REF’s picks

Charlotte FC has shown some creative spark lately, but managing their attacking output away from home against a disciplined Columbus structure makes backing them to stay under 1.5 goals a solid choice. Charlotte will miss key attacking options like Idan Toklomati and Nimfasha Berchimas, limiting their depth in the final third.

1. 1Charlotte's recent away matches highlight a tendency to keep things tight rather than blow teams away on the road.
2. 2The visitors are missing crucial offensive personnel due to injuries, reducing their cutting edge.
3. 3Columbus boasts a resolute defensive setup at home that usually restricts visiting sides from running up high goal tallies.

REF's own opinion, not a guarantee — nothing here is financial or betting advice, and the call is always yours.