Columbus Crew will attempt to claim a sixth consecutive win when they play host to Charlotte FC on Wednesday evening.
Meanwhile, the visitors will be looking to record a second straight victory after beating FC Cincinnati 3-1 at the weekend.
Match preview
© Reuters
Since losing 2-1 to Inter Miami on June 20, Columbus Crew have embarked on an impressive run of form, winning five consecutive matches by a combined 20-2 scoreline.
In their most recent outing, the Crew eased to a commanding 5-1 away win over Los Angeles FC thanks to a Christian Ramirez brace and goals from Cucho Hernandez, Diego Rossi and Alexandru Matan.
The Eastern Conference's second-highest scorers have now collected 42 points from 21 matches, leaving them in third place and six points adrift of leaders Cincinnati with two games in hand.
After experiencing success on their travels at the weekend, the Crew will now return to Lower.com Field, where they have won six, drawn three and lost just one of their 10 MLS matches this term.
The hosts may also take confidence from the fact that they have avoided defeat in both of their previous home MLS games against Charlotte, drawing 1-1 in 2022 before recording a 4-2 win in last season's home clash.
© Reuters
Sixth-placed Charlotte are currently seven points adrift of their hosts, having won 10, drawn five and lost eight of their 23 MLS matches.
The Crown bounced back from consecutive defeats to claim a 3-1 victory over Cincinnati on Saturday, with Iuri Tavares, Liel Abada and Kerwin Vargas getting on the scoresheet.
Charlotte have now won three of their last four matches on the road, and they will be looking to continue that fine form as they turn their attention to two more MLS away games against Colombus Crew and Austin.
Dean Smith's side will have the chance to complete a MLS double over the Crew after they recorded a 2-0 victory in March's reverse fixture.
Incidentally, that result has contributed to Charlotte recording nine shutouts in MLS this season, ensuring that they have kept more clean sheets than any other side in the competition.
Team News
© Reuters
Columbus Crew goalkeeper Evan Bush remains sidelined through injury, while Marino Hinestroza is suspended after Saturday's substitute appearance ended with a straight red card.
Head coach Wilfried Nancy could be tempted to name the same side that started the 5-1 win over LAFC at the weekend.
Hernandez will continue to lead the line after scoring eight goals in his last seven appearances to take his overall tally for the season to 12 goals in 16 MLS matches.
As for the visitors, they are still unable to call upon the services of Brazilian midfielder Junior Urso due to a leg injury.
However, forward Patrick Agyemang is available for selection after missing the win over Cincinnati through suspension.
With Agyemang expected to start, Tavares may have to drop down to the bench despite scoring his second goal of the MLS season at the weekend.
Columbus Crew possible starting lineup:
Schulte; Moreira, Camacho, Amundsen; Farsi, Nagbe, Zawadzki, Arfsten; Ramirez, Rossi, Hernandez
Charlotte FC possible starting lineup:
Kahlina; Byrne, Malanda, Privett, Uronen; Westwood, Diani; Abada, Bronico, Vargas; Agyemang
We say: Columbus Crew 3-1 Charlotte FC
Columbus Crew will be full of confidence after winning their last five matches by a combined 20-2 scoreline, and we think that they will produce another free-scoring display to see off Charlotte in Wednesday's contest.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
