Toronto FC vs. Columbus Crew – MLS, May 12, 2021

Toronto and Columbus clash on Wednesday, May 12, as the 2021 MLS season dishes up the first round of midweek fixtures.

Having registered one draw and two defeats this year, the Reds are still searching for their first win of the campaign. By contrast, the Crew is unbeaten this term – sealing one win and two draws so far.

In this Toronto FC vs. Columbus Crew betting preview, I take a look at the MLS odds, analyze both teams, and finish by sharing my prediction and pick for Wednesday’s clash.

Let’s start by assessing the Toronto vs. Columbus odds.

If Toronto were playing at BMO Field on Wednesday, I would understand these odds. Given that the Canadians are based at Orlando City’s Exploria Stadium at the moment, I really don’t see why they have the favorite tag.

Of course, the odds gap is extremely tight. But in my eyes, the defending MLS Cup champions – who have yet to taste defeat this year – should be favorites.

It goes without saying that there is value in the odds for the draw and the Columbus win here.

Let’s face it – the Chris Armas era has not started well.

Following a humiliating 4-2 loss at the hands of rivals CF Montreal, TFC was held to a 2-2 draw by Vancouver. When you’re the top team in Canada, taking just a single point from those two games isn’t good enough.

Toronto then battled hard against Cruz Azul in the CONCACAF Champions League quarter-finals, only to suffer a 4-1 aggregate defeat.

Armas would have been desperate for his new side to get the better of his former club last weekend. Unfortunately, TFC was beaten 2-0 by the Red Bulls.

The Reds looked lifeless against RBNY and continuously gave the ball away.

With Alejandro Pozuelo – the 2020 MVP – out injured, it is evident that Toronto lacks a creative spark.

Due to their CCL commitments, Caleb Porter’s men have also played just three MLS matches this year. Still, they already find themselves four points ahead of TFC in the Eastern Conference.

The Crew kicked off their campaign with back-to-back goalless draws against Philadelphia and Montreal, but the reigning MLS Cup champs flexed their muscles last weekend.

Lucas Zelarayan netted an outstanding free-kick to give his side the lead against DC United on Saturday before Columbus benefited from two own goals. Ola Kamara bagged a late consolation for DC, although the win was never in doubt.

Bradley Wright-Phillips has added a different dimension to the Crew’s forward line, while Pedro Santos has looked lively during the early stages of the season. With Gyasi Zardes returning from injury, Porter has more than enough options in attack.

But perhaps most importantly, Columbus has only conceded one goal in three MLS games this term. The defense has already achieved two shutouts and could easily keep another clean sheet against off-form Toronto.

Although the betting sites expect this game to be a closely fought encounter, I’m backing the Crew to come out on top. After all, Porter’s men are unbeaten this season and were hugely impressive last time out.

Meanwhile, Toronto looked completely lost against the RBNY. The Reds are struggling to get to grips with Armas’ methods, so I can see them getting overrun by Columbus.