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Columbus Crew SC closes out the regular season home schedule tonight as D.C. United comes to town. The Black & Gold are unbeaten in seven while the visitors are 2-2-1 in their last five.
Crew SC will have a full strength lineup as only Waylon Francis will be held out. That means the high powered offense led by a resurgent Federico Higuain will take the pitch at MAPFRE.
D.C. United is well out of the playoff push and has little to play for. Ben Olsen has said that he will be trying to see what talent he has on this team. That means some little used role players may get some more time. It certainly doesn’t appear to be a full strength lineup.
Lineups:
It's almost time to #ClaimGlory! Win tonight @dcunited and we'll clinch a playoff spot!
— #ClaimGlory (@ColumbusCrewSC) September 30, 2017
Here's how the & will line up!#CrewSC | #CLBvDC pic.twitter.com/R09UJ7xotE
Here we go. United's lineup for the showdown in Columbus. #DCU | #CLBvDC pic.twitter.com/nZ26JrP4Dn
— D.C. United (@dcunited) September 30, 2017
Keys to the match:
So Fresh: D.C. United played midweek while Crew SC had a full week to prepare. Aside from home field advantage, Columbus has to make that count as they push to host another home game this year.
Don’t let them in it: Crew SC has to make D.C. United beat them. That means cutting down on bad fouls that give away set piece chances or penalties. It also means keeping it tidy from midfield through the backline. The United offense is inconstant. Columbus has to limit D.C. to the chances they create.
Late breaking: Columbus has been opportunistic with the counter recently. They’ve also been good change the game with the right matchup. Against what looks to be a tired and/or changed United lineup, they have the chance to make the difference with the bench. Kekuta Manneh and Artur have come of the bench as impact subs. Look for Columbus to have the ability to change the game late if they either need a goal or are trying to see out a win.
How to Watch:
Date/Time: Saturday Sept. 30th, 7:30p.m. EST
Venue: MAPFRE Stadium (Columbus, Ohio)
Watch: CW Columbus, Spectrum Sports, BCSN2
Stream: MLS Live
Listen: CD102.5 FM (English Broadcast) La Mega 103.1FM