Columbus Crew vs Charlotte — Tips & Analysis

Columbus Crew -0.25: Columbus are a different team at home, and that is the reason we are backing them. In their last twelve home games they have won 7, tied 1 and lost 4, and they let in just over a goal a game there. On the road they have won once in seven. Over the last month they have also been making more chances than they give up, so their results undersell them. W. Abou Ali is out, so the goals have to come from around the team. Charlotte are higher up the table and they travel well. They have won 11 of their last 19 and let in just over a goal a game. The warning sign is how they have got there. Over their last five games they have given up more chances than they have made, so those wins flatter them. Berchimas, Goodwin and A. John are all missing. These two do not play out quiet games. Their last nine meetings have averaged more than 3 goals, and 14 of Columbus's last 19 games had 3 or more. A 2-1 home win is the likeliest finish, and that is the result we want. The risk is plain. Charlotte sit 5th and Columbus 13th, and Charlotte won 3-1 in August. We still think Columbus have enough at home to win this.