Columbus Crew

vs

Philadelphia Union

Preview

Columbus Crew

• Columbus Crew are 25th in MLS 2026 with six points from eight games.
• Crew are without a win at home in this campaign (D2, L1).
• Darlington Nagbe is a key cog in the midfield, controlling the tempo and the transitions while Cucho Hernandez provides a creative spark and some attacking width with his movement and link-up play.
• Wessam Abou Ali is the focal point of their attack, scoring five times in seven MLS 2026 games so far, with three in his last five.

Philadelphia Union

• Philadelphia Union are 27th with four points from as many matches.
• Philadelphia Union have the plan, but lack the execution of it when they travel away.
• Bradley Carnell has made them a team that can press in a variety of ways, look to force turnovers and transition quickly through the thirds.
• Jesus Bueno has given them some bite in the middle of the park in recent games with two goals in their last five.

Head-to-Head

• Columbus Crew have won four and drawn one of the last five head-to-head meetings with Philadelphia Union in all competitions.
• Union have failed to win on their last 3 trips to Lower.com Field in MLS.

Key Players

• Darlington Nagbe - controls the tempo and transitions in midfield.
• Cucho Hernandez - provides creativity and attacking link-up play.
• Wessam Abou Ali - focal point of the attack, 5 goals in 7 MLS 2026 games.
• Jesus Bueno - recent goalscoring impact with two in his last five.

Betting Insights

• Back the home team for the win, with odds of 1.73 representing good value.
• Both Teams to Score - No is available at 2.18 and looks appealing given Crew’s home defensive record.

Prediction

• Crew have conceded only 2 goals in their 3 home MLS 2026 matches.
• Hosts’ recent form: drew 1-1 at home to Orlando City SC, won 3-0 away at Richmond Kickers (US Open Cup) and lost 2-1 away to New England Revolution.
• Cucho’s creativity and Abou Ali’s finishing edge should be enough to see off the visitors.
• Back Columbus Crew for the win.