The Columbus Crew host NYCFC at Lower.com Field on Saturday, August 6 at 7:30 p.m. ET in a key Eastern Conference matchup. The game will stream on ESPN+ and air on Bally Sports Ohio.

Recent Form

• Columbus had their 9-game unbeaten streak snapped in a 2-1 loss to Montreal
• NYCFC sits in second place but struggled offensively in their first game without leading scorer Taty Castellanos, managing no shots on goal

Key Players Crew:

• Lucas Zelarayan: 6 goals, scored vs Montreal
• Cucho Hernandez: 4 goals in 5 games
• Derrick Etienne Jr: 5 goals, 5 assists

NYCFC:

• Heber: 6 goals in 19 games
• Talles Magno: 5 goals, 6 assists
• Sean Johnson: 12 clean sheets, including one vs Columbus in May

Betting Odds:

• Columbus: +145
• NYCFC: +165
• Draw: +245
• Over/Under 2.5 goals: -120/+100
• First to Score: Crew -115, NYCFC -110

Analysis: The Crew's dynamic attack featuring Zelarayan, Hernandez and Etienne should test NYCFC's defense. However, NYCFC has kept four straight clean sheets behind goalkeeper Sean Johnson. The Crew need to tighten up defensively after conceding late goals to Montreal. A draw seems likely between these evenly matched teams.

The game features an intriguing tactical battle between Columbus's high-powered offense and NYCFC's stout defense as both teams jockey for playoff position in the East.

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