Picture Credits: Columbus Crew Twitter
Columbus will be thankful that they have a short turn around from Wednesday Night. Saturday night they will welcome Atlanta United to Lower.com Field for final matchup between these two sides. In their last time out, Columbus fell to D.C. United 4-2 from braces from Ola Kamara and Yordy Reyna, which extended their losing streak to two matches in a row. Atlanta, on the other hand, drew 2-2 with CF Montreal, and have yet to pick up a win since May 15th after a 1-0 victory over CF Montreal.
Injury Report
OUT: Artur (R Hip), Perry Kitchen (L Knee), Aidan Morris (L Knee), Milton Valenzuela (R Thigh)
Questionable: Josh Williams (L Ankle), Vito Wormgoor (R Thigh)
Projected Starting XI
Picture Credits: Devin Weisbarth via Lineup11
Keys To The Match
Defense Has To Be Better
Columbus has had a good defense all season. But the past two games have been an outlier. The Crew have given up eight goals in their past two games, and that is not good enough for the reigning MLS Champions. If the Crew want to start picking up some wins, the defense is going to have to improve a lot.
Return Of Zardes Should Help With Goalscoring
Gyasi Zardes should be returning to the starting lineup against Atlanta United. And with that, he should bring some goals, as he was in amazing form with the United States Men's National Team. But its not just the goalscoring with Zardes. He has been sensational at dropping back with defensive cover with Columbus, and that will be needed against the Atlanta midfield.
Josef Martinez Is Out Due To Suspension
Josef Martinez did make the trip to Columbus, but will not be active as he serves a suspension for picking up a red card in Atlanta United last match. This is a massive let off for Columbus, as Martinez is as dangerous as they come at the top of the pitch.
Prediction
After dropping two straight games, Columbus finds a way to right the ship and beats Atlanta United 2-0 Saturday night at Lower.com Field.
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