Columbus Crew vs. Philadelphia Union Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 29 June 2025

Get ready for an exciting Major League Soccer clash as Columbus Crew takes on Philadelphia Union at Lower.com Field on 29 June 2025, with kick-off scheduled for 23:00. In this crucial Round 20 matchup, sixth-placed Columbus Crew (34 points) face the league leaders, Philadelphia Union (40 points).

Despite being the bookmakers’ favourite with odds at 1.81 for a win, Columbus Crew will face a stern test. The Crew has shown vulnerability of late, with no clean sheets in their last five games and a series of mixed results (WWLDL). Injuries have hit the Crew hard, with key players like Rudy Camacho and Patrick Schulte sidelined.

On the other side, Philadelphia Union’s fantastic form continues, riding a 14-game unbeaten streak. Their away record is particularly impressive (6-1-2), and they are recommended to win this match.

Top scorers Diego Rossi and Tai Baribo add excitement, while both sides will aim to make a strong statement in the push towards playoff positions. As the Crew strive to protect their home turf, expect a thrilling encounter brimming with strategic battles and pivotal moments.

Columbus Crew vs Philadelphia Union Prediction & Betting Tip

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Columbus Crew vs Philadelphia Union Prediction
Betting tip	Odds
Philadelphia Union to win	3.96

Philadelphia Union’s stellar form in the league, coupled with Columbus Crew’s defensive vulnerabilities, makes the Union the recommended bet.

• Philadelphia Union is riding high on a 14-game unbeaten streak.
• They have a strong away record this season with 6 wins, 1 draw, and 2 losses.
• Columbus Crew’s defense has been leaky, with no clean sheets in their last five games.

This betting tip leans on Union’s consistent performances and the Crew’s injury-hit squad, indicating a positive outcome for the visitors.

Columbus Crew vs Philadelphia Union Odds

The odds for the upcoming clash between Columbus Crew and Philadelphia Union are intriguing, reflecting both teams’ current form and standings. Despite Philadelphia Union leading the table, bookmakers have placed Columbus Crew as the favourites for this match. Below, you’ll find the detailed betting odds:

Columbus Crew vs Philadelphia Union Betting Odds
Bet	Odds
Columbus Crew to win	1.81
Draw	3.71
Philadelphia Union to win	3.96

With Philadelphia Union’s strong away record and current unbeaten streak, the odds of 3.96 for an away win offer enticing value. Columbus Crew being the favourites at 1.81 reflects their potential despite recent defensive struggles and key injuries. A draw at 3.71 might also appeal, considering the history of closely contested matches between these two sides.

Columbus Crew Team Analysis

Columbus Crew Recent Performance

Home team	Away team	Date	Competition	Result
Columbus Crew	Atlanta United	2025-06-25	Major League Soccer	3-1 (Win)
Columbus Crew	Vancouver Whitecaps	2025-06-14	Major League Soccer	2-1 (Win)
Inter Miami CF	Columbus Crew	2025-05-31	Major League Soccer	5-1 (Loss)
Columbus Crew	Nashville SC	2025-05-29	Major League Soccer	2-2 (Draw)
Charlotte FC	Columbus Crew	2025-05-24	Major League Soccer	3-2 (Loss)

Columbus Crew have shown a mixed bag of results recently, with 2 wins, 1 draw, and 2 losses in their last five matches. Despite this inconsistency, they’ve managed to maintain a decent average of 2 goals per game. However, their defensive form is a concern with no clean sheets in their last five games.

The most recent performance included a solid win against Atlanta United, showcasing their potential when on form. Nevertheless, defensive lapses are evident from their heavy loss to Inter Miami CF and conceding in most of their recent games.

The recent performance is a blend of promising offensive capability and troubling defensive weaknesses, making their matches unpredictable but thrilling.

