A spot in the Champions Cup next season is the reward on the line in the third placed match at the CONCACAF Leagues Cup on Sunday evening when the Philadelphia Union host the Colorado Rapids in a key game for both sides.
As has been the case throughout the competition, this match will be shown live and in full on the MLS Season Pass on Apple TV but those who don’t have that facility will be able to watch the game on the bookmaker live streams.
Philadelphia Union
There is still a lot of football for the Philadelphia Union to play this season, but the fact that they currently sit outside the playoff zone in the Eastern Conference in the MLS makes this a big game for them. If they can secure Champions Cup football next term by winning this match then it will take the pressure off them a touch as they look to make it into the postseason and then were they to get there they would be able to compete knowing that they have continental football to come regardless of what happens.
The Union have found some form in this tournament but they couldn’t get the better of the Columbus Crew in the semi-final and are now having to work to finish third. The key thing for Philadelphia going into this match is that their attacking unit looks to have found its feet having really struggled after the departure of Julian Carranza. They have tightened up at the back as a result and with this match being on home soil they will be extremely confident of winning this one.
Special Offer
Open a new Sporting Index account and bet £10 on the Leagues Cup (min odds 1/2) to get £20 in free bets (2x£10 free bets) to use on any sports market! Click the image below to take advantage of this great offer! 18+ T&Cs apply. Gamble Responsibly.
Colorado Rapids
This has been a much improved campaign for the Colorado Rapids and while they are very well placed to launch a good postseason campaign in the Western Conference, if they were able to secure Champions Cup football before we get to the business part of the MLS campaign it would really take the pressure off them and allow their quality attacking players to sparkle a little more as there is a concern that the Rapids might get found out a touch defensively for the remainder of the season.
Colorado took care of a number of Liga MX sides in this knockout phase but like so many before them this season, they had no answer to Los Angeles FC in the semi-final. We shouldn’t hold that against them, although it won’t have done anything to settle the fears that the loss of Moise Bombito could be significant this term. They will need to get their attacking players into the game a lot more in this one if they are to come out on top in it you would feel.
Betting
I find it hard to go against the Philadelphia Union here. They have looked really good throughout the competition and are generally a very good side at Subaru Park. When you consider that there hasn’t been much in the way of turnaround time between the semi-final and the final and Colorado have had to travel from Los Angeles to Philadelphia and everything that goes with it, this is going to be a tough ask for the Rapids I feel.
I have been really positive about Colorado this season and I still think they can finish the campaign strongly but there is enough against them here I think. Not only have Philadelphia avoided the travel for this match but they have Tai Baribo back from suspension so he will be fresh as a daisy which is no bad thing. I expect Colorado to give a decent showing of themselves but Philly have turned their home form around whereas the Rapids were conceded two a game on their travels in MLS and in both official away games in this tournament they have lost 4-0. Philadelphia feel like the bet at 4/5.
Tips
Back Philadelphia Union to beat Colorado Rapids for a 3/10 stake at 1.80 with Bet365
