline. On the other side, Columbus was always able to collect such important away wins by specializing in great success on counter-attacks.

This can be quite a tight game considering recent form, home advantage, and tactical setups. Philadelphia Union will fancy their chances to bounce back from their Leagues Cup loss and take hold of possession and territory, especially in the opening exchanges. On the other hand, Columbus Crew goes with confidence and counter-attacking threat; they are a dangerous opponent that could overturn any game within a few decisive moments.

If a tactical game is chess, then the team which makes fewer mistakes usually wins. Here, too, it looks like the draw probability will be confirmed since both teams demonstrate opportunities to score, but none of them has a sure upper hand in the duel.

• Both Teams to Score and Over 2.5 Goals at 1.65 Odds
• Philadelphia or Columbus Crew Win and Over 2.5 Goals at 1.77 Odds
• Columbus Crew Win 3-2 at 19.00 Odds