Columbus Crew take on Los Angeles Galaxy at Lower.com Field on Wednesday evening, in the latest round of MLS fixtures.
The hosts are eighth in the Eastern Conference, having collected 15 points from 11 games, while the visitors are struggling in the Western Conference, currently sitting in 13th place.
Match preview
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Columbus Crew have made a solid, if not spectacular, start to the MLS season, sitting just inside the playoff places, but they have started to struggle considerably in recent weeks.
The Crew are now without a win in their last four MLS games, losing two and drawing two, although they have impressed in the US Open Cup, advancing to the round of 16 after a recent 5-1 win against Loudoun United.
Wilfried Nancy's side have been very impressive on the front foot up to this point, which was epitomised in the victory against Loudoun, scoring 21 goals in the MLS so far this season, the joint-highest amount of any team.
The Black & Gold will be very disappointed to have thrown away a two-goal lead at home against Orlando City last time out, with Duncan McGuire netting a stoppage-time equaliser for the visitors.
As such, the Crew will be eager to get back on track with a victory on Wednesday night, against a side they have never lost against on home soil.
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Indeed, LA Galaxy have often struggled in their trips to Ohio, and their away record in general has been very poor this season, collecting just two points in five matches on the road, only managing to score one goal.
The Galaxy have won just two of their 11 MLS matches this season, which leaves them three points outside the playoffs, although it is still early days in the campaign, and they have plenty of time to turn their form around.
Greg Venney's side have been showing signs of improvement in recent weeks, winning their last two games on the spin in all competitions, most recently defeating San Jose Earthquakes 2-1 in the MLS, courtesy of goals from Martin Caceres and Dejan Joveljic.
It was a dominant performance from LA Galaxy, having more than double the number of shots than the Earthquakes, who are currently in fifth place, indicating they do have the quality to compete against some of the better sides in the MLS.
Team News
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Columbus Crew have a number of players missing through injury, including Will Sands, who has suffered a season-ending ACL injury, meaning Yaw Yeboah should get the nod on Wednesday night, in a left-wing back position.
Nancy has most often utilised a 3-4-3 formation, with Milos Degenek playing at centre-back, but the Australian centre-back is also unavailable due to injury, so Gustavo Vallecilla, Philip Quinton and Steven Moreira should keep their places in the team.
As for LA Galaxy, Douglas Costa is a long-term absentee, suffering with a muscle issue, and the Brazilian midfielder is still sidelined, while defender Chris Mavinga also remains unavailable for selection.
Joveljic scored just minutes after being brought on as a substitute last time out, and the striker could be rewarded with a start, partnering Javier Hernandez in attack for the Galaxy.
Columbus Crew possible starting lineup:
Schulte; Moreira, Quinton, Vallecilla; Farsi, Morris, Nagbe, Yeboah; Matan, Cucho, Russell-Rowe
Los Angeles Galaxy possible starting lineup:
Bond; Calegari, Caceres, Neal, Aude; Boyd, Delgado, Brugman, Rodriguez; Hernandez, Joveljic
We say: Columbus Crew 3-1 Los Angeles Galaxy
Columbus Crew have not been at their best recently, but LA Galaxy have made a very slow start to the MLS season, particularly away from home, scoring just once on their travels.
As such, we expect the hosts to emerge with a fairly comfortable victory in what could be a high-scoring game, given their fantastic record in front of goal.
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Top tip
Dominic Lund
