Our prediction for this MLS match:
A spot in the MLS Cup quarter-finals will be at stake when Columbus Crew and Atlanta United go head to head at Lower.com Field. The Five Stripes did well to tie the series thanks to a 4-2 win in front of home fans, but they will have a much bigger fish to fry in Monday’s encounter. Machop Chol continues to miss out with injury, but he should be the only absentee in the away team.
The Crew, on the other hand, continue with their old habit of producing fine performances at home than on the travels and we predict that they will adopt an attack-minded approach in the decider. Given Atlanta’s attacking potential, we believe that punters from all around the globe can find value in betting on both teams to score. Wilfried Nancy has a full squad to choose from, except for midfielder William Sands, who has yet to recover from a knee injury.
Highlighted Player (James Igbekeme):
James Igbekeme is a Nigerian footballer who plays for Zaragoza in La Liga 2 as a winger. Igbekeme’s primary position is central midfield, but he is capable of producing fine displays as a left midfielder as well.
The Nigeria international started his senior career at Portuguese club Ribeirao, and after scoring two goals in 43 appearances for Os Ribeirenses, he moved to fellow Portuguese outfit Gil Vicente. In 2018 he decided to move to Spain, signing a four-year deal with Zaragoza. The 170-cm tall footballer made his Zaragoza debut on August 19, 2018 in a 2-1 win over Rayo Majadahonda.
He scored his first goal for the club in a 4-0 win at Real Oviedo on September 8, 2018. Igbekeme’s preferred foot is left, and his contract with los Blanquillos should expire on June 30, 2023. The Zaragoza midfielder born in Lagos on July 4, 1995 has yet to receive a call-up for the Nigeria national football team.
Highlighted Team (Atlanta United):
Atlanta United is a Major League Soccer club and they were founded on April 16, 2014. They are based in Atlanta, Georgia and they will make their debut in MLS in 2017. Arthur Blank is the club’s owner and Bobby Dodd Stadium is Atlanta United’s home ground.
Arthur Blank is an American businessman, who is well known for his ownership of the NFL club Atlanta Falcons. The venue was opened on September 27, 1913 and its’ current capacity is 60.316. However, it has to be noted that the team will play first eight home games of the 2017 season at Bobby Dodd Stadium, while the latter nine fixtures will be hosted by Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Speaking of the club’s colors, Atlanta United footballers wear black and red shirts and black shorts with a little bit of gold mixed in. Gerardo Martino, who used to be in charge of La Liga side Barcelona in the past, will coach Atlanta United in the 2017 MLS season. Tata Martino won the Spanish Super Cup with Barca, while making it to the Copa America final with Argentina on two occasions (2015, 2016).