MLS: New York City vs. Columbus Picks — Crew to Maintain Reliable Recent Form (Aug 9)

The Columbus Crew narrowly missed out on a place in the next round of the Leagues Cup, despite winning two of their three matches. However, this weekend, their full attention switches back to action in the MLS.

The Crew sit in a reliable position in the race for a playoff spot this term, as they have won 12 of their 25 matches in the Eastern Conference. A victory on Saturday could lift them up to third in the standings.

New York City endured a more frustrating campaign in the Leagues Cup, but they face a significant end to the MLS campaign. NYC sit eighth in the Eastern standings, but a win this weekend would lift them into the playoff spots.

New York City vs. Columbus Overview

Odds

New York City vs. Columbus Head-to-Head Record

Columbus have an excellent recent record against New York City, having avoided defeat in each of the last six encounters. The latest meeting between the sides in March ended in a 0-0 draw.

New York City Team News

New York have avoided defeat in their last three MLS matches, and were 4-3 winners against FC Dallas before the start of the Leagues Cup. However, the hosts will be without Thiago Martins this weekend due to a knee issue.

Possible Lineup

M. Freese (GK); M. Ilenic, T. Gray, J. Haak, K. O’Toole, J. Shore, A. O’Neill, H. Wolf, M. Moralez, A. Perea, A. Martinez

Columbus Team News

The Crew recorded victories in their final two matches in the Leagues Cup, which includes a 1-0 success against Leon earlier this week. However, the visitors will still be without the injured duo of Rudy Camacho and Nicholas Hagen for the trip to New York.

Possible Lineup

P. Schulte (GK); M. Amundsen, S. Zawadzki, S. Moreira, M. Herrera, D. Chambost, D. Nagbe, M. Arfsten, D. Rossi, T. Habroune, D. Gazdag

New York City vs. Columbus Picks

Both of these sides endured contrasting fortunes at the recent Leagues Cup, but it could be hard to overlook the attacking performances of the Columbus Crew.

Their chances are also enhanced on the road based on the fact that they have avoided defeat in their last six matches against NYC across all competitions.