Columbus Crew vs. Philadelphia Union: Picks, Predictions, Odds and Player Props

The Columbus Crew meets the Philadelphia Union in the first Leagues Cup semifinal on Wednesday after both booked their progress via penalties.

On Saturday, Columbus tied 1-1 with New York City in the quarterfinals before triumphing 4-3 in a shootout. Philly also drew 1-1 against Mazatlan on Sunday before also progressing 4-3 on PKs to qualify for this showdown at Lower.com Field.

This is the pair's first meeting in 2024 but Philadelphia have not won in Columbus since 2016. The Crew, 2023 MLS Cup champions, are the favorite to continue their quest for their first Leagues Cup title.

Union have also never won this tournament and will be without competition top scorer Tai Baribo after his two yellows against Mazatlan.

Columbus Crew vs. Philadelphia Union betting picks and predictions

Columbus Crew to win and both teams to score (+187)

Columbus came into the Leagues Cup sat third in the MLS Eastern Conference, seven places ahead of Philadelphia and as reigning MLS Cup champions, received a bye into the last 32.

They lost their last MLS game 2-1 at Atlanta United but beat Premier League team Aston Villa 4-1 in a friendly before defeating Sporting KC 4-0 to open their Leagues Cup campaign.

Wilfried Nancy's Black and Gold then pushed back from 2-0 behind to outlast defending champions Inter Miami 3-2 before grinding past New York City.

Meanwhile, Philly topped East Group 4 over of Cruz Azul and Charlotte before beating Montreal 2-0 and Cincinnati 4-2 in the round of 32 and round of 16, respectively.

They had lost a penalty shootout to Cruz Azul in the groups but bounced back with that win over Mazatlan.

Jim Curtin's men have scored in their last eight in all competitions and will trouble Columbus, but Baribo's absence is a blow and leaves them at a clear disadvantage.

The hosts look the pick to progress to the final against the winner of Colorado Rapids vs. Los Angeles FC.

Diego Rossi anytime goalscorer (+175)

Crew duo Juan Hernandez and Christian Ramirez lead the scoring markets but teammate Diego Rossi might be a better play and at a more tempting price.

The Uruguayan scored twice against both Sporting KC and Inter Miami and comes in at +1000 in the Multi Scorers market.

That might be a stretch but he looks a strong chance to strike again and may also have a point to prove after failing with his penalty in the win over New York City.

Rossi returned to the States last year after a spell in Europe playing in Turkey for Fenerbahce. The 26-year-old looks to be enjoying life back in the US, where he previously starred for Los Angeles FC, and it would be little surprise to see him strike again. 

Over 3 goals (+120)

The Union still carry a threat, even without Baribo, with their 45 goals from 25 MLS games the third-best of all the sides in the Eastern Conference. That said, their 42 conceded is the second-worst in the top 10 teams in the conference.

Baribo's exploits have overshadowed those of playmaker Daniel Gazdag, who scored in the draw with Cruz Azul and has 14 goals from 21 appearances in the 2024 MLS season.

Mikael Uhre has also scored six times and they clearly carry a threat heading into their game in Ohio.

In addition to Rossi, the Crew has Cucho Hernandez, who scored the equaliser against New York City to take his club total for the season to 14.

Despite both going 1-1 last time out, this promises to be more exciting and over three goals is a real possibility having landed in Columbus' three games before the weekend, including that win over Villa.

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Columbus Crew vs. Philadelphia Union odds

Columbus Crew	-167
Tie	+333
Philadelphia Union	+350

Columbus Crew vs. Philadelphia Union player props

Anytime Goalscorer

Juan Hernandez (Columbus Crew)	-125
Christian Ramirez (Columbus Crew)	+150
Diego Rossi (Columbus Crew)	+175
Jacen Russell-Rowe (Columbus Crew)	+187
Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew)	+240
Daniel Gazdag (Philadelphia Union)	+275

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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.