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New York Red Bulls vs. Columbus Crew: Preview and How to Watch

ByMatthew Nelson|
Oct 16, 2016; Harrison, NJ, USA; New York Red Bulls midfielder Dax McCarty (11) reacts in front of Columbus Crew forward Adam Jahn (12) and forward Justin Meram (9) at Red Bull Arena. The Red Bulls won, 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 16, 2016; Harrison, NJ, USA; New York Red Bulls midfielder Dax McCarty (11) reacts in front of Columbus Crew forward Adam Jahn (12) and forward Justin Meram (9) at Red Bull Arena. The Red Bulls won, 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

The Columbus Crew travel to take on the New York Red Bulls in week seven of Major League Soccer action.

It’s first place vs. fifth place in the Eastern Conference as red-hot Columbus Crew look to make it five wins in six games against the New York Red Bulls. New York, on the other hand, started the season off hot but since then they have only one win in five games.

New York Red Bulls

Apr 15, 2017; Harrison, NJ, USA; New York Red Bulls pose for a photo before their game against the D.C. United at Red Bull Arena. New York Red Bulls won 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 15, 2017; Harrison, NJ, USA; New York Red Bulls pose for a photo before their game against the D.C. United at Red Bull Arena. New York Red Bulls won 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
  • Current Record: (W-L-D) 3-3-1
  • Last Match Result: 2-0 win vs. DC United
  • Player to Watch For: Bradley Wright-Phillips. Though BWP has only scored three goals this season, something he himself wouldn’t be that proud of, this is the time of the year that BWP starts to get hot. Look for him to make a big difference for the Red Bulls.
  • Why They Win: The New York Red Bulls have a stellar backline in Zizzo, Collin, Long, and Lawrence. Though there are times where these four have struggled to play together, these four have the potential to stop most, if not all, offenses in the league.
  • Why They Won’t: In the past, the Red Bulls’ midfield has been one of the biggest reasons why they have been so successful. Now, though, the midfield struggles to play as a cohesive unit and if the past few games will prove anything, the Crew will dominate New York in the midfield.
  • Predicted Starting XI

Columbus Crew

Apr 15, 2017; Columbus, OH, USA;Columbus Crew SC defender Josh Williams (3) dribbles the ball in the second half of the match against the Toronto FC at MAPFRE Stadium. Columbus Crew SC beat Toronto FC 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 15, 2017; Columbus, OH, USA;Columbus Crew SC defender Josh Williams (3) dribbles the ball in the second half of the match against the Toronto FC at MAPFRE Stadium. Columbus Crew SC beat Toronto FC 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
  • Current Record: (W-L-D) 4-2-4
  • Last Match Result: 2-1 win vs. Toronto FC
  • Player to Watch For: Justin Meram. The Columbus Crew midfielder has been on fire in recent weeks, scoring four goals so far this season, tying with Ola Kamara for the most goals on the team. If the Red Bulls allow Meram space going forward it is going to be a long afternoon for them.
  • Why They Win: Between the two, Justin Meram and Ola Kamara have scored eight goals so far this season. The combination of these two could break down an underperforming Columbus backline and create some great opportunities against Luis Robles in goal.
  • Why They Won’t: Most of Columbus’ wins have come from home matches. Now that they are on the road again, where they are 1-1-1, the Red Bulls should as an opportunity to take some points away from the Eastern Conference leaders.
  • Predicted Started XI

Prediction

Next: Winningest MLS Franchises in League History

How to Watch

Kickoff: 7:30pm EST (4:30pm PST)
Channel: CW Columbus (Ohio), BCSN2 (New York), MLS Live

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