MLS Is Back Betting Odds, Picks and Predictions: Atlanta United vs. Columbus Crew, Montreal Impact vs. DC United

Some exciting and important matches take the spotlight Tuesday at the MLS is Back tournament in Orlando.

Columbus kicks things off this evening, looking to close out a perfect run in Group E play when it faces winless Atlanta United at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.

Columbus Crew vs. Atlanta United Odds

Odds as of Tuesday morning and via DraftKings. Get up to a $1,000 sign-up bonus at DraftKings today or see more offers and reviews for the best online sportsbooks.

The Crew have been near perfect thus far, picking up shutout victories against FC Cincinnati and the New York Red Bulls in Orlando.

Striker Gyasi Zardes has been impressive leading the line, proving to be a handful for opposing defenses. Speaking of defenses, Columbus has been brilliant in the back and will look to build on that strength in its final group-stage match.

In contrast, Atlanta has had a tournament to forget thus far and very few expected them to struggle this much entering the competition. The Eastern Conference powerhouse suffered back-to-back 1-0 defeats at the hands of the New York Red Bulls and FC Cincinnati, putting the club in a terrible position with one group match to play.

The loss of standout striker Josef Martinez has absolutely crushed Atlanta’s typical juggernaut of an offense so far this season, which means the franchise must find alternative players to produce in his absence.

If Atlanta continues down this path, it is going to be a long campaign for the 2018 MLS Cup champion.

That said, I am backing Columbus with a small play to win this match outright and pick up the maximum group-stage points on its way to the knockout stage of the tournament. The Crew have arguably been the best team so far in Florida and should be considered one of the favorites to win the title.

I am also playing the total to stay Under 3 and making it my top pick in this showdown. As previously stated, Atlanta has been the definition of stagnant on its attack and I don’t see that changing against a stingy Columbus defense.

Montreal Impact vs. D.C. United Odds, Pick

Odds as of Tuesday morning and via DraftKings. Get up to a $1,000 sign-up bonus at DraftKings today or see more offers and reviews for the best online sportsbooks.

Another pair of Eastern Conference clubs go at it in the nightcap in Group C action, with D.C. United looking to secure a berth in the knockout round with a positive result against a struggling Montreal side.

D.C. United comes in with two points via draws against Toronto FC and New England. Manager Ben Olsen has to be pleased with his club’s momentum coming into this match, having put together decent efforts against both conference foes.

As for Montreal, things could not be going any worse for manager Thierry Henry and the club in Orlando. Losses against New England and Canadian rival Toronto FC have greatly diminished Montreal’s chances of advancing to the knockout stage of the competition, so they will be looking for that much-needed win.

I fully expect both clubs to come out with the intention of securing all three points. D.C. United need a positive result against a Montreal outfit that would love to spoil the party in its own pursuit to move on. Neither side has been overly strong in their respective defensive third of the pitch, so I am playing the number to go over the total.

With the belief this is going to be an offensive-oriented affair, I recommend playing both teams to score as well. I really can’t see either side being shut out in the finale of the Group C fixtures.