The first spot in the MLS Cup Final will be filled on Sunday evening when the Eastern Conference final is played out as the Columbus Crew host the surprise packages of this side of the draw in New England Revolution.
The prize at stake here is a pretty big one, particularly for the Crew who go into the contest knowing that if they win this match they will host the MLS Cup Final next weekend. The Revolution will be on the road if they make it through but they will be delighted to be there.
Where to watch
There is a choice of channel to watch this match on Sunday evening. Sky subscribers can watch it on the Sky Sports Football channels but those without Sky can watch it on Free Sports. The programme begins at 8.05pm with the match kicking off soon after. The match is also available at the bookmakers streaming services.
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Columbus Crew
I have repeatedly made reference to the fact that I believe that the Columbus Crew are the best side in the Eastern Conference if not the entire MLS this season and they have the chance to prove just that here. They were forced to battle hard against Nashville SC last week but I really liked their performance. Even though they needed extra time it was an upgrade on the win over the New York Red Bulls in the opening round of the play-offs and if they improve again here they are going to be very hard to beat.
The Crew have that perfect combination of being very hard to break down but having the right mix of pace and creativity in forward areas to threaten. They have no shortage of experience in their side either and you get the impression they are waiting for the right opposition to bring their A game out against. They might just find it here and if the likes of Lucas Zelarayan have a huge game the Crew are going to be tough to stop here.
New England Revolution
Having had to enter these play-offs via the ‘Play In’ round, the New England Revolution have already been on their travels and pulled off two upsets and will be eyeing up the hat trick in this match. They have got in front of their last two opponents – Philadelphia Union and Orlando City – early and have not relented the advantage they have created. They have then stood back and watched both teams self-implode and if they can get into that position here things really will be going their way.
The success of the Revolution during these play-offs has come through the creative quality of Carles Gil and the wonderful talent that is Gustavo Bou and you would think both will need to have big matches here if the Revolution are going to make the MLS Cup Final. The other thing that shouldn’t be ignored is the experience of Bruce Arena. He is no stranger to winning the big matches and he has clearly transferred that knowhow onto his players.
Betting
Those of you who have followed my bets in the MLS throughout the season will be sitting very nicely for this match as we are already on the Columbus Crew to deliver on a 25/1 bet to win the Eastern Conference, ie win this match, and 50/1 to win MLS which a win here will confirm the place so there are 50pts at stake here. I’ve already collected on them on a place for the Conference so we’re all in profit whatever happens here which means I’ll let the outright bets ride rather than hedge out, particularly as I expect the Crew to win the contest.
The general consensus is that this will be a tight match with not a lot in it in terms of goal action but I don’t necessarily agree with that viewpoint. I get where it comes from because it took an age for Columbus Crew to break down Nashville last week but Nashville are hard to beat. If you go back a game then you get the win over the New York Red Bulls where they were much more fluent. New England shouldn’t be as hard to break down but they offer more than enough going forward to suggest they will find the net. I’m happy to go against the grain here and take over 2.5 goals.
Tips
Back Over 2.5 goals for a 3/10 stake at 1.90 with Betfair
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