Preview: DC United vs. Columbus Crew - prediction, team news, lineups

The hosts head into this one looking to bounce back from a heavy defeat last time out while the away side go in search of consecutive wins for the first time this term.

Match preview

Columbus Crew claimed a second away win on the spin as they came out on top in a thrilling 3-2 contest against Chicago Fire at Soldier Field.

After going behind to first-half strikes from Rafael Czichos and Chris Mueller, Caleb Porter's men restored parity thanks to Derick Etienne's double before Cucho completed the turnaround on his debut.

The Black and Gold have moved up to eighth place in the Eastern Conference standings and are now just a point shy of the last playoff spot having played a game fewer than Cincinnati.

Awaiting them next is the challenge of an opposing outfit with little to choose between the teams, as the last 14 meetings have yielded six wins apiece for either side and two draws.

Having picked up seven of the last nine points available on the road, Thursday's visitors set out to continue their good run of form away from home.

DC United suffered their heaviest defeat in the club's history following a 7-0 thrashing against Philadelphia Union at Subaru Park on Saturday.

Julian Carranza grabbed a hat-trick and was joined on the scoresheet by Alejandro Bedoya and Mikael Uhre who both scored two goals apiece to sink Chad Ashton's men.

The Black-and-Red remain 13th in the Eastern Conference, but they could potentially be just three points off a playoff berth should they win their two games in hand.

With the worst home record in the entire division as it stands, Thursday's hosts will be aiming to end a four-game winless run in front of their fans.

DC United Major League Soccer form:

Columbus Crew Major League Soccer form:

Team News

Artur has missed each of Columbus Crew's last five games with a leg injury, and the Brazilian is not expected to feature on Thursday either.

The away side will also be without the services of Marlon Hairston, who remains without an appearance since May due to a knee problem.

Off the back of an impressive cameo off the bench against Chicago Fire, Derick Etienne could be rewarded with a starting berth in this one.

Bill Hamid and Adrien Perez are both sidelined for DC United, while 18-year-old midfielder Moses Nyeman also misses out through injury.

Incoming head coach Wayne Rooney is set to be in attendance, although the ex-Derby County boss could have to wait until Sunday before overseeing his first game in charge.

DC United possible starting lineup:

Romo; Hines-Ike, Birnbaum, Pines; Guediri, Durkin, Skundrich, Gressel; Fountas, Kamara, Estrada

Columbus Crew possible starting lineup:

Room; Anibaba, Williams, Mensah; Santos, Zawadzki, Morris, Nagbe, Moreira; Zelarayan, Russell-Rowe

We say: DC United 1-2 Columbus Crew

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