NYCFC vs Columbus Crew preview: Back in Ohio for a tough road match

On the final day of August, New York City FC will be back in Columbus to take on the Columbus Crew.  The Pigeons were just there a few weeks ago when they lost to the home team in the Leagues Cup quarterfinals after a penalty kick shootout.  Notably, they managed a 1-1 draw in regulation despite some not-so-great play.

The road is not an easy place for NYCFC.  Therefore, this will be a difficult game.  It would be helpful for Alonso Martínez to score early again, but that is not a guarantee.  Nonetheless, the visitors need a fantastic offensive performance if they want a hint of a chance of winning in Columbus.  Likely, they would need such a performance to leave with a point, for the Crew is hot right now.

At the same time, this is the perfect test for the Pigeons.  How will they respond after giving up the 2-0 lead against Chicago Fire FC at home?  Will the Crew have tired legs after all of the matches they have played?  If yes, then can the Bronx side figure out their weaknesses and pounce?  Will Nick Cushing put out the proper starting lineup?

These are all things to watch when the next game commences.  Here is a preview of NYCFC’s third fixture of the year against the Columbus Crew.

Date

NYCFC and the Columbus Crew will face off on Saturday, August 31.

Time

The fixture is at 7:30 PM ET.                  

Location

The game will take place at Lower.com Field in Columbus, Ohio.

How to watch

Fans can view the game on Apple TV via the MLS Season Pass.

Weather

After a hot Friday, Columbus will cool down on Saturday where it will be in the lower 80s during the day with a chance of storms.  At kickoff, it will be around 81 degrees with a 9% chance of rain or storms.  The humidity will be over 65%, but at least it will not be in the upper 90s like it was on Friday.  Both teams are lucky.                                                                 

Injury report

NYCFC continues to be without two players: Malachi Jones (right leg) and Andrés Perea (right leg).

Players to watch

NYCFC supporters should watch Tayvon Gray.  The right-back is responsible for last weekend’s draw since his handball led to the penalty kick.  Of course, the entire team was at fault, for they allowed the Chicago Fire to get back into the match.  However, Gray will likely feel the responsibility.  Hence, everyone should watch to see how he rebounds.  How will he do against the Crew?  Will he be a goldfish like they say on Ted Lasso?  Or will he still be thinking about the last game and struggle on the pitch?

The player to watch on the Crew is easily Cucho Hernández.  The forward was recently called up to Colombia and will finally represent his national team again.  He has arguably been one of the best in Major League Soccer this year, and NYCFC already knows it.  After all, he did score the tying goal in their Leagues Cup fixture.  Ideally, the Pigeons will keep him off the scoresheet.  Alas, that will be a challenge. 

Prediction

As much as it would be great to be positive, either winning or stealing a point on the road, it is impossible for this writer.  As such, the prediction is that NYCFC will play slightly better compared to their last game against the Crew, but will still lose 3-1.  There will be at least one goal that is a silly mistake by the backline.