Preview: New York Red Bulls vs. Columbus Crew - prediction, team news, lineups

As we enter matchday four of the season, neither side have made a particularly convincing start to the campaign.

Match preview

The Red Bulls are winless so far, having scored just one goal in their opening three games, courtesy of centre-back Andres Reyes.

An opening day defeat at Orlando City was followed up by draws against both Nashville and Minnesota United.

A mixed off-season saw NYRB lose US international centre-back Aaron Long to LAFC, but they have still remained strong in defence.

It is in attack where Gerhard Struber's side must improve, and they will hope the signing of Dante Vanzeir will provide that clinical edge.

The Belgian striker netted 43 goals in 79 appearances for Europa League contenders Union St. Gilloise and he has been capped at senior international level.

A similar regular season to that of last year will go down well in New York, as the Red Bulls finished fourth, but they were unable to take any form into the playoffs, losing at the first hurdle to Cincinnati.

Columbus missed out on the playoffs altogether after a heartbreaking defeat on the final day at Orlando saw the Floridians leapfrog them in the final playoff spot.

They are out to avenge that disappointment this season and they have made a relatively better start than their upcoming opponents so far.

Wilfried Nancy's men drew at Toronto after beating DC United the week previously to rid the 4-1 defeat against Philadelphia Union from their minds on the opening weekend.

Argentine-born Armenian Lucas Zelarayan looks set to be the key man in the Columbus side yet again for the 2023 season.

Zelarayan scored both goals in their 2-0 win over DC United, which added to his already brilliant record of 32 goals and 27 assists in 85 MLS appearances since joining from Tigres in 2020.

The 2021 MLS All-Star inductee will be a big miss for Columbus when he is away on international duty with Armenia next week, when the side host Atlanta United.

New York Red Bulls Major League Soccer form:

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New York Red Bulls form (all competitions):

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Columbus Crew Major League Soccer form:

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Team News

This could be the game where Struber finally includes Vanzeir in the Red Bulls starting XI, after making just two substitute appearances so far.

Elias Manoel, Cory Burke and Tom Barlow have all started in attack so far this season, but the lack of goals has been alarming.

Dru Yearwood will be the only absentee for the hosts at the Red Bull Arena.

Christian Ramirez is yet to feature for Columbus since he returned to MLS after 18 months in Scottish football.

He is on the treatment table alongside Will Sands and Columbus stalwart Josh Williams, who are their other absentees.

New York Red Bulls possible starting lineup:

Carlos; Duncan, Nealis, Reyes, Tolkin; Amaya, Edelman, Morgan; Casseres, Vanzeir, Luquinhas

Columbus Crew possible starting lineup:

Room; Moreira, Degenek, Quinton; Farsi, Nagbe, Morris, Yeboah; Matan, Cucho, Zelarayan

We say: New York Red Bulls 1-1 Columbus Crew

There is more to come from both sides and the Red Bulls will hope home advantage can give them an edge as they seek a first win of the season.

Columbus have shown improvement after a woeful opening day, but will rely on Zelarayan for inspiration here.

How to watch

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