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

Having only played one match in the division so far each team is still finding their feet for the new campaign.

Match preview

The opening day of the season was something that everyone associated with Columbus Crew will be hoping to quickly forget as they suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat against Philadelphia Union.

While they did take the lead in the first half, even that was via an own goal, with the second 45 minutes seeing things fall apart as their opponents scored all of their goals.

A lack of discipline proved to be an issue in that period as Columbus Crew gave away two penalties which opened the game up for Philadelphia Union.

However, this weekend will be the first opportunity for Wilfried Nancy's men to perform at home, providing a great chance to quickly put that fixture behind them.

After an eighth-placed finish last season the team will be hoping to go one step further this time around to secure a playoff position, adding further pressure to this fixture.

However, when it comes to the previous campaign that is something that DC United will want to improve upon even more considering they finished bottom of the Eastern Conference.

It was a difficult season for the team which saw them finish with a -35 goal difference, highlighting just how tough the team had it.

That is something that Wayne Rooney's men have already been looking to put right after kickstarting this season with three points, providing themselves with the perfect platform to launch into this campaign with.

The Black-and-Red left things extremely late in securing that win though as it took a 98th-minute goal from Theodore Ku-DiPietro to defeat Toronto 3-2.

That was not the only late goal of the game though as DC United came back from 2-1 down in the final 10 minutes as Christian Benteke initially scored an equaliser in the 90th minute, showcasing the fighting spirit the team has this season.

Columbus Crew Major League Soccer form:

DC United Major League Soccer form:

Team News

Patrick Schulte could be set to feature in goal once more for Columbus Crew due to the fact there are issues surrounding Eloy Room and his green card, but he will be hoping for a stronger performance than his debut where he let four goals in if that is the case.

Josh Williams could be brought in to make his first start for the club in an attempt to strengthen the defensive side of the hosts after struggling in their first match.

The visitors will be without the services of Martin Rodriguez for the bulk of this season after he tore his ACL in his right knee, providing them with an early blow.

Another name that is not going to be available for DC United is Ravel Morrison as Rooney decided to axe his former teammate from the roster.

However, the experience of former Crystal Palace and Liverpool striker Benteke will prove vital for the team, just as it did last weekend when he got off the mark.

Ku-Dipietro will also be hoping he did enough in his cameo role on the opening day of the season to start this time around after he scored the late winner.

Columbus Crew possible starting lineup:

Schulte; Moreira, Degenek, Williams, Medranda; Morris, Nagbe, Espinoza, Zelarayan, Molino; Ramirez

DC United possible starting lineup:

Miller; Ruan, Birnbaum, Williams, Jeahze; Palsson; Canouse, Klich; Fountas, Rodriguez, Benteke

We say: Columbus Crew X-Y DC United

Prediction justification text here

How to watch

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