New York City FC vs. Columbus Crew – MLS, May 22, 2021

New York City will aim to extend their unbeaten streak to five games when Columbus visits the Big Apple on Saturday, May 22.

Following victories over Cincinnati and Philadelphia, Ronny Deila’s men head into Week 6 on the back of successive draws with Orlando and Columbus.

On the flip side, the Crew have only managed to claim one win in five matches this year. However, the defending MLS Cup champions only sit three points behind NYCFC in the early Eastern Conference standings.

If you’re here for my New York City FC vs. Columbus Crew prediction and betting pick – keep reading.

It is no secret that New York City (1.60) have made a far more promising start to the 2021 MLS season than Columbus (5.25). But the odds for this clash feel a little drastic to me.

With the home-field advantage on their side, the Boys in Blue probably deserve the favorite tag. That said, I can’t take my eyes off the gigantic price for the Crew win.

Even the odds for the draw bet seem unusually high here.

NYCFC was stunned by DC United on the opening weekend. But since then, the team has taken eight points from a possible 12 – cementing third place in the East as a result.

After crushing Cincy 5-0, the Pigeons claimed an impressive victory 2-0 victory over Philly. Back-to-back 1-1 draws have halted their progress slightly, but there is no shame in drawing to Orlando and Toronto.

Having conceded just four goals this term, New York City boasts the second-best defensive record in the division. At the other end of the field, Jesus Medina and Valentin Castellanos have ensured that Deila’s men are also the highest scorers in the East.

Medina bagged a brace in the win over Cincy before adding to his tally with goals against the Union and TFC. Meanwhile, Castellanos scored in each of the opening four games and also contributed an assist in Week 2.

With NYCFC looking strong in almost every department, the reigning MLS Cup champs will have their work cut out this weekend.

Another ☝️ for #️⃣1️⃣9️⃣

His hot start to the 2021 season continues… ? #HeinekenMOTM ✌️ @JesusMediina8 pic.twitter.com/sQ7pArn0tv

— New York City FC (@NYCFC) May 15, 2021

Caleb Porter’s men must have thought they were heading for a third draw in five matches last weekend. As it turned out, they ended up conceding a late goal and losing to New England.

In fairness, the Crew only managed to register one attempt on target in Week 5. For all their attacking firepower, they have only scored three MLS goals this year – meaning they are the joint-lowest scorers in the East.

It is also worth noting that all three of their goals this season came in a 3-1 victory over DC.

Columbus held Philly and Montreal to goalless draws in their first two outings before beating the Black-and-Red. But after losing to Toronto, the Ohio outfit have now failed to score in four of their five outings this year.

Still, the 2021 Columbus Crew roster is stacked with quality. It is surely only a matter of time before Porter’s side returns to winning ways.

Although the betting sites view New York City as the favorite to win this one, I can see Columbus frustrating the hosts and snatching a draw on Saturday.

NYCFC have made an impressive start to the season, while the Crew have struggled to get up to speed this year. However, it is difficult to imagine the 2020 champions struggling for much longer.

At the tasty price of 3.80, the draw is my New York City FC vs. Columbus Crew betting pick.