Montreal Impact vs. Columbus Crew: Preview and How to Watch

Columbus Crew SC face fellow Eastern Conference side Montreal Impact, with both teams seeking to improve their inconsistent form.

Montreal Impact begins a three-game streak of games at home by welcoming Columbus Crew SC to the Stade Saputo. Both Eastern Conference clubs have had inconsistency

Both Eastern Conference clubs have had inconsistency plague the early part of their respective campaigns; the visitors are fourth in the conference but have suffered five losses in their last seven games, while the home team lies in 10th spot as they continue their stuttering form.

Columbus Crew has a superior head to head record with six wins as opposed to Impact’s five in 14 games, although they have yet to beat the home team in their previous five regular season attempts.

Montreal Impact

• Current Record (W-L-D): 2-3-4
• Last Time Out: 0-1 win at DC United
• Player to Watch For: Blerim Dzemaili’s recent arrival will most definitely put the spotlight on him, but the player to watch out for has to be homegrown talent Ballou Tabla. The 18-year-old has been a regular starter in recent times and has made eight appearances this season, scoring two goals including the recent winner at DC United. His ability on the ball, decent shot, speed and unpredictable nature helps him produce special moments, which is something he will be looking to showcase more of.
• Why They Win: Getting an early goal will be key for the Montreal Impact, whilst also staying defensively stable throughout. The recent shuffling of the pack by Mauro Biello provides defensive stability to the team and Dzemaili’s arrival brings a certain edge to what was an aging midfield; alongside the trio of Piatti, Tabla, and Oduro, the Impact will be swift and dangerous on the counter.

• Why They Won’t: As evidenced by their last home game against the Vancouver Whitecaps and a few other games this season, this Impact team isn’t very comfortable defending a lead. Due to the nature of their direct game, the team tends to turn over the ball frequently which leads to the opposition slowly picking them apart. They have also been guilty of losing their defensive shape at times, which only makes the task of getting a win harder.
• Predicted Starting Xl:

Columbus Crew SC

• Current Record (W-L-D): 5-5-1
• Last Time Out: 1-2 home loss to Toronto FC
• Player to Watch For: Columbus Crew have three in-form attacking players at the moment, but Frederico Higuain definitely stands out for his exploits this season. The 32-year-old playmaker is in a rich vein of form entering this match, having scored three goals in his last three appearances. His ability to dictate the tempo of play has helped the likes Ola Kamara and Meram hugely, which is evident by their impressive stats this season.
• Why They Win: Ola Kamara, Justin Meram, and Frederico Higuain have scored 14 of Columbus Crews’ 16 goals in this campaign, making them a threat to any opposition in the league. The link-up play between the three and a shrewd defensive set-up on the day could sway the result in the way of visitors.

• Why They Won’t:  As good as Columbus is going forward, they are almost equally as terrible in defense. They are joint-second for most goals conceded (tied with New York Red Bulls) and after a promising start to the season, their form has stuttered drastically. Five losses in their last six away games makes for gloomy reading, and with two more away games to follow after this, Columbus could be set for even harder times.
• Predicted Starting Xl:

Prediction:

How to Watch:

Where: Saputo Stadium

When: Saturday, May 13, 2017, at 5 pm ET

Channel: MLS Live (USA), TVA Sports (Canada)