Competition: MLS

Market: Both teams to score

Odds: 2/3 @ Pribet

In what could prove to be another enjoyable MLS showdown in the early hours of Thursday, New York City will welcome Columbus to the Yankee Stadium.

Starting with the hosts, while New York might have signed off August with a shock 2-1 loss at home against DC United, the Pigeons came roaring back in some style last time out. Marking their return from September’s international break with a stellar 3-1 victory away at Chicago, Pascal Jansen will be dreaming of a repeat performance here. Despite watching their Leagues Cup adventure come to a flat end last month, the former AZ Alkmaar boss has seen his squad enjoy an eye-catching domestic flurry. Including a 2-1 victory against Nashville on August 17th, New York have won four of their previous five MLS showdowns – a run that stems back to a 1-1 stalemate against Sporting KC on July 20th. Including a dramatic 4-3 win away at Dallas on July 26th, Jansen should be excited by his side’s clinical performances in the final third. Despite mustering just a sole domestic clean sheet since the middle of June, Thursday’s hosts have skyrocketed themselves into the play-off spots.

As for the visitors, although Columbus might have shown some real inconsistencies over recent times, the Crew certainly claimed a much-welcomed boost last time out. Eventually clinching what was a rollercoaster 5-4 victory away at Atlanta, Wilfried Nancy’s men will be desperate for his side to use that sensational first-half display as a platform to build on. However, hit with a downbeat 2-1 defeat at home against New England last month, Thursday’s guests have won just a pair of their previous seven MLS appearances – a run that stems all the way back to July 13th. Likewise, failing to register consecutive domestic victories since the end of June, the Ohio-based outfit have also shown some extended defensive struggles. Including a 3-1 drumming at home against Orlando on July 26th, Columbus have claimed just a single clean sheet from any of their previous nine consecutive MLS showdowns. It should also be noted, a defeat on Thursday would see New York leapfrog them in the Eastern Conference standings.

Bet: Both teams to score at New York City vs Columbus Crew 2/3 for Thursday’s MLS battle @ Pribet