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Columbus Crew vs. NYCFC: Preview and How to Watch

By Matthew Nelson

Apr 14, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New York City FC defender Ronald Matarrita during the first half against the Philadelphia Union at Talen Energy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 14, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New York City FC defender Ronald Matarrita during the first half against the Philadelphia Union at Talen Energy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports /
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NYCFC, who don’t have a great record on the road, travel to take on the Columbus Crew who are undefeated at home.

The Columbus Crew have looked good at home so far, with three wins a draw and they currently sit second in the Eastern Conference, tied for points with New York Red Bulls and Toronto FC, who are in third and fourth place, respectively. New York City FC, who have also looked good at home, have gone 1-2 on the road.

Columbus Crew

Apr 15, 2017; Columbus, OH, USA; Columbus Crew SC midfielder Artur (7) dribbles the ball in front of Toronto FC midfielder Michael Bradley (4) in the first half of the match 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 midfielder Artur (7) dribbles the ball in front of Toronto FC midfielder Michael Bradley (4) in the first half of the match at MAPFRE Stadium. Columbus Crew SC beat Toronto FC 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /
  • Current Record (W-L-D): 4-3-1
  • Last Time Out: 2-0 loss at New York Red Bulls
  • Player to  Watch: Justin Meram. Meram has been on a roll lately, tied up top with Kamara on Columbus’ season goal leader board with four goals each. All his goals so far have come at home so look for Meram to be on the scoresheet tonight.
  • Why They Win: The Crew have yet to lose a game at home this season and that is because of their ability to score at Mapfre Stadium. Columbus will have opportunities on the rightside with Rodney Wallace filling in as leftback.
  • Why They Won’t: With injuries to Artur in the midfield and Crognale as centerback, the Crew will have trouble dealing with the talented front line of New York and opportunities are bound to fall to NYCFC.
  • Projected Starting XI:

New York City FC

  • Current Record (W-L-D): 3-3-1
  • Last Time Out: 1-2 loss vs. Orlando
  • Player to  Watch: Rodney Wallace. Last week Wallas filled in for the injured Ronald Matarrita who is out 4-6 weeks with an ankle injury. Though he filled in fairly well against Orlando, he will be put to the test with Niko Hansen running at him.
  • Why They Win: New York has a very talented attack going forward, especially if Rodney Wallace is bombing forward underneath McNamara. If New York can take advantage of their attacking talent and the injuries to Columbus’ backline and midfield, they could put a few goals in the back of the net.
  • Why They Won’t: NYCFC have only won one game on the road so far and that was against a very out of sorts Philadelphia Union side. Now, against Columbus, a side that is very good at home, NYCFC will have a hard time figuring out how to deal with the confidence of the home side.
  • Projected Starting XI:

Prediction

Next: Aron Johansson wants out of Werder Bremen

How to Watch

Where: Mapfre Stadium, Columbus, Ohio
When: Saturday, April 29, 7:30pm ET
Channels: CW Columbus, BCSN 2, MLS Live

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