Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 7/10
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
In what could prove to be an action-packed MLS affair in the early hours of Saturday, New York will welcome Columbus to Yankee Stadium.
New York City
Starting with the hosts, while New York might have endured a major MLS struggle last season, the Pigeons have come roaring back in a sensational fashion this time around. Last seen putting in another rampant performance as they cruised their way to a 5-1 victory against San Jose on home soil, Nick Cushing’s men are riding what has been a major wave of momentum. Signing off May with a 1-0 win away at New England, the Sky Blues are battling it out at the top of the Eastern Conference and will be looking to make up some ground this weekend. In fact, New York have won all of their previous five straight MLS appearances by an aggregate score of 13-5. Continuing to receive a string of plaudits from across America’s elite since opening up the 2024 campaign, it should also be noted that Cushing’s side have mustered 24 points from their last nine MLS showdowns – a run that stems back to April 7th.
Team News
Yet to make a single appearance this season, 24-year-old Rio Hope-Gund is once again set to miss out in the early hours of Saturday. Shown a costly second-half yellow card against San Jose prior to the fortnight break, former Rangers midfielder James Sands will be forced to serve a one-match suspension here.
Coming off the bench and bagging a stunning late hat-trick against San Jose last time out, Costa Rica international Alonso Martinez could be handed a full recall this weekend and making a first start since May 16th.
Columbus Crew
As for the visitors, suffering Champions Cup heartbreak against Mexican outfit Pachuca on June 2nd as they eventually fell to a 3-0 drumming, Columbus will be excited to turn their attention back to domestic duties this weekend. Securing a bronze medal finish in the Eastern Conference last season, Wilfried Nancy’s men have once again impressed this time around. Last seen in MLS action claim a 2-0 victory away at Orlando, the Crew have won all of their previous three top-flight appearances by an aggregate score of 8-2. Likewise, it should also be noted that Columbus have suffered just a single defeat from any of their previous nine straight MLS outings – a run that stems back to March 23rd. Sat firmly in the driving seat to secure another play-off ticket this season, Saturday’s guests should be relishing a trip to Yankee Stadium.
Team News
Not making a single appearance across any competition since the middle of April, Columbus will once again be without veteran shot-stopper Evan Bush this weekend. However, aside from the former Montreal goalkeeper, Nancy’s side have reported a clean bill of healed ahead of Saturday’s trip to Yankee Stadium.
Signing off May with a brace away at Orlando and now registering four goals in his previous three MLS appearances, ex-Fenerbahce striker Diego Rossi will spearhead Columbus’ charge here.
Key Factors to Consider
- When New York and Columbus most recently met 11 months ago, Saturday’s opponents played out a 1-1 stalemate in Ohio.
- The Sky Blues have mustered 24 points from their last nine MLS showdowns – a run that stems back to April 7th.
- Columbus have won all of their previous three straight MLS appearances by an aggregate score of 8-2.
- NYCFC have won five of their previous six MLS appearances at Yankee Stadium.
- Six of the last seven meetings between New York and Orlando have finished with both teams finding the net.
Conclusion
Two sides who are enjoying their own respective MLS flurries, we could be treated to an enjoyable showdown from Yankee Stadium. With New York and Columbus playing out a 1-1 stalemate when they last met 11 months ago, Saturday’s opponents do have a habit of producing plenty of action when they meet. It should be noted, with six of their previous seven showdowns finishing with both teams getting on the scoresheet, we are expecting a similar outcome here.
Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 7/10
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
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