Charlotte

vs

Columbus Crew

Predictions & Betting Tips

Columbus are Crew on a mission

Columbus Crew are enjoying a fantastic 2025 USA MLS season, currently sitting 4th with 27 points from 14 games. Wilfried Nancy’s system is clear and works so well that they are one of the most attractive and efficient ball-playing outfits in the league. They are capable of playing in a slick, possession-based manner with their wingbacks, or sometimes three at the back, providing the width and the playmakers able to dictate the tempo in central areas. Diego Rossi is Columbus Crew's most lethal player, with seven goals in 13 appearances this season, but Liel Abada’s pace and guile are often the spark for Charlotte’s best attacks. Dean Smith has tried to inject some experience and his own tactical knowhow since being appointed head coach in December 2023, but Charlotte remain in 14th place in the 2025 USA MLS with 19 points from 14 matches. This is because the team are just not cohesive and often concede goals through poor shape and chaotic transitions, which makes this Charlotte vs Columbus Crew prediction particularly intriguing.

Home is where the heart is

Charlotte’s home form this season has seen five wins and two defeats from seven games, but they failed to build on that record in a 1-4 home defeat to Chicago Fire last time out. Columbus are unbeaten away from home in the USA MLS 2025 with three wins and three draws from six road trips, but it’s those three draws in the last nine days that are of most interest for this game. Those draws have come away to Philadelphia Union (2-2), CF Montreal (1-1) and, most recently, a 1-1 home draw with FC Cincinnati. So they are a bit draw-prone at the moment and the draw at +260 looks a good play for this weekend’s game, although Columbus are the favorites at +150 with Charlotte at +170. For more insight into this matchup, our Charlotte vs Columbus Crew preview highlights the importance of each team's recent form.

Crew to claim spoils

Both sides will be desperate to end a three-game losing run and a two-game drawing run respectively, while playoff aspirations add another layer of intrigue to this Charlotte vs Columbus Crew prediction of Eastern Conference sides. However, the clash of styles – Columbus’ controlled possession and Charlotte’s reactive, traditional 4-2-3-1 – means the Crew should dictate the pace and put the hosts under pressure. Both teams to score looks good value given Columbus’ three recent draws and Charlotte’s leaky defense, but I’m taking the visitors to win because of their consistency and the hosts’ poor recent form. For more on what to expect, check out the latest Charlotte vs Columbus Crew betting tips before placing your wager.