As Columbus Crew host Orlando City at Lower.com Field this weekend, both teams seek crucial points with the hosts aiming to close the gap on second-placed Cincinnati while Orlando fight for a solidified playoff spot.
The visitors, in fourth place, are keen to secure their playoff position and must avoid slip-ups as they face intense competition from teams below them still vying for the final spots.
Match preview
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Columbus Crew, sitting in third place with 53 points from 28 matches, are already assured of a playoff spot but remain focused on securing second place in the Eastern Conference, where they trail Cincinnati by just two points despite having played one game fewer.
While closing the gap on Inter Miami, who are 10 points clear at the top of the standings, might be a long shot, Columbus will be keen to maintain their momentum and secure the best possible seeding heading into the playoffs.
Recent form indicates Columbus are peaking at the right time, arriving off a 2-0 away win against Toronto FC and a 0-0 draw with Cincinnati, despite a 4-0 home loss to Seattle Sounders; they have shown strength in their last five games, including a 4-2 win over NYCFC and a 1-0 victory at Philadelphia Union.
Home advantage has been crucial for the Crew at Lower.com Field, where they have lost just two of 14 matches this season and Orlando will need to be cautious of the Crew's impressive home form alongside their tendency to overwhelm teams on their turf.
Columbus have won their last two meetings against Orlando City, but Orlando have had the upper hand in recent seasons with six victories in their last 10 encounters, adding extra intrigue to this clash.
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Orlando City head into this match in fourth place in the Eastern Conference with 43 points from 29 games, facing the challenge of holding off the New York Red Bulls, who trail closely with the same points but fewer wins.
After a false start to their return to MLS action following the Leagues Cup break, Orlando come into this match in flying form, having won each of their last three games without conceding, scoring eight goals in the process.
Consecutive 3-0 wins over Nashville and New England saw them get their playoff charge back on track after defeat to Sporting Kansas City by the same scoreline, before beating Charlotte 2-0 last time out.
However, Orlando's away performances have been slightly less consistent, with that loss to Sporting Kansas City ending a three-match winning run on the road and making it three wins, three losses and two draws in their last eight away outings.
The visitors have struggled to secure victories at Columbus Crew's Lower.com Field, winning only twice in eight MLS encounters, with the most recent game ending in a 2-2 draw, while Columbus have won four of these fixtures, underscoring the challenge Orlando face in improving their away record against the Crew.
With only a few games remaining in a tight race for the top positions, every point is crucial and Orlando will need to build on their recent form as they aim for a strong performance to secure their spot and potentially finish in a more advantageous position before the post-season begins.
Team News
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For Columbus Crew, Evan Bush remains sidelined with an arm injury that has kept him out for some time.
Cucho Hernandez remains a crucial player for the hosts, contributing both a goal and an assist in their last game and he continues to be their most reliable source of goals.
The visitors will be without Mason Stajduhar due to a lower leg injury, but he remains the only injury concern for the team.
Facundo Torres, Orlando City's key attacker, has scored in their last two games and will be aiming to continue his fine form to help his team in this crucial match.
Columbus Crew possible starting lineup:
Schulte; Cheberko, Camacho, Amundsen; Herrera, Matan, Zawadzki, Dejuan Jones; Chambost, Rossi; Hernandez
Orlando City possible starting lineup:
Gallese; Thorhallsson, Schlegel, Jansson, Santos; Araujo, Cartagena; Torres, Ojeda, Angulo; Enrique
We say: Columbus Crew 2-1 Orlando City
Columbus Crew have been strong at home and have a solid record against Orlando City.
Despite Orlando's recent form, the Crew's attacking prowess and home advantage give them the edge in this fixture.
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