Columbus Crew - Joe Public

CONCACAF Champions League

It's never a good idea to trust American teams in this competition, but I'd give it a go for some small stakes here. They are coming after a tough match played on the coast, which they lost 1-3 against the Galaxy, so for sure they are going to rest some regulars here. But the reserves aren't that bad (not a huge quality gap between the starters and the back-up players), and they always relish the opportunity of playing some matches. And all the MLS teams seem like having improved a bit since last years, and this was very visible in their matches against the Mexicans, when Sal Lake gave Cruz Azuk a good run for their money,  losing 4-5 in the last seconds; the Crew also lost in the last minute at Santos Laguna, while Toronto FC actually managed to win against Monterrey. Anyway, the main bet here is against Joe Public. Having watched them against Santos Laguna, I can say they are one of the poorest teams in the competition, and their defense can be easily broken down, and put a few goals behind them. What's more, they will only bring 16 players with them for this match, as a the rest (including some regulars) are either having suspension problems, or visa problems. So, the Crew should have more quality in their squad, and with Mendoza finally set to start (very good player for that level, playing for FC Brugge and Steaua Bucharest in the past), I'd bet he's going to score at least once. Small stakes though, as I've already said the MLS teams are far from trustworthy. GL!

Columbus Crew (-1.5 AH) @ 1.95, 3/10

Result: 3-0, WON

Santos Laguna - Columbus Crew

CONCACAF Champions League

Both teams will play for the position of leader in their group, as both have 3 points after the first match day. Santos Laguna, using an alternative squad, managed to destroy Joe Public with a 5-2, away, and it's likely that the same players will take the field today to face the Americans, as the coach already expressed his desire to use Concachampions to give some playing time to the less used players in the league. And while their previous result shouldn't count for much, as Joe Public is a very poor team, the fact that today play on their home ground should give them the advantage (because as we know, no MLS team has ever won in Mexico). And Santos' squad should have enough quality to win even with a second-string team.

The Crew will also mix it up a bit, and will miss some very big and important names, like Schelotto (top scorer with 6 goals), defender Chad Marshall (17/1), midfielder Danny O'Rourke (14/0), regular goalkeeper Hesmer and defender Gino Padula (12/0). All of them are important absences for the Americans, and it again settles the balance in the Mexicans favor, despite the alternative team that they will also use. However, some other important players (Eddie Gaven, Bryan Carroll, Eddie Gaven, Emilio Renteria) are expect to play a big role in today's game, and that makes me limit my stakes, as they are capable of causing some sweat to the Mexicans. But, normally, Santos shouldn't have much problems. GL!

Santos Laguna (-1.25 AH), Pinnacle, 3/10

Result: 1-0, HALF LOST