The Columbus Crew heads to Atlanta United for a crucial MLS matchup on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Here's what you need to know:

Recent Form

• Columbus: Coming off a 0-0 draw vs Nashville, 4 draws in last 5 matches
• Atlanta: Winless in 9 straight games (franchise record), drew last match vs Cincinnati

Key Players

• Columbus: Lucas Zelarayan (leads MLS with 4 free kick goals), Pedro Santos (3 assists)
• Atlanta: Josef Martinez (2 goals this season) returns after manager change

Notable Absences

• Columbus: Gyasi Zardes, Liam Fraser (Gold Cup duty)
• Atlanta: Miles Robinson, Brad Guzan (Gold Cup duty)

Head-to-Head

• Columbus has won last 4 meetings vs Atlanta by combined 8-2 score
• Atlanta won first 4 meetings after joining MLS

Betting Lines

• Atlanta United ML: +120 (-0.5, +100)
• Columbus Crew ML: +245 (+0.5, -165)
• Draw: +235
• Total Goals 2.5: Over +100, Under -125
• First to Score: Atlanta -130, Columbus +130, No Goals +675

Analysis Despite missing key players, Columbus needs this win to defend their title and maintain playoff position. With the league's best defense (12 goals allowed) and Zelarayan's playmaking ability, the Crew have a good chance against struggling Atlanta.

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