Labouring Galaxy look easy prey for high-flying hosts

MLS
12.30am Thursday

It has been a season to forget for five-time MLS Cup winners LA Galaxy and a trip to high-flying Columbus Crew could be the final nail in the coffin for Sigi Schmid’s men.

Galaxy reached the Conference semi-finals last term before losing out to Colorado Rapids but with 11 games left of the regular season they trail Vancouver Whitecaps in the final playoff place by 11 points and time is running out.

Schmid has relieved Curt Onalfo of his duties as head coach but since his appointment performances have not improved and Galaxy have picked up just one point from four games.

Galaxy’s home form has been their biggest issue – they have won only one of their 12 matches – but their results on the road have dipped of late too and three consecutive away defeats have all but ended their hopes of a push for the playoffs.

Belgian skipper Jelle Van Damme has returned to his homeland to join Royal Antwerp and his departure leaves a void hard to fill in the heart of a defence which has shipped 16 goals in their last six games.

On the other hand, Columbus are flying and they are well on their way to recording a top-six finish in the Eastern Conference.

Crew have lost just three of their 12 league matches on their own patch and recent victories over Seattle (3-0), Montreal (4-1), Philadelphia (1-0) and Chicago Fire (3-1) show what they are capable of when playing at the top of their game.

Recommendation
Columbus Crew
1pt 8-11 Paddy Power