Philadelphia vs Columbus Crew Preview & Picks - Philadelphia to defeat Leagues Cup champions Columbus on MLS return

Philadelphia Union arrive for their first match back in the MLS in August looking to take the shine off Columbus Crew's Leagues Cup win earlier in the week. 

Columbus Crew will likely still be feeling the on-pitch hangover from winning the Leagues Cup earlier in the week, with the champions taking to the field once again very soon after their triumphant last outing. 

Philadelphia have won four of their last 10 against the Crew, with the latter winning three times and three games ending as draws. 

Philadelphia Union were beaten on penalties by the Colorado Rapids in their final Leagues Cup match as their campaign saw them finish the competition in fourth. 

Despite losing their last two, the Union were excellent, winning three consecutive matches on their way to the semi-finals. While they were beaten in the third/fourth-place playoff, they will arrive for this one keen to get back to winning ways at the first time of asking. 

With a Columbus side that beat them mere days ago in their sights, we are backing a home win as the Union avenge their 3-1 loss. 

Columbus Crew were living the last-minute dream as they scored twice in injury-time to notch a 3-1 win over LAFC and secure the trophy. 

Their run of five consecutive wins made the Crew worthy winners, but they had struggled in the MLS prior to this, going winless in their final two matches. They also arrive for this one on the back of a huge win in the final that will likely impact the way they play mere days after lifting the trophy. 

Having lost their last five trips to face Philadelphia, this one seems set up to end in defeat for the Crew.