Preview: New York Red Bulls vs. Columbus Crew – Prediction, Team News, Lineups

The New York Red Bulls aims for higher sowing MLS Cup playoffs as they host the Columbus crew in both teams' regular season finale on Saturday at Red Bull Arena.

Heading into decision day, the Red Bulls sit seventh in the Eastern Conference after a 2-1 loss to Atlanta United, while the Crew are in second place with a convincing 4-0 win over the New England Revolution last weekend.

Game preview

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It's going to be another year of playoff football in New Jersey, but the Red Bulls have stumbled over the finish line this time, winning just one of their last 10 games in all competitions.

As the season progresses, Sandro Schwarz His team has conceded in eleven league games in a row, including ten in the last four games.

A win this weekend would give them 50 points for the 2024 season, the second time they have reached that mark in the last three seasons.

Although they are assured of a spot in the opening round of the playoffs, there is still a chance of a more favorable postseason game as they are currently one point behind Charlotte FC in sixth place.

The Red Bulls remained winless in their last five home games of the regular season and were outscored by a total of 8-4 points during that time.

New York is undefeated in its last three games against Columbus at Red Bull Arena and came from behind to win 2-1 in this very game last year.

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As reigning MLS Cup champions heading into 2024, the team had one goal in sight, but to their credit they were able to maintain a top-notch level of play throughout the season.

This is the first time Columbus has made consecutive playoff appearances since the 2017 and 2018 MLS seasons.

They are currently firing on all cylinders and have scored multiple goals in six consecutive league games, including a total of seven in their last two league games.

Wilfried NancyWashington's men have picked up points in six of their last seven domestic games and set a new regular-season club record for wins (18) thanks to their victory over the Revs.

For a ball-dominant and aggressive team, they had a well-structured defense and conceded the second fewest goals in the Eastern Conference (38).

Their 63 points are already a club record for a single season, while they have recorded twice as many away wins this season (eight) than the previous season (four).

Form of the New York Red Bulls in Major League Soccer:

Columbus Crew Major League Soccer form:

Team news

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Don't expect to see anything Kyle Duncan will play for the Red Bulls on Saturday as he recovers from knee surgery. Wikelman Carmona is doubtful with a sore thigh and Roald Mitchell He could miss another game due to a knee injury.

Dylan Nealis will not be available for this game after receiving a red card in their loss to the Five Stripes.

Serge Ngoma They scored a consolation goal in their last game, but it came in the 14th minute of second-half stoppage time, which proved to be too little, too late.

Since there's no reason to play, it's unlikely the crew will be there Steven Moreirawho missed his last game due to an ankle injury, Sean Zawadzki is doubtful for a rib injury and Evan Bush I'm currently training my back but am still questionable due to an arm problem.

Patrick Schulte And Nicholas Hagen Both will be back from international duty, whatever Mohamed Farsi, Taha Habroune And Cucho Hernandezalthough we'd be surprised if Schulte or Hernandez started in a match where the Crew has nothing to gain or lose.

DeJuan Jones scored the winning goal in their win over New England Alexandru Matan score a hat trick and Abraham Romero collect a clean sheet.

Possible starting lineup for the New York Red Bulls:
Coronel; Reyes, S. Nealis, Rush; Stroud, Donkor, Edelman, Forsberg, Tolkin; Vanzeir, Morgan

Possible starting lineup for the Columbus Crew:
Hagen; Cheberko, Camacho, Amundsen; DeJuan Jones, Chambost, Nagbe, Yeboah; Matan, Ramirez; Rossi

We say: New York Red Bulls 1-3 Columbus Crew

Even though this is essentially a nothing game for the team, Nancy always seems to be pushing the right buttons to keep this team on track and we're expecting a strong performance from his squad, which should be enough to overcome the inconsistent Red Defeat Bulls.

For data analysis of the most likely outcomes, scores and more for this game, please click here.

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