Preview: New York City FC vs. Columbus Crew
Sports Mole provides an overview of Friday’s clash between New York City FC and Columbus Crew in Major League Soccer, including predictions, squad news and possible rosters.
New York City FC prepare to assume Columbus’ crew at Yankee Stadium on Saturday for a third straight victory.
Meanwhile, the away team are aiming to further stretch their six-game unbeaten streak and maintain their lead over the hosts on the newspaper.
Match preview
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New York City FC followed a narrow 1-0 victory over CF Montreal on Thursday with a more complete 5-0 demolition of Orlando City SC on Sunday.
After a relatively calm first half where Jesus medinathe first game of turned out to be the only highlight, the game came to life within 45 seconds Ismaël Tajouri-Shradi, Maxi Moralez, Malta Amundsen and Valentin Castellanos got a convincing victory for Ronny deilamen.
With 23 points out of 42 possible, the Pigeons moved up to sixth place in the Eastern Conference standings and are only two points behind second Nashville SC.
Their scoring festival last time around means only league leaders New England Revolution and Kansas City have found the back of the net on more occasions than the Bronx-based club.
Saturday’s hosts are looking to turn a corner as they have struggled in games against their visitors in recent times, losing each of the last three games by a combined 7-3.
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Columbus Crew took out the threat from Atlanta United with a 1-0 victory when the two sides faced off at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Saturday.
After a scoreless opening period, Jonathan mensah appeared with the winner just before halftime of the second half to deliver the goods for Caleb Portermen.
Despite having the best defensive record in the East, the crew are only in fifth, mainly due to their shortcomings at the other end.
Saturday’s visitors have scored just 16 goals in 15 games so far, a total that is currently surpassed by all but two of the teams in the division.
New York City FC Major League Soccer Form:
Columbus Crew Major League Soccer Form:
Team news
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Sean johnson, James sands and Gedion Zelalem represent the United States at the current Gold Cup and are not available to the home team.
Brazil forward Heber continues his spell on the treatment table after sustaining a knee injury that has kept him from playing for the past ten months.
Columbus Crew is also deprived of the services of some first-team players due to the involvement of the national team, with Liam Fraser and Gyasi Zards currently in action for Canada and the United States respectively.
Milton Valenzuela is ruled out with a thigh injury, while 19-year-old Aidan Morris stays away with a knee injury.
Josh williams has missed eight of his side’s 15 league games this season, but the USA defender could return to action in the coming weeks.
Possible starting lineup of New York City FC:
Barraza; Tinnerholm, Channot, Callens, Thorarinsson; Morales, Acevedo, Medina; Moralez, Tajouri, Castellanos
Possible starting line-up from Columbus Crew:
Room; Santos, Mensah, Keita, Abdul-Salaam; Molino, Nagbe, Hairston, Matan; Hurtado, Wright-Phillips
We say: New York City FC 2-0 Columbus Crew
The visitors have struggled on the away offense throughout the season, and we can see that trend continuing here. We support hosts to grab the three points while keeping a clean sheet on the go.
Superior council
Our expert tipster partners on Sporita.com predict more than 1.5 goals in this match. Click here to find out what else they are predicting for this game and for more of their proven football tips.Over 1.5: data