Introduction
Columbus Crew and Philadelphia Union are set to face off in a Major League Soccer (MLS) game that promises to be an exciting encounter. The two teams have been preparing for this game for weeks, and fans are eagerly waiting to see the lineups that will be selected. In this article, we will take a look at the possible lineups for both teams and analyze their strengths and weaknesses.
Columbus Crew Lineup
Columbus Crew is a team that has been performing well in the MLS this season. They are currently in fourth place in the Eastern Conference, just three points behind Philadelphia Union. The team’s head coach, Caleb Porter, is expected to field a strong lineup for this game.
At the back, Columbus Crew is likely to start with Eloy Room in goal. The Dutch goalkeeper has been in good form this season and has kept six clean sheets in 14 games. The defense is expected to be led by Jonathan Mensah, who has been a rock at the back for the team. He will be partnered by Aboubacar Keita, who has been impressive in his debut season.
In midfield, Porter is likely to go with a trio of Darlington Nagbe, Artur, and Pedro Santos. Nagbe is a key player for Columbus Crew and has been instrumental in the team’s success this season. Artur is a tough-tackling midfielder who will provide cover for the defense, while Santos is a creative player who can unlock defenses with his passing.
Upfront, Columbus Crew will rely on the attacking trio of Gyasi Zardes, Lucas Zelarayan, and Luis Diaz. Zardes is the team’s top scorer with seven goals, while Zelarayan is the creative force in the team. Diaz has been in good form recently and will provide pace and width on the right flank.
Philadelphia Union Lineup
Philadelphia Union is a team that has also been performing well in the MLS this season. They are currently in third place in the Eastern Conference, just one point behind second-placed Toronto FC. Head coach Jim Curtin is expected to field a strong lineup for this game.
In goal, Philadelphia Union is likely to start with Andre Blake, who is one of the best goalkeepers in the MLS. The defense is expected to be led by Jakob Glesnes, who has been solid at the back for the team. He will be partnered by Mark McKenzie, who has also been impressive this season.
In midfield, Curtin is likely to go with a trio of Jose Martinez, Jamiro Monteiro, and Brenden Aaronson. Martinez is a tough-tackling midfielder who will provide cover for the defense, while Monteiro is a creative player who can unlock defenses with his passing. Aaronson is a young player who has been in good form recently and will provide energy and drive in midfield.
Upfront, Philadelphia Union will rely on the attacking duo of Kacper Przybylko and Sergio Santos. Przybylko is the team’s top scorer with six goals, while Santos has been in good form recently and has scored three goals in his last five games.
Analysis
Both Columbus Crew and Philadelphia Union have strong lineups, and this promises to be a closely contested game. Columbus Crew will be looking to take advantage of their home ground and secure a win, while Philadelphia Union will be hoping to continue their good form and take all three points.
One area where Columbus Crew may have an advantage is in their attack. Zardes, Zelarayan, and Diaz have been in good form recently, and they will be looking to cause problems for Philadelphia Union’s defense. On the other hand, Przybylko and Santos will be looking to exploit any weaknesses in Columbus Crew’s defense.
In midfield, both teams have strong players who can control the game. It will be interesting to see how the trio of Nagbe, Artur, and Santos matches up against Martinez, Monteiro, and Aaronson.
Conclusion
Columbus Crew vs Philadelphia Union promises to be an exciting game between two teams that have been performing well in the MLS this season. Both teams have strong lineups, and it will be interesting to see how they match up against each other. Fans can look forward to a closely contested game that could go either way.
