2024 Leagues Cup: Columbus Crew vs. Philadelphia Union Odds, Prediction & Picks

Wednesday evening the Columbus Crew will host the Philadelphia Union at Lower.com Field in an all-MLS semifinal clash of the 2024 Leagues Cup. This will be the first encounter of the year between these two Eastern Conference foes as their previous meeting was in September of 2023 where both sides shared the points. Since 2010 they have met on 34 occasions, with Columbus possessing a slight head-to-head advantage winning 15 times versus the Union's 13 victories.

Wilfred Nancy’s troops advanced to the semifinals against New York City FC last Saturday winning in penalties after a 1-1 draw. After NYCFC scored in the opening minute the Crew found their composure and controlled the rest of the match finding the equalizer in the 41st minute. Columbus maintained the modest upper hand with the ball possession at 53 percent, while outshooting their opponents 18 to five.

Meanwhile, Jim Curtin’s men got past a pesky Mazatlán side winning 4-3 in penalties after both clubs remained tied after 90 minutes. The Union opened the scoring in the late stages of the opening half, but just before that they were shown a red card and had to play one man down the rest of the way. Philadelphia’s defense bent but didn’t break as they absorbed the pressure in the second half only conceding once.

Here, we will break down the betting odds and share our favorite picks for Columbus Crew vs. Philadelphia Union.

Columbus Crew vs. Philadelphia Union Betting Odds for Wednesday, August 21

Rolling into Wednesday's night skirmish, the books have pinned the home side as the favorites to win within regulation time, as Columbus is priced at -163 on the moneyline. For the Union to pull off the massive upset they’re listed at +333, while if this match reaches the penalties juncture it is also pegged at +333.

Columbus Crew vs. Philadelphia Union Odds

The following odds are taken from bet365 Sportsbook. Head over to bet365 to place your bets and claim a bonus with our code WSN365: $1,000 Safety Net Bet OR $150 in Bonus Bets.

Columbus Crew vs. Philadelphia Union Betting Preview

Columbus Crew Preview

Rising to the occasion once again was Juan “Cucho” Hernandez, who netted the tying goal for the Crew against NYCFC. The 25-year-old Colombian featured in the full 90 minutes, where he amasses eight total shots taken, with four hitting the target. The striker is a lethal threat every time he steps onto the pitch as he has 13 goals in 18 MLS games this year.

It was the first time in three matches Diego Rossi was left off the stat sheet. The dangerous attacking midfielder has obtained four goals in three League Cup appearances. The 26-year-old Uruguayan is tied for the team lead in assists this campaign during MLS play registering six, alongside with Cucho Hernandez.

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Philadelphia Union Preview

Scoring in back-to-back Leagues Cup displays, Mikeal Uhre is a player to watch for on the field. The 29-year-old Danish striker has six goals and four assists to his 2024 MLS account. Uhre has represented the Union in 109 matches, where he has found the back of the net 33 times. In five Leagues Cup matches this year’s edition has seen the Dane log 257 minutes of playing time.

Goalkeeper Andre Blake played yet another game-saving performance for his side. The 33-year-old provided four saves in Saturday's defeat over Mazatlán. In five starts during the Leagues Cup, the Jamaican international has secured two clean sheets and is posting a goals-against average of 0.8 per game.

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Columbus Crew vs. Philadelphia Union - My Pick

• Columbus Crew vs. Philadelphia Union pick: Columbus Crew moneyline 3-way (-163) at bet365

The stakes keep getting bigger as we proceed towards the Leagues Cup final, and the Columbus Crew are no strangers to the big moment. The 2023 MLS Cup winners have the experience and know what it takes to reach the next step. The Crew are a force at home as they are now unbeaten in their last eight matches at Lower.com Field, while only conceding 10 goals in 14 games between MLS and Leagues Cup play.

After Blake between the sticks for the Union, Philadelphia is prone to getting exposed on the backend as they have given up 23 goals in 12 away MLS matches this year. Columbus's strong home performances should be able to come through once again snapping their winless run against the Union for the first time in eight games.

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How to Watch Columbus Crew vs. Philadelphia Union

• When: Wednesday, August 21, 7.30 p.m. ET

• Where: Lower.com Field

• TV: Apple TV, TUDN