Columbus Crew Vs New York City Match Preview and Predictions

Columbus Crew will face New York City in a Major League Soccer match on August 31, with kickoff set for 19:30 Columbus, USA  local time.

Columbus Crew (also known as Columbus, Columbus Crew SC, or Columbus SC) and New York City FC (also referred to as New York City, New York City Football Club, or NYCFC) meet again just 8 days after their last encounter in the Leagues Cup, which ended in a 1-1 draw but saw Columbus Crew advance on penalties. Columbus Crew are in excellent form, having secured victories in their last five matches against Philadelphia Union, New York City, Inter Miami FC, Sporting KC, and Aston Villa. They will look to extend this winning streak against New York City. However, Columbus Crew’s defense has shown some weaknesses, conceding goals in each of their last three matches.

New York City FC, meanwhile, are coming into this match following a draw against Chicago Fire. The team has struggled defensively, particularly in away games, where they have conceded goals in their last six consecutive matches, adding to the psychological pressure as they prepare to face an in-form Columbus Crew side.

Head-to-Head Record: Columbus Crew Vs New York City

Columbus Crew and New York City FC have faced each other 6 times since May 2022. Columbus Crew has won 3 of these matches, while New York City has won once, with 2 matches ending in a draw. Their most recent encounter was on August 18, 2024, in the Leagues Cup, which ended in a 1-1 draw, with Columbus Crew winning on penalties. Both teams have scored 9 goals in these 6 head-to-head matches, but Columbus Crew holds a slight edge in overall performance.

Season Performance

• Columbus Crew:
  • Matches Played: 23
  • Wins: 12
  • Draws: 7
  • Losses: 4
  • Goals Scored: 47 (2.04 per match)
  • Goals Conceded: 22 (0.96 per match)

• New York City FC:
  • Matches Played: 26
  • Wins: 11
  • Draws: 6
  • Losses: 9
  • Goals Scored: 38 (1.46 per match)
  • Goals Conceded: 32 (1.23 per match)

Recent Form: Columbus Crew Vs New York City

Columbus Crew:

Columbus Crew is currently on a strong winning streak, having won their last five matches against Philadelphia Union, New York City, Inter Miami FC, Sporting KC, and Aston Villa. Their only loss in the recent period was a 2-1 defeat to Atlanta United on July 21. Overall, Columbus Crew has won 15 of their last 20 matches, with 4 losses and 1 draw. In their most recent 6 matches, they secured 5 victories and experienced just one defeat.

• Recent Results:
  • August 22: Columbus Crew 3 – 1 Philadelphia Union
  • August 18: Columbus Crew 1 – 1 New York City (won on penalties)
  • August 14: Columbus Crew 3 – 2 Inter Miami FC
  • August 10: Columbus Crew 4 – 0 Sporting KC
  • July 28: Columbus Crew 4 – 1 Aston Villa
  • July 21: Columbus Crew 1 – 2 Atlanta United (loss)

New York City FC:

New York City FC’s recent form has been mixed, with their latest match ending in a 2-2 draw against Chicago Fire. They have won 3 of their last 6 matches, including victories over Tigres, New England Revolution, and Querétaro. However, they have also faced 2 losses and 1 draw in this period. Overall, New York City has won 8 of their last 20 matches, lost 8, and drawn 4.

• Recent Results:
  • August 25: New York City 2 – 2 Chicago Fire (draw)
  • August 14: New York City 1 – 2 Tigres
  • August 10: New York City 1 – 1 New England Revolution
  • August 6: New York City 2 – 4 FC Cincinnati (loss)
  • July 29: New York City 0 – 0 Querétaro
  • July 18: New York City 1 – 1 Columbus Crew (draw)

Betting Analysis: Columbus Crew vs. New York City FC

Date: August 31, 2024
Kickoff Time: 19:30 Columbus, USA local time
Competition: Major League Soccer (MLS)

Current Form

• Columbus Crew: Columbus Crew is on a strong winning streak, with victories in their last five matches. Their recent form has been impressive, especially at home. They have shown a potent attack, scoring multiple goals in recent games. However, their defense has been inconsistent, conceding goals in their last three matches.
• New York City FC: New York City FC has had a more mixed recent form. They drew their last match against Chicago Fire and have been inconsistent in their away performances. Their defense has been vulnerable, particularly in away games, which has contributed to their struggles this season.

Head-to-Head Record:

Columbus Crew and New York City FC have met 6 times since May 2022. Columbus Crew has won 3 of these matches, while New York City has won once, and 2 matches ended in a draw. In their most recent encounter on August 18, 2024, they drew 1-1, with Columbus Crew advancing on penalties.

Home and Away Performance

• Columbus Crew at Home: Columbus Crew has been strong at home, consistently winning and scoring multiple goals. Their recent home victories and attacking prowess make them a formidable opponent on their own turf.
• New York City FC Away: New York City FC has struggled away from home, particularly with defensive issues. They have conceded goals in their last 6 away matches, which could be a significant concern against an in-form Columbus Crew side.

Key Players to Watch

• Columbus Crew:
  • Lucas Zelarayán: The playmaker has been central to Columbus Crew’s attack, providing crucial assists and scoring opportunities.
  • Kofi Sarkodie: A reliable defender, Sarkodie will need to be at his best to manage New York City’s attacking threats and secure the defense.
• New York City FC:
  • Thiago Almada: Known for his creativity and vision, Almada can be pivotal in breaking down Columbus Crew’s defense and creating scoring opportunities.
  • Taty Castellanos: The striker’s ability to capitalize on chances will be crucial if New York City is to overcome Columbus Crew’s defense.

Betting Tips

1. Columbus Crew to Win: Given Columbus Crew’s current form and their strong home performance, betting on a Columbus Crew victory is a solid choice. They have been dominant recently and will look to continue their winning streak against New York City FC.
2. Both Teams to Score (BTTS) – Yes: With Columbus Crew’s attacking strength and New York City FC’s defensive vulnerabilities, it is likely that both teams will score. New York City has been able to find the back of the net despite their struggles.
3. Over 2.5 Goals: Columbus Crew’s recent matches have featured high-scoring games, and New York City FC’s defensive issues add to the likelihood of a high-scoring encounter. Betting on over 2.5 goals could offer good value.
4. Lucas Zelarayán to Score Anytime: Zelarayán has been in excellent form and is often involved in Columbus Crew’s goals. Betting on him to score at any time during the match is a worthwhile consideration.
5. First Half Columbus Crew to Win: Columbus Crew has shown a tendency to start matches strongly, and with their recent home form, they are likely to take the lead in the first half.

Final Prediction

Columbus Crew is expected to continue their winning run, particularly given their strong home form and New York City FC’s defensive issues. While New York City may score, Columbus Crew’s superior form and attacking capabilities make them the favorites for this match.

Predicted Score: Columbus Crew 3-1 New York City FC

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