Columbus Crew Key Players

Columbus Crew will be looking to their star players to make a difference against Philadelphia Union. Leading the charge is Diego Rossi, who has been in fine form with 9 goals this season. Rossi’s speed and clinical finishing will be crucial, especially in one-on-one matchups against Philadelphia’s defenders.
In midfield, Darlington Nagbe will be pivotal in controlling the game’s tempo and distributing the ball effectively. His partnership with Dylan Chambost will be integral to Columbus’s efforts in breaking down Philadelphia’s defense.
Defensively, Steven Moreira and Yevhen Cheberko will need to be at their best to contain Philadelphia’s attacking threats, especially given Columbus’s recent lack of clean sheets.

Here’s the expected lineup for Columbus Crew:

• Goalkeeper: Evan Bush
• Defenders: Andres Herrera, Steven Moreira, Yevhen Cheberko, Lassi Lappalainen
• Midfielders: Sean Zawadzki, Darlington Nagbe, Dylan Chambost
• Forwards: Diego Rossi, Jacen Russell-Rowe, Cucho Hernandez

The individual battles on the pitch, such as Rossi against Kai Wagner or Nagbe facing off with Jesús Bueno, will be key determinants in this high-stakes clash.

Columbus Crew Suspensions & Injuries

Columbus Crew are facing a challenging situation with several key injuries that could impact their performance against Philadelphia Union.

Player	Injury	Expected return
Rudy Camacho	Thigh injury	Early July 2025
Patrick Schulte	Abdominal injury	Early July 2025
Malte Amundsen	Knee injury	Late July 2025
Cesar Ruvalcaba	Ankle injury	Late July 2025

These injuries leave the team short-handed, particularly in defensive and goalkeeping positions. Rudy Camacho and Patrick Schulte’s absences will be felt, especially given Columbus’s recent defensive struggles and lack of clean sheets. Wilfried Nancy will need to rely on his squad depth and versatility to fill these gaps effectively.

Fortunately, there are no suspensions for Columbus Crew ahead of this match, allowing them to field their strongest available lineup.

Columbus Crew Tactics and Formation

Columbus Crew Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-3-3
• Key Forward: Diego Rossi
• Midfield Trio: Sean Zawadzki, Darlington Nagbe, Dylan Chambost
• Defensive Line: Andres Herrera, Steven Moreira, Yevgen Cheberko, Lassi Lappalainen
• Goalkeeper: Evan Bush

Notable Strategy:

• Offensive Prowess: Columbus Crew predominantly adopts an attacking style with Rossi spearheading the attack. Rossi, being the top scorer with 9 goals, is pivotal to their forward thrusts.
• Fluid Midfield Movement: The midfield trio of Zawadzki, Nagbe, and Chambost are adept at controlling the tempo and providing support to both the defense and the attack.
• Pressing High: Known to press opponents high up the pitch to regain possession quickly, often disrupting the flow of the opposition.
• Lack of Clean Sheets: The defense has struggled in recent matches, evident from the lack of clean sheets in the last five games, necessitating a focus on tightening defensive gaps.

With key injuries affecting squad depth, Coach Wilfried Nancy must leverage versatile tactics and ensure his team maintains resilience across all lines.

Philadelphia Union Team Analysis

Philadelphia Union Recent Performance

Philadelphia Union has been on a commendable run of form lately, reflected in their unbeaten streak in the last five games. They are sitting pretty at the top of the MLS standings with 40 points from 19 matches.
Here’s a snapshot of their recent performances:

Home team	Away team	Date	Competition	Result
Chicago Fire FC	Philadelphia Union	2025-06-26	Major League Soccer	0-1 (Win)
Philadelphia Union	Charlotte FC	2025-06-14	Major League Soccer	2-1 (Win)
FC Dallas	Philadelphia Union	2025-06-01	Major League Soccer	0-0 (Draw)
Toronto FC	Philadelphia Union	2025-05-28	Major League Soccer	1-2 (Win)
Philadelphia Union	Inter Miami CF	2025-05-24	Major League Soccer	3-3 (Draw)

Recent Form: WWDWD

• Philadelphia Union has scored an average of 1.60 goals per game in their last five matches.
• They’ve managed to keep two clean sheets in those games, demonstrating a strong defensive effort, even on the road.
• Their last victory against Chicago Fire FC showcased their ability to edge out close matches, a trait that’s essential for maintaining their position atop the table.

