Columbus Crew are seemingly headed for the knockout rounds of the Leagues Cup after back-to-back wins in their opening two games and Laurent Courtois' side will aim for three on the spin as Pumas UNAM visit ScottsMiracle-Gro Field.
The Crew have never lost a Leagues Cup game against Mexican opposition inside 90 minutes, while Pumas have been defeated in four of their last six Leagues Cup games against teams from the MLS.
Columbus Crew vs. Pumas UNAM betting picks and predictions
Columbus Crew to Win & Both Teams to Score (+210)
Both teams have scored in each of Columbus Crews' last five games in the MLS and Leagues Cup. The Ohio side have picked up three wins and a draw from the last four.
Pumas UNAM have lost both Leagues Cup games without scoring but they recorded an xG figure of 1.45 against FC Cincinnati last time and really should have got on the scoresheet having had 15 shots at goal.
The Mexican side are without a clean sheet in five games since their season started. Those defeats to Charlotte FC and Cincinnati means it's improbable that the Pumas will survive into the knockouts.
They will have less pressure on their shoulders now, with that being the case, and can get on the scoresheet, but Columbus Crew should have the attacking capabilities to earn the win.
Brais Mendez Anytime Goalscorer (+200)
It has been an excellent start for Brais Mendez since he joined Columbus Crew from Real Sociedad.
Mendez joined the Black & Gold after nearly a decade in Spain's top flight, where he recorded 33 goals and 24 assists in 166 matches for Sociedad, including three in the UEFA Champions League.
The 29-year-old scored against Pachuca in his last start, finishing acrobatically in the 18th minute to break the deadlock and make it three goals in three appearances, all the more impressive given a total of just 144 minutes on the pitch so far.
He should lead the line once more for the Crew in this game and can keep his scoring streak going against a visiting defence struggling for shutouts.
Over 8 Corners (+150)
Nine or more corners looks a likely outcome. There were 10 in Columbus Crew's win over Pachuca and eight as they beat Atlas before that, though the MLS side came out second-best in both corner counts.
The Pumas have lost both games in the Leagues Cup but taken 11 corners across those losses, with the contests against Charlotte and Cincinnati hitting double figures.
The Liga MX side have nothing to lose in this trip to Ohio and should play an attacking game, ensuring they play their part in raising the corner count.
Columbus Crew vs. Pumas UNAM odds
Columbus Crew | -150 |
Tie | +320 |
Pumas UNAM | +260 |
Columbus Crew vs. Pumas UNAM player props
Anytime goalscorer
Jamal Thiare (Columbus Crew) | +120 |
Taha Harbourne (Columbus Crew) | +130 |
Chase Adams (Columbus Crew) | +163 |
Guillermo Martinez (Pumas UNAM) | +200 |
Misael Torres (Pumas ANAM) | +200 |
Robert Morales (Pumas ANAM) | +225 |
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
