Preview: DC United vs. Columbus Crew – Prediction, Team News, Lineups

Exhausted from her heartbreak at the Campeonato Cup, Columbus crew return to action in MLS when they travel to Audi Field to compete DC United on Saturday.

Having failed to win the last six meetings between the two teams, the Black and Reds will look to outdo the visitors this weekend and keep their dream of playoff qualification alive.

Game preview

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DC United suffered another setback in its quest for a top seven spot in the East when it suffered a humiliating 4-0 defeat to Philadelphia Union when the two teams met last Sunday.

Goals were scored in a one-sided affair at Subaru Park Mikael watch, Tai Baribo and a brace from the Hungarian striker Daniel Gazdag gave Philadelphia its ninth league win of the season.

Previously, the Black and Reds were unbeaten in three games, picking up two consecutive away wins against Toronto FC and Chicago Fire before playing to a 1-1 draw with New York City FC on September 15. and had only lost one of the last six league games.

Troy LesesneManchester United's men have lost 13 of their 30 MLS games so far, recording eight wins and nine draws, collecting 33 points and sit 13th in the Eastern Conference table, three points behind ninth-placed Philadelphia in the second of the two coveted games – in spots.

While DC United will look to return to winning ways and get their playoff push back on track, they will need to be at their best this weekend as they have failed to win nine of their last ten home games across all competitions, losing six and drawing three since the start of May .

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Columbus Crew, on the other hand, were denied their second title of the year on Wednesday evening when they were beaten on penalties by Mexican giants Club America in the Campeones Cup.

After a scoreless first half at Lower.com Stadium, Victor Davilla And Malte Amundsen scored a goal for both teams after the break, leveling the score in the penalty shootout, where the Liga MX side won 5-4 after 14 penalties between the teams.

Previously, Columbus Crew were unbeaten in 12 of their last 13 games in all competitions – with one draw and 11 wins – and secured the Leagues Cup Final title with a 3-1 win over Los Angeles FC in 2010 in the Leagues Cup Final on August 26.

The Crew now returns to MLS, where they have recorded five wins and one draw in their last seven games, and will be hoping for a strong end to the regular season as they aim for their first Eastern Conference title since 2009.

Wilfried NancyChelsea's men have amassed 56 points in their 29 MLS games so far and sit third in the conference standings, level on points with second-place FC Cincinnati and eight points clear of leaders Inter Miami.

Columbus Crew, with a game in hand, are well aware that the next few weeks could define their season and will be looking for a morale booster ahead of their highly anticipated clash with Inter Miami on October 3rd Result going into Saturday's game.

DC United Major League Soccer form:

DC United form (all competitions):

Columbus Crew Major League Soccer form:

Columbus Crew form (all competitions):

Team news

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DC United has to make do without it Cristin Dajome and 27-year-old defender Aaron Herrerawho will sit out Saturday's game due to suspension after both exceeded the suspension limit with their yellow cards against Philadelphia last weekend.

As far as injuries go, the Black and Reds still have several players in the backbone of the team Matai Akinmboni (Ankle), Conner Antley (knee) and Jackson Hopkins (Ankles) continue their spells on the sideline.

Austrian defender David Schnegg has missed the last four games due to calf problems and is not in the running for the hosts for the time being Russell Canouse There is no doubt that he recently suffered an abdominal strain.

Meanwhile, Columbus Crew will take the field without the services of an experienced goalkeeper Evan Bushwho continues his long spell on the sidelines after suffering a serious arm injury in April.

With 15 league goals to his name, Cucho Hernandez are currently seventh in the race for the Golden Boot, four goals behind DC United Cristian Benteke at the top of the table and both players will be looking to add to their tally this weekend.

Possible DC United starting lineup:
Bono; Tubbs, Mcvey, Peltola; Santos, Klich, Ku-DiPietro, Rodriguez; Pirani, Stroud, Benteke

Possible starting lineup for the Columbus Crew:
Schulte; Moreira, Cheberko, Amundsen; Farsi, Matan, Nagbe, Arfsten; Jackson, Rossi, Ramirez

We say: DC United 1-2 Columbus Crew

After losing in the Campeones Cup, Columbus Crew will go into the weekend looking to quickly gain a foothold and get close to Inter Miami without getting close.

While we expect DC United to keep up, the team had little trouble on the road and we expect them to come away with a narrow win here.

For data analysis of the most likely outcomes, scores and more for this game, please click here.

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