Yahoo Sports LAFC vs Columbus Crew: Preview, predictions and lineups
Two of Major League Soccer's best clubs will go head-to-head this weekend as LAFC take on Columbus Crew at BMO Stadium.
The Black and Gold have been on an absolute tear in MLS play having won nine of their last 10 matches to reach first place in the Western Conference with 43 points. Steve Cherundolo's side got the better of in-state rivals LA Galaxy in the latest edition of El Trafico, winning 2-1 at the iconic Rose Bowl stadium last week.
The reigning league champions have also enjoyed a surge in form in recent weeks, winning five of their last six matches in league play. The Crew are favorites to go all the way once again this season to win their fourth MLS Cup title, and their recent performances against Toronto FC and Nashville SC have further strengthened their case.
Here's 90min's guide to LAFC vs Columbus Crew.
What time does LAFC vs Columbus Crew kick-off?
LAFC vs Columbus Crew H2H record (Last Four Games)
Last meeting: Columbus Crew 2-1 LAFC (9 December 2023) - MLS Cup final
Current form (all competitions)
How to watch LAFC vs Columbus Crew on TV and live stream
LAFC team news
As Uruguay advanced to the Copa America semi-finals over Brazil, Cristian Oliver will remain away from the Western Conference team until La Celeste are eliminated or win the competition.
Defenders Aaron Long and Lorenzo Dellavalle are the only two players on the injury list and they're expected to return to action by the middle of July. Stipe Biuk, who's been on loan at Real Valladolid, has joined the Spanish club permanently after a couple of average seasons with LAFC.
LAFC's match against Houston Dynamo was schedule for Sunday night but ended up getting postponed due to inclement weather, meaning the team will be a bit fresher for their midweek US Open Cup contest vs New Mexico United before taking on Columbus.
LAFC predicted lineup vs Columbus Crew
LAFC predicted lineup vs Columbus Crew ( 4-3-3 ): Lloris; Palencia, Murillo, Chanot, Hollingshead; Tillman, Sanchez, Atuesta; Bogusz, Kamara, Bouanga.
Columbus Crew team news
Backup goalkeeper Evan Bush looks to be the only player unavailable for selection as he's dealing with an arm injury but should return to the mix by the middle of the month.
Columbus Crew predicted lineup vs LAFC
Columbus Crew predicted lineup vs LAFC ( 3-4-2-1 ): Schulte; Moreira, Camacho, Amundsen; Yeboah, Nagbe, Matan, Farsi; Ramirez, Rossi; Hernandez.
LAFC vs Columbus Crew score prediction
This match could very well be one of the most entertaining games of the 2024 MLS season with two of the most in-form sides in the league. The Crew's slow, methodical build-up play will collide against the heavy counter-attacking of LAFC.
It will be an even contest with both teams getting on the scoresheet twice with the points being shared at BMO Stadium Saturday night.
Prediction: LAFC 2-2 Columbus Crew
