Columbus Crew vs. New York City FC: Picks, Predictions, Odds and Player Props

The Leagues Cup is down to the final eight sides and MLS Cup winners Columbus Crew are aiming to win more silverware, but they need to get past New York City FC in the quarterfinals.

The Crew meet NYCFC in Ohio on Saturday night with the pair chasing a semifinal place.

Given that the winners of this game will play either Philadelphia Union - 10th in the Eastern Conference - or Liga MX’s second-bottom side Mazatlan, there’s a clear path to the final.

With silverware on the horizon for both, who will edge this clash at Lower.com Field? 

Columbus Crew vs. New York City FC betting picks and predictions

Columbus Crew to win (-125)

While just five points split these two sides in the Eastern Conference, Columbus head into the weekend’s opening quarterfinal as strong favorites.

After winning the MLS Cup last year, they were put straight into the knockout round of this competition, skipping the group stage.

New York City made it through their group without winning a game, as they edged out Queretaro on penalties for a bonus point which ultimately sent them through. A 4-2 loss at Cincinnati in their second game saw them progress in second place. 

The visitors have won just once in 90 minutes across their four Leagues Cup games.

They were 2-1 winners against Tigres UNAL in New Jersey in the previous round. Including their MLS games, New York City had gone seven matches without a win before that victory in midweek.

Meanwhile, Columbus were able to fit in a 4-1 victory over Premier League side Aston Villa in the break between MLS action and their first Leagues Cup game of the year.

The Crew beat Sporting KC 4-0 before a 3-2 victory against reigning Leagues Cup winners Inter Miami in the last round, although Miami was without Lionel Messi.

Having won 3-2 at New York City in June, the MLS Cup holders are good value at -125 to win in 90 minutes and progress. 

Diego Rossi to score anytime (+200)

Diego Rossi has already had a massive impact on this season’s Leagues Cup, pushing himself into contention to be top scorer despite missing the group stage.

He has struck a brace in each of The Crew's matches in this competition, adding to a return of nine MLS strikes this year. 

Rossi is in fantastic form and he’s worth getting behind as he looks to finish as the competition’s top scorer. While the former Fenerbahce forward is behind Juan Hernandez in terms of league goals this term, he looks like the biggest threat for Columbus right now. 

Hernandez has failed to score in his last three league games, so look at Rossi at +200 to score anytime in this contest. After scoring consecutive braces, he’s also a very large +1200 to score twice or more. 

Columbus Crew to win 3-1 (+1200)

The hosts are in scoring form, driven by Rossi’s good run. Of their six home victories this term, Columbus have won by two clear goals in four of those.

The MLS Cup winners do meet a New York City side that will cause them problems - both teams have scored in three of their four games in this competition and in each of their last four on the road.

Having shipped three goals to the Crew already this summer, back the visitors to score in a heavy defeat.

Columbus to win 3-1 holds a lot of appeal and it can be backed at +1200.

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Columbus Crew vs. New York City FC odds

Columbus Crew	-125
Tie	+275
New York City FC	+333

Columbus Crew vs. New York City FC player props

Anytime Goalscorer

Juan Hernandez (Columbus Crew)	-105
Christian Ramirez (Columbus Crew)	+187
Diego Rossi (Columbus Crew)	+200
Jacen Russell-Rowe (Columbus Crew)	+220
Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew)	+275
Mounsef Bakrar (New York City)	+300

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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.