Last Updated on February 28, 2024 7:29 pm by Erwin Noguera
In the second week of the MLS season, two of the teams that started the campaign winning will have a duel when Minnesota United hosts Columbus Crew.
The Loons beat Austin FC 2-1 on the first matchday thanks to goals from Robin Lod and Alejandro Bran.
Meanwhile, the defending champions beat Atlanta United 1-0 with a goal by their star player, Juan Camilo “El Cucho” Hernández.
When and Where?
Saturday, March 2, 2:00 pm ET at the Allianz Field
Moneyline odds:
Minnesota United 2.59
Columbus Crew 2.47
Draw Offs:
3.8
Where Can I Watch?
MLS Season Pass on Apple TV
Why Bet on Minnesota United?
Minnesota United’s 2023 was far from expectations, falling out of the Playoffs, so they have a challenge this season: to give their fans something to be proud of.
At least on the first matchday, they started on the right foot, beating Austin 2-1 as visitors, thanks to goals from Robin Lod and Alejandro Bran.
In the market, this team bought a lot, including a player from Leipzig, such as Caden Clark, Costa Rican midfielder Bran, Moses Nyeman, and Loic Mesanvi.
However, Minnesota is not a team brimming with stars, with its most prominent player being the Finnish striker Teemu Puki, who had a spell in the Premier League. Argentine midfielder Franco Fragapane can also stand out. The rest of the players are battlers who want to make a name for themselves in top-level soccer or who are looking to relaunch their careers.
The club’s preseason was not positive, winning only one of four matches, while at home in MLS, they won only one of the last five games they played.
Coach Camerino Knowles’ injured players are Kervin Arriaga, Emanuel ‘Bebelo’ Reynoso, and Bongokuhle Hlongwane.
Why Bet on Columbus Crew?
Columbus Crew has the pressure of being the league’s reigning champion, and its people hope they can repeat that feat in 2024, mainly because they kept the champion base.
Their first match ended with a 1-0 victory at home against a complex opponent like Atlanta United. The goal was by Cucho Hernandez, the great figure of this team.
The Colombian striker, who could well be in a European league, decided to stay in MLS, where he finished last season with 21 goals and 13 assists, besides being the MVP of the final against LAFC. But it is not only Cucho, as this team has the Uruguayan midfielder Diego Rossi as the other great figure.
They also invested heavily in the Colombian midfielder Marino Hinestroza, for whom they paid 2.9 million euros to Pachuca. Nicholas Hagen, Derrick Jones, and Jake Morris also joined the club.
The away team has lost only one of its last six matches, and their only injured player is defender Will Sands.
Final Betting Analysis: Minnesota United vs. Columbus Crew
Last season, these teams did not play, but Columbus’ last MLS visit to Minnesota resulted in a 1-0 loss in 2019.
The numbers at Gambyl Exchange have Columbus Crew as the favorite. The Moneyline for them shows 2.47, while Minnesota United has 2.59, and the draw is at 3.8.
Although Minnesota United started the season on the right foot, the victory will end up going to Columbus, which is in great form as the reigning champion and has in its squad the best player in the league, El Cucho Hernandez. We’ll go for a 1-3.
Go for a win for Columbus Crew. If you bet $100 at 2.47, you will gain $147 for a total payout of $247.
Minnesota United vs. Columbus Crew Betting Pick: Columbus Crew
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