Columbus Crew at Inter Miami September 11 Betting Preview

Time is running out on the Columbus Crew if they are going to be legit contenders and defend their MLS Cup. The Crew are already on the outside looking in for the playoffs and would fall behind Inter Miami with a loss this weekend. Kickoff at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale is set for 8:00 p.m. ET Saturday on ESPN+.

The Crew and the Herons have never met in the two years in which Miami has been in the MLS. The Crew last played in the Miami area when they lost to the team formerly known as the Miami Fusion 4-3 in June 2001. 

Columbus Struggling On Road

Even in their championship 2020 season, the Crew weren’t great on the road, and with four straight losses on the road, that trend has continued in 2021. Columbus has one win away from home in their last eight games and only two wins in their last 24 road games

The offense has come of life a little bit recently thanks to Miguel Berry’s inclusion to the lineup, and With Gyasi Zardes hurt and Bradley Wright-Phillips ineffective, Berry has scored three goals in the last two Crew games. Columbus has five goals in each of those games but lost 3-2 the last time out. 

Prior to this stretch, the Crew had scored one goal in three games combined, all losses, and they have just one win since July 24. Lucas Zelarayan still makes the offense go, and he’s always a threat on free kicks. The Crew need more from Pedro Santos and Darlington Nagbe, while the defense has been a disappointment this season. 

Last season the defense was lock down, especially at the end of the year in front of keeper Eloy Room. They have allowed five goals in the last two games and also gave up multiple goals in nine of the last 12 games. 

Miami Finally Playing with Confidence

In their second season and with their second head coach, the team owned by David Beckham and friends finally got it going this summer. After another slow start, this time under coach Phil Neville, the Herons began clicking in July with new additions and a formation change. 

Former Juventus star Gonzalo Higuain has had a great season, and the Herons finally got some talent around him. The formation change unlocked Mexican winger Rodolfo Pizarro who’s goals this summer have been big for Inter Miami. 

The Herons added goalkeeper Nick Marsman, defender Kieran Gibbs and winger Indiana Vassilev during the summer transfer window. Gibbs has been out injured lately, and his replacement, Brek Shea, scored the 90th-minute winner last weekend. That win moved Inter Miami to within three points of the seventh and final playoff spot in the East.

Betting Analysis

Columbus Crew +285 Money line. +0.5 goals (-110)
Inter Miami -105 Money line. -0.5 goals (-105)
Total Goals 2.5. Under -115, Over -110

Both teams will be looking to get players back from the CONCACAF World Cup qualifiers, and Pizarro returning for Miami may be the most important to his team’s success. Miami has won four straight at home, and the Crew have been abysmal on the road. This game will go a long way in both teams' playoff hopes, and Columbus needs their veterans to step up. 

⚽Put your Columbus Crew knowledge to the test with the betJACK Pick 'Em Sweepstakes! Lock in your picks for free and for your chance at a $50 Visa Gift Card. Click here to enter! ⚽