Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 7/10
Bookmaker: Luckster
Two sides who sit within touching distance of finding a route to the top of the Eastern Conference table, Columbus will welcome Nashville to Ohio in the early hours of Thursday.
Columbus Crew
Starting with the hosts, while Columbus might have come flying out of the traps when opening up the 2025 campaign, the Crew have struggled to find much recent stability. Last seen falling to a dramatic 3-2 loss at the hands of Charlotte, Wilfried Nancy’s men have failed to win any of their previous four consecutive MLS appearances. However, g off April with a 2-1 victory at home against San Jose, the former Montreal boss will certainly be excited to make a return to Ohio here. Opening the midweek fixtures sat just three points adrift of finding a route to the top of the Eastern Conference standings, Columbus have lost just one of their nine showdowns in front of their own ers so far this season.
Columbus Crew Team News
Limping off after just 20 minutes away from Charlotte last week with a reported foot injury, Columbus are once again expected to be without Cape Verde international Steven Moreira here. Yet to make a single appearance so far this season, French defender Rudy Camacho remains on the sidelines.
Opening his MLS with a consolation strike in North Carolina last week, former Houston striker Ibrahim Aliyu should keep his spot leading the line. Ukrainian international Yevgen Cheberko will start at the heart of Nancy’s defence.
Nashville SC
As for the visitors, while Nashville might have endured a public MLS struggle last season, BJ Callaghan’s men have come roaring back in a sensational fashion. Last seen claiming a 2-1 victory away at Toronto, the Coyotes are sat firmly in the driving seat to punch a play-off return this year. Booking their spot in the semi-final of this season’s US Open Cup thanks to an action-packed 3-2 win away at Orlando on May 22nd, the Tennessee-based outfit are unbeaten in their previous eight appearances across all competitions. g off April with what was a remarkable 7-2 victory against Chicago, Nashville will also be excited by their free-scoring performances in the final third. In fact, Thursday’s guests have notched 18 goals on their eight-match unbeaten flurry.
Nashville SC Team News
Both still dealing with respective long-term knee injuries, Nashville will once again be without the duo of Tyler Boyd and academy graduate Maximus Ekk. However, former Parma midfielder Gaston Brugman could return to Callaghan’s squad after dealing with a recent hip issue.
Bagging an MLS brace away at Toronto last week, ex-Nottingham Forest marksman Sam Surridge will play a leading role in the final third. USA international Walker Zimmerman could make a first start since April 5th.
Columbus Crew vs Nashville SC Key Factors to Consider
- When Columbus and Nashville last met in July 2024, the Crew collected a 2-0 victory in Ohio.
- Thursday’s hosts have suffered just a single defeat from any of their nine showdowns in front of their own ers so far this season.
- However, Columbus have mustered just a sole clean sheet from their previous seven showdowns in Ohio.
- Nashville are unbeaten in their last eight appearances across all competitions (six wins, two draws).
- Four of Nashville’s last five appearances have finished with both teams finding the net.
Conclusion
Two camps who open Thursday’s showdown only separated in the Eastern Conference by their goal difference, neutrals will be hoping for an enjoyable MLS battle here. With Nashville skyrocketing their way up the Eastern Conference standings, the Coyotes are enjoying what has become quite the purple patch and have also impressed with their clinical displays in the final third. Including a remarkable 7-2 win against Chicago when g off April, the midweek guests have ed 18 goals on their eight-match unbeaten flurry across all fronts. Likewise, with Columbus seeing all of their last six straight MLS matchups finish with both teams finding the net, chances could come thick and fast in Ohio.
Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 7/10
Bookmaker: Luckster
- Soccer News Like
- Be the first of your friends!
