MLS betting tips: Columbus Crew to end losing streak against Colorado Rapids
- George Dempsey
- 30 May 2023
Across the pond, we're looking for plenty of opportunity in Wednesday night's 12-match MLS fixture list and Columbus Crew, Seattle Sounders and Vancouver Whitecaps look decent value.
The MLS season is picking up pace as we ready ourselves for matchday 16, an evening kicking off with third-place Atlanta United hosting fifth-place New England Revolution.
Our main focus is on the Western Conference, though, where several teams are looking to extend their winning home streaks and Columbus Crew are looking to snap a run of three straight losses.
Wednesday's MLS accumulator
Columbus Crew vs Colorado Rapids verdict
The hosts have lost three consecutive games, all of which have come on their travels. That provides added motivation as they return to home comforts on Wednesday evening.
The visiting Rapids have had woes of their own, losing four straight. They've overachieved on the road this season where they traditionally struggle outside of Colorado, losing 11 of 17 last season.
The hosts have won four, drawn two and lost one at home, but the numbers suggest they're unfortunate not to have won more.
Looking at their 2-1 loss to Inter Miami and the 2-2 draw with Orlando, the Crew dominated both games and produced a combined xG of 4.81, far superior to their visitor's numbers.
Only three teams are producing better quality chances at home and only one side has a higher away xG against than the visitors. This looks like a perfect opportunity to get back on track. Back Columbus to win.
Seattle Sounders vs San Jose Earthquakes verdict
The Sounders are a force to be reckoned with on home soil but they'll be concerned about how they fare without the services of US international Jordan Morris.
They've been a little bit patchy, losing three and winning two of their previous five, but they haven't made the most of chances coming their way.
They should get the opportunity to balance things out on Wednesday as visitors San Jose are as leaky as it gets. They've allowed 15 goals in seven MLS away games so far.
In addition to being dumped out of the cup by lower-league opposition, they've suffered defeat against five MLS sides and conceded at least twice in six of seven away games.
The hosts have been relatively solid at the back, keeping a clean sheet in 53% of their games this season. Back Seattle to win.
Vancouver Whitecaps vs Houston Dynamo verdict
Last but not least, Vancouver are finding their form at home. Few teams in the MLS are doing a better job of dominating games and creating high-quality chances.
They've had a torrid time on their travels but at BC Place, they're unbeaten in five, winning four. During that run, they've beaten Montreal 5-0, Minnesota 3-2, Seattle 2-0 and Portland 1-0.
Visitors Houston have had a big few weeks. After drawing with Dallas two weekends back, they beat their other local rivals Austin at home on the weekend. We think it's only natural they suffer a drop-off
They spring the odd surprise on their travels but they have lost 23 of their last 31 away matches and they find themselves in a tricky spot here.
No side has a lower xG on their travels than the Dynamo and the Whitecaps have never lost at home to Houston, holding them to eight goals in 11 meetings. Back Vancouver to win.
