Playoff places up for grabs in top-to-bottom clash
With 37 points from 20 MLS 2025 games, Columbus Crew sit in 6th place and are firmly in the playoff conversation as the run-in begins. According to our Seattle Sounders vs Columbus Crew prediction, Seattle have 29 points in 19 games and are only 12th in MLS 2025, so this weekend’s clash is not only about reigniting a rivalry with a few memorable encounters but also has playoff ramifications.
Brian Schmetzer has been Seattle’s coach since 2016 and has instilled a pragmatic, disciplined style of soccer on his players that has brought about a certain level of success. Our Seattle Sounders vs Columbus Crew preview shows they’re a well-organised team that can change shape and adapt to the opponent, but they are not in good form heading into this game and have been struggling to get going in the final third.
Columbus Crew have been a different beast under Wilfried Nancy, who has overseen a much more expansive approach to the game since taking charge in 2022. They are a high-possession team and prefer to play on the front foot, using a lot of dynamic movement to create space and pressure and counterpressing to recover the ball.
Nancy’s Cree have the momentum
The home side will want to take the wind out of Columbus’ sails by being disciplined and maintaining a compact defensive shape, which could lead to a bit of a chess match on Sunday. Seattle broke their losing streak with a confidence-boosting 2-0 home win over Austin FC last time out, while Columbus Crew have won three straight games.
The Seattle Sounders vs Columbus Crew prediction also points out that Albert Rusnak is Seattle’s top scorer in MLS 2025 with seven goals in 18 appearances, but he is often the man to unlock the defense and find space when the team has been laboring. Cucho Hernández adds another dimension to Columbus’ forward line with his movement off the ball and versatility, but Diego Rossi is the main man through the middle with nine goals in 19 MLS 2025 appearances so far and is always a threat on the break.
Sides should neutralize each other
Both teams are averaging over a goal per game, which should make the ‘both teams to score’ market the best value option here. This Seattle Sounders vs Columbus Crew betting tips section notes that Seattle are 2.27 favourites to win with the bookmakers, which is fair enough, but the draw at 3.75 and Columbus Crew at 3.50 look too high given their current form and status as away sides.
Seattle have an excellent home record in MLS 2025 (W6, D2, L1), where they average 2.22 goals per game and concede only 0.89 per match on average. In the latest Seattle Sounders vs Columbus Crew odds, Columbus have won 3, drawn 3 and lost 2 of their away games (W3, D3, L2), averaging 1.5 goals for on their travels.
I’m siding with the away team here as they have been playing better soccer in recent weeks and should be able to find a way through Seattle’s sturdy defensive line, but it should be very close indeed.