With such poised performances, it’s clear why they are a formidable opponent, especially with their excellent away record of 6 wins, 1 draw, and 2 losses.

Philadelphia Union Key Players

Philadelphia Union comes into this clash with several key players who can make a significant impact on the outcome.

• Tai Baribo: Philadelphia’s top scorer with 13 goals this season. His clinical finishing and knack for finding the back of the net have been crucial for the Union.
• Andrew Rick: The shot-stopper has been reliable between the sticks and has managed two clean sheets in the last five games, showcasing his formidability in goal.
• Kai Wagner: The left back not only solidifies the defensive line but also contributes significantly in attacking phases, providing the width and crossing ability that Philadelphia relies on.
• Alejandro Bedoya: A seasoned player on the right side of defense, he brings experience and leadership to the team.

Key individual battles to watch include:

• Tai Baribo vs Evan Bush: The battle between the top scorer and the Columbus goalkeeper could be pivotal.
• Kai Wagner vs Steven Moreira: Both full-backs will be critical in controlling the flanks and could directly influence the attacking play.

Expected lineup for Philadelphia Union:

• Goalkeeper: Andrew Rick
• Defenders: Alejandro Bedoya, Nathan Harriel, Olwethu Makhanya, Kai Wagner
• Midfielders: Indiana Vassilev, Jeremy Rafanello, Jovan Lukic, Ben Bender
• Attackers: Bruno Damiani, Chris Donovan

This blend of experience, versatility, and form makes these players essential for Philadelphia Union’s strategy heading into the match.

Columbus Crew vs Philadelphia Union Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 29 June 2025

Columbus Crew vs Philadelphia Union Prediction & Betting tip

Columbus Crew vs Philadelphia Union Odds

Columbus Crew Team Analysis

Columbus Crew Recent Performance WWLDL

Columbus Crew Key Players

Columbus Crew will be banking on the performances of their key players:

• Diego Rossi: Leading the team with 9 goals this season, Rossi’s form will be critical for Columbus, especially with their recent struggles in maintaining clean sheets.
• Darlington Nagbe: The seasoned midfielder offers stability and creativity, essential for linking play between defense and attack.
• Evan Bush: The goalkeeper will need to step up, as his team hasn’t had any clean sheets in their last five games. His performance could very well determine the outcome.

Columbus Crew Suspensions & Injuries

Columbus Crew has several injury concerns:

• Rudy Camacho (Thigh injury – Potential return Early July 2025)
• Patrick Schulte (Abdominal injury – Potential return Early July 2025)
• Malte Amundsen (Knee injury – Potential return Late July 2025)
• Cesar Ruvalcaba (Ankle injury – Potential return Late July 2025)
  These absences, particularly in the defense, may affect their performance against Philadelphia Union.

Columbus Crew Tactics and Formation

Columbus Crew likely to employ a versatile lineup:

• Formation: Expected to stick with a 3-4-3
• Expected lineup: Goalkeeper – Evan Bush; Right back – Andres Herrera; Right center back – Steven Moreira; Left center back – Yevgen Cheberko; Left back – Lassi Lappalainen; Right central midfielder – Sean Zawadzki; Central midfielder – Darlington Nagbe; Left central midfielder – Dylan Chambost; Right forward – Diego Rossi; Center forward – Jacen Russell-Rowe; Left forward – Daniel Gazdag

Philadelphia Union Team Analysis

Philadelphia Union Recent Performance WWDWD

Philadelphia Union Key Players

Philadelphia Union Suspensions & Injuries

Philadelphia Union have their share of injuries:

• Ian Glavinovich (Meniscus injury – Potential return Early July 2025)
• Mikael Uhre (Groin injury – Potential return Mid July 2025)
• Francis Westfield (Ankle injury – Potential return Late July 2025)
• Olivier Mbaizo (Groin injury – Potential return Late July 2025)
• Suspension: Jakob Glesnes (Yellow cards – Banned matches left 1)
  Glavinovich and Westfield’s unavailability might impact their defense, yet with a deep squad, they have the quality to adapt.

Philadelphia Union Tactics and Formation

Philadelphia Union is likely to continue their form with the following tactics:

• Formation: Predominantly 4-4-2
• Expected lineup: Goalkeeper – Andrew Rick; Right back – Alejandro Bedoya; Right center back – Nathan Harriel; Left center back – Olwethu Makhanya; Left back – Kai Wagner; Right midfielder – Indiana Vassilev; Right central midfielder – Jeremy Rafanello; Left central midfielder – Jovan Lukic; Left midfielder – Ben Bender; Right forward – Bruno Damiani; Left forward – Chris Donovan

Columbus Crew vs Philadelphia Union Head-to-Head Statistics

Venue and Weather

Lower.com Field will host this intriguing clash, set to kick off at 23:00 on 29 June 2025.

Match Facts

• Recommended bet: Philadelphia Union to win.
• Philadelphia Union: On a 14-game unbeaten streak, showcasing formidable form.
• Away record: Excellent, with 6 wins, 1 draw, and 2 losses.
• Columbus Crew: Struggling with key injuries, which might affect their home performance.

Match Tips

Given Philadelphia Union’s strong away record combined with Columbus Crew’s injury woes, betting on an away win appears favourable.

Philadelphia Union Tactics and Formation

Philadelphia Union’s Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-4-2
• Key Forwards: Bruno Damiani and Chris Donovan
• Midfield Quartet: Indiana Vassilev, Jeremy Rafanello, Jovan Lukic, Ben Bender
• Defensive Setup: Aleksibor Bedoya, Nathan Harriel, Olwethu Makhanya, Kai Wagner

Defensive Strength:
Philadelphia Union boasts robustness at the back, evident from two clean sheets in the last five games. Even with key defender Jakob Glesnes suspended, they are expected to maintain defensive discipline.

Midfield Control:
The Union’s midfield operates with a balanced 4-4-2 setup, which allows for both defensive solidity and attacking flair. Jeremy Rafanello and Jovan Lukic anchor the center, while the wings, marshalled by Vassilev and Bender, provide width and creativity.

Forward Pressure:
Upfront, Damiani and Donovan are the main threats. Their pressing strategy begins high up the pitch, aiming to disrupt Columbus Crew’s build-up play and capitalize on swift transitions.

Notable Strategy:
They typically find a scoring rhythm post-half-time, often striking between the 61st and 75th minutes, leveraging the opponents’ fatigue. This tactical consistency has been a hallmark of Bradley Carnell’s side, making them formidable opposition even on the road.

Columbus Crew vs Philadelphia Union Head-to-Head Statistics

Home team	Away team	Date	Competition	Result
Philadelphia	Columbus Crew	2025-05-10	Major League Soccer	2 – 2 (Draw)
Columbus Crew	Philadelphia Union	2024-10-05	Major League Soccer	3 – 2 (Win)
Philadelphia	Columbus Crew	2024-08-28	Major League Soccer	0 – 1 (Loss)
Columbus Crew	Philadelphia Union	2024-08-21	Leagues Cup	3 – 1 (Win)
Columbus Crew	Philadelphia Union	2023-09-30	Major League Soccer	1 – 1 (Draw)

The Head-to-Head statistics between Columbus Crew and Philadelphia Union highlight a competitive rivalry. In the last five encounters, Columbus Crew has secured three wins compared to Philadelphia’s one, with two games ending in draws. Columbus Crew has shown strength in home fixtures, proving to be a tough competitor at Lower.com Field. The recurring win pattern for Columbus Crew in past matches adds an intriguing layer to this upcoming clash.

Odds accurate as of 27/06/2025 23:02, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.