With nations all around the world getting together to play in friendly matches over the course of the next week, the MLS is once again going to find itself raided in the midst of the playoff push. This time, it's FC Dallas which is really going to get the brunt of the problems against the Columbus Crew on the road on Sunday.
ODDS ANALYSIS
The Crew probably would have been favorites in this match one way or the other, but now that FC Dallas is missing some of its important role players, there is a real chance that this game could end up being a horrible mismatch.
Columbus is favored by a -130 margin along with a high total of a flat 3.
KEY INJURIES
FC Dallas' leading goal scorer, Fabian Castillo is going to be heading back to his homeland in Columbia for international duties.
Blas Perez, the other normal striker for Dallas, is headed back to Panama to play in friendlies, while Tesho Akindele, one of the men who could have replaced Perez in the fold, is going off to Canada. Je-Vaughn Watson has been called up by Jamaica as well.
Furthermore, Dallas is playing without Mauro Diaz, who is dealing with a quad injury, while Atiba Harris is facing a suspension for this fixture thanks to yellow card accumulation.
Kei Kamara is amongst the eight not playing for Columbus this weekend, but quantity doesn't equal quality in relation to what we are seeing with Dallas.
QUOTE TO NOTE
"It was a tough decision. As he gets used to starting and gets more comfortable in that role, I think you'll see more production." – Crew head coach Gregg Berhalter on his decision to move Justin Meram into the starting lineup, a move which paid dividends last week against NYCFC when the Iraqi midfielder scored the match-winning goal
RECENT FORM
The Crew have consecutive wins and haven't been beaten in four consecutive matches. They have basically locked down their playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, though obviously, it is still vital to move into one of those two top spots to avoid having to play an opening round match.
FC Dallas snapped a three-game slide last week against Real Salt Lake, though the match's enthusiasm was clearly tempered, knowing that the team was going to be broken up this week for international duties, something which the MLS teams have been fighting to try to keep to a minimum, especially as the season draws on.
ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
It's unbelievable that MLS teams have to deal with this problem of having all of their stars taken away for international duties here in the midst of the playoff push. Both of these teams are fighting, not just for spots, but for seeding as well, and it isn't fair to Dallas that it has been decimated by all accounts.
Columbus might have some problems scoring as well, which sets this match up to be an under showing for sure. One though, is probably going to be enough against an FC Dallas side which more or less is going to have to use USL Pro players to be able to get through this one, particularly in attack. Not having Perez and Castillo is definitely a big problem for FCD, and few teams in the MLS would make it through a match like this without getting defeated.
Columbus 1, FC Dallas 0
BookMaker has live MLS odds for every clash of the season. BookMaker is also going to have multiple betting options available for this nationally-televised match. The Columbus Crew opened as -130 favorites. The first offering of the total came in at 3. Live wagering during the match offers an adjusted moneyline, total and spread. Log in and start gambling during the soccer match now!
Load your betting bankroll from your smartphone or tablet with BookMaker’s new cashier feature! Depositing and withdrawing funds from your account has never been easier. BookMaker's live betting platform means you always have access to odds and lines to every sporting event. Click here and start wagering today! The fixture between the Columbus Crew and FC Dallas will take place on Sunday, September 6, 2015, at 7:00 p.m. at MAPFRE Stadium. The game will be broadcast live on FOX Sports 1.
