Preview: New England Revolution vs. Columbus Crew - prediction, team news, lineups

The hosts currently sit third in the table with the visitors just two points behind them, with both teams aiming to push further up the division.

Match preview

New England Revolution have been one of the most dominant teams in the MLS this season, losing just six of their 30 games to this point which has left them third in the Eastern Conference.

The Revs may not be able to finish in top spot any longer with just two games to go, but they do have the opportunity to push into second place.

There are only two points between them and Orlando City at the moment, with a victory having the potential to push New England Revolution above them, which will provide plenty of incentive to the team.

However, they will also be wary that there is the same gap between them and Columbus Crew, with the visitors also pushing to end the campaign as high as possible.

New England Revolution are undefeated at home this season, which is something that the team will not want to change at this stage, especially due to how impressive they have been offensively, scoring 34 goals.

The visitors cannot say the same about their away form though, as their performances on the road have proven to be a sticking point throughout this campaign.

Columbus Crew have only lost nine matches in the MLS this season, but eight of those have taken place in away matches, adding plenty of pressure onto this match on Thursday.

Wilfried Nancy may not have been able to get his team consistently performing on the road, but the team have been strong throughout the campaign generally, particularly when it came to the attacking side of the game.

Columbus Crew have scored 62 times this season, which is more than any other team in the Eastern Conference, and that could be a crucial factor in this upcoming match.

After consecutive 1-1 draws, the Crew will now be aiming to push on and turn those performances into victories to keep putting pressure on those above them.

New England Revolution Major League Soccer form:

W

D

D

L

D

W

Columbus Crew Major League Soccer form:

L

W

L

W

D

D

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Team News

After picking up three points in their most recent outing the hosts could opt to make no changes to the starting XI in midweek to continue the momentum.

However, Giacomo Vrioni could be in line for an appearance after being used as a substitute in the 2-1 victory last weekend, with the forward having six goals to his name this season.

Will Sands continues to be an absentee for Columbus Crew this weekend due to the knee injury he is recovering from, with the forward expected to be on the sidelines once again for this one.

However, the visitors will have Cucho Hernandez leading the line, who heads into the game after scoring his 14th goal of the season during their most recent outing.

New England Revolution possible starting lineup:

Edwards Jr; Farrell, Gonzalez, Romney, Jones; Harkes, Kaye; N. Gil, C. Gil; Chancalay; Vrioni

Columbus Crew possible starting lineup:

Schulte; Moreira, Camacho, Amundsen; Gressel, Nagbe, Morris, Yeboah; Matan, Rossi, Hernandez

We say: New England Revolution 2-1 Columbus Crew

New England Revolution have the chance to kick on further in the division this weekend, and that alone could lead to them taking all three points.

While the visitors are having no problem in finding the back of the net this season, their poor away form generally could be a sticking point.

How to watch

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