Columbus Crew Backed to Make Home Edge Count

Columbus Crew have been active in the summer transfer window. After signing Real Sociedad midfielder Bris Mendez, they also brought in former Manchester United centre-back Eric Bailly from Oviedo, although key performer Diego Rossi has already moved to Liga MX side Monterrey.

In their last league match against Atlanta United, Columbus secured all three points thanks to first-half goals from midfielder Bangokuhla and forward Diego Rossi in a comfortable 2-0 win.

New York City also made a notable summer addition by signing Basel winger Beni Traore, but centre-back Tanasijevic has departed. In their last league game against Nashville, striker Nicolas Mecaul scored a penalty midway through the first half to level the match, but they conceded again shortly after the break and ended up narrowly beaten 2-1 despite a spirited effort.

For Columbus Crew, defender Malte Amundsen, forward Jamiro Monteiro and forward Abou Ali are injured, with no suspensions. For New York City, defender Biarela and forward Kevin O'Toole are sidelined, and they also have no suspensions.

Columbus ended a four-match league winless run by beating Atlanta United 2-0 last time out. They have won three and lost one of their last four home league matches, underlining their strong record on home soil, and they look capable of producing another solid display here.

New York City's 2-1 defeat to Nashville ended a three-match unbeaten run in the league. They have managed only one win, one draw and three defeats in their last five away league games, and their road form suggests this will be another difficult assignment.

The last six league meetings between the sides have been evenly split, with two wins each and two draws. New York City won the previous meeting 3-0, while that last encounter produced 11 corners.