Sports Mole previews Saturday's Major League Soccer clash between Columbus Crew and Charlotte FC, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

Round 16 of the 2022 Major League Soccer season sees Columbus Crew and Charlotte FC lock horns at the Lower.com Field on Sunday.

Having both returned to winning ways last time out, the sides will be looking to pick up where they left off with another victory this weekend.

Match preview

Columbus Crew head coach Caleb Porter coaches against the New York Red Bulls during the first half at Red Bull Arena on March 20, 2022 © Reuters

Columbus Crew saw off the threat of Atlanta United in a narrow 2-1 triumph when the teams faced off at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium on May 29.

Caleb Porter's men took a commanding two-goal lead in the first half thanks to strikes from Jonathan Mensah and Erik Hurtado before Dom Dwyer pulled one back late on.

As a result, the Ohio-based outfit have moved up into 10th place in the Eastern Conference standings and are just three points off the last playoff spot with two games in hand.

Awaiting them next is a second-ever meeting against an opposing side who held on for a goalless draw in the maiden encounter between the teams back in February.

Having lost three of their last four home matches, Sunday's hosts will be keen to get going in front of their fans and deliver a dominant display in this one.

Charlotte FC forward Karol Swiderski (11) celebrates with midfielder Jordy Alcivar (8) after scoring a goal in the second half at Bank of America Stadium on March 26, 2022 © Reuters

Charlotte FC simply had far too much for New York Red Bulls in a routine 2-0 triumph in Saturday's clash at the Bank of America Stadium.

Late goals in either half from Ben Bender and Derrick Jones propelled Christian Lattanzio's men to a well-deserved three points.

With 19 points amassed from 15 games this term, the team from North Carolina have now climbed up into seventh place in the Eastern Conference.

However, Sunday's visitors currently boast the worst away record in the entire division, as they have only managed one point from a possible 21 on the road.

Columbus Crew Major League Soccer form:

Charlotte FC Major League Soccer form:

Charlotte FC form (all competitions):

Team News

Columbus Crew midfielder Darlington Nagbe (6) celebrates his goal with teammates during the second half against the New York Red Bulls at Red Bull Arena on March 20, 2022 © Reuters

Kevin Molino is ruled out for Columbus Crew via a knee injury, while Marlon Hairston is also sidelined with an ankle problem.

Midfielder Pedro Santos is a doubt for Sunday's game after he was hauled off in the first half of his side's last involvement.

Alan Franco, Christian Makoun, Karol Swiderski and Kamil Jozwiak are all on international duty and are unavailable for Charlotte.

Meanwhile, 19-year-old Adam Armour is set to sit out a 10th consecutive game dating back to April due to a long-term muscle injury.

Since going 12 games without a goal, Ben Bender has now scored in back to back outings, making the American one to keep an eye on.

Columbus Crew possible starting lineup:
Room; Sands, Degenek, Mensah, Moreira; Morris, Nagbe, Artur; Yeboah, Hurtado, Etienne

Charlotte FC possible starting lineup:
Kahlina; Mora, Walkes, Corujo, Afful; Bronico, Ortiz, Bender; McKinze, Shinyashiki; Rios

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We say: Columbus Crew 2-0 Charlotte FC

Given Charlotte's persistent struggles away from home, it is hard to envisage any other outcome from this one than a win for the home side come the end of the 90 minutes in what should be an exciting affair nonetheless.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.