The New York Red Bulls seek to run their unbeaten run to eight matches when they take on the Columbus Crew at Lower.com Field in a key Eastern Conference showdown.
New York is the hottest team in MLS, just one point out of a playoff spot while the defending champion Crew sit one place and two points below the Red Bulls.
Team news
Columbus will be without forwards Kevin Molino and Perry Kitchen due to knee injuries. Artur will also be absent with a hip issue while Luis Diaz is missing due to the league's health and safety protocