The Columbus Crew (4-2-4, 14 Points) haven't scored a goal in 309 minutes away from home. Fortunately for them, they'll be back at the friendly confines of MAPFRE Stadium on Friday night when the Chicago Fire (3-1-5, 10 Points) come calling.
ODDS ANALYSIS
Columbus is going to end up being a modest favorite in this match when the MLS odds debut later in the week. The Crew have been significantly stronger at home this season than they have been on the road, while Chicago's -4 goal differential on the road suggests that it could again struggle in this one even though it is only a short road trip.
KEY INJURIES
The Crew have the problem of not having Mohammed Saeid in this match due to suspension from his red card received last weekend.
On the injury front, Columbus has a few question marks in Wil Trapp, Waylon Francis and Kei Kamara. Francis and Kamara are expected to be in training leading into this fixture. Trapp needs to be cleared of his concussion symptoms before getting back on the pitch.
Chicago won't have Matt Watson or Patrick Nyarko in its midfield on Friday night, while Mike Magee remains a long-term absentee thanks to hip surgery from last season.
QUOTE TO NOTE
"We should've seen them off. Let's be honest. We were in their box, even in the last 10 minutes, four times where if we pick the last pass out correctly, we score. I don't think it's from lack of trying. It really isn't, because our guys have kept going, and they're trying to do the right things." – Chicago manager Frank Yallop following a disappointing 2-2 draw at New York City FC last week, a match which the Fire led 2-0 in the final 10 minutes
RECENT FORM
Chicago is going to have a tough time picking itself up after last week's disaster in the Bronx. The Fire were up 2-0 and had the numerical advantage as well with NYCFC down to just 10 men, yet they blew it by allowing two late goals to end on level terms. That marks three straight matches to kick off May with just two points to show for them for Chicago.
We really shouldn't be surprised by the Crew losing 2-0 at San Jose last weekend. Columbus still doesn't have a win away from home this season. However, in their last three home matches, they have beaten Seattle, Philadelphia and Orlando City, netting a total of 10 goals in the process.
TALKING TOTALS
The Fire have played two straight over matches, moving them to 4-5 for the season for over backers. Chicago's defense is going to have to be much better if it is going to keep this one under the number, knowing that it has allowed two goals in each of its last two games.
Outside of a drab match against D.C. United in which the offense got nothing going whatsoever, Columbus has comfortably found the back of the net time and time again. The Crew have pushed three of their last four duels over the total, a streak which could be in jeopardy is Kamara, the team's leading scorer, isn't on the pitch.
ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
Be careful with this match on both sides. It wouldn't be stunning to see the Fire get absolutely crippled in this match after drawing at NYCFC. However, if Kamara isn't in the Starting XI, we aren't sure where the goals are coming from for Chicago.
The Crew should still get good contributions out of Ethan Finlay in the center of the pitch, but finding finishers could be a problem.
Remember that this is quite the fierce rivalry, and these two teams certainly don't want to give way the other. The end result could be a very profitable draw for bettors.
Columbus 1, Chicago 1
The MLS lines for this contest will be first released by BookMaker Sportsbook. Since this game can be seen by anyone with a TV, BookMaker will have a multitude of wagering options available for it. Outside of the normal lines, you can gamble on real-time moneylines, spreads and totals. Live betting is open during every step of this match!
Need to fund your account before the big game but don’t have your computer? No problem! BookMaker Sportsbook now offers a mobile betting cashier so you can deposit money directly from your smartphone. Don’t miss out on getting paid because you couldn’t bet. Click here and deposit at BookMaker now! The fixture between the Columbus Crew and the Chicago Fire is scheduled for Friday, May 22, 2015 at 8:00 p.m. ET at MAPFRE Stadium in Columbus, OH. The match will be televised live on Univision.
