With only goal difference separating them in the Major League Soccer Eastern Conference, Saturday's match between Columbus Crew and Charlotte FC will give both teams plenty to play for.
Columbus Crew were able to secure three points in midweek, while the visitors ended up being defeated, allowing both to head into this game in different form.
Match preview
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Columbus Crew had a frantic match in midweek as they battled out a five-goal thriller against Colorado Rapids, eventually coming out on top as 3-2 winners.
Goals from Lucas Zelarayan, Cucho Hernandez and Sean Zawadzki sealed the result which helped the team remain above their opponents in MLS, purely down to goal difference.
Wilfried Nancy's men have thrived when it comes to the attacking side of the game as only one other team in the Eastern Conference has scored more than them this season.
However, the midweek result did bring an end to a three-match losing streak in all competitions which they will now be hoping to firmly put behind them.
A defeat this weekend would result in Charlotte FC overtaking them, but it could result in Columbus Crew slipping as far as 11th, adding more pressure to this one.
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The visitors could also suffer the same fate with a defeat, therefore they will need an improved performance from what they provided in midweek.
Charlotte FC were defeated by Philadelphia Union which was a close encounter determined by a Kristijan Kahlina own goal, which he will be hoping to quickly put behind him heading into this game.
That was the fourth time they have been defeated on the road this season, with away performances proving to be an Achilles heel for the team in the early stages of the season.
A big reason for that has been the inability to find the back of the net as Charlotte FC have only managed to score 20 goals so far, which is the lowest in the top half of the Eastern Conference.
Considering they have scored just once in their previous three matches, it is a clear issue, but the Crown will take confidence from the fact they have already beaten Columbus Crew once this season.
Team News
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Milos Degenek is a long-term absentee for Columbus Crew having now missed eight games in a row, and the team are also without Kevin Molino who is dealing with a knee problem lately.
Zawadzki may be hoping to find himself in the starting lineup after getting on the scoresheet from the bench in midweek, showcasing his attacking qualities.
Guzman Corujo featured for the first time since August 2022 in midweek for the visitors as a substitute, and as his ACL injury is put in the rearview mirror he will be pushing for more minutes on the pitch.
George Marks and Kamil Jozwiak were both missing once again against Philadelphia Union, showcasing the fact that they are still not fully fit themselves.
Columbus Crew possible starting lineup:
Schulte; Moreira, Quinton, Vallecilla; Farsi, Morris, Nagbe, Amundsen; Yeboah, Zelarayan, Cucho
Charlotte FC possible starting lineup:
Kahlina; Lindsey, Malanda, Sobocinski, Byrne; Westwood, Bronico, Cambridge; Swiderski, Vargas, Meram
We say: Columbus Crew 2-1 Charlotte FC
There is little to split these teams in the league right now, and that is likely going to be reflected in a close match this weekend.
However, the attacking prowess of Columbus Crew should end up being the difference maker and will help them to push towards three points.
How to watch
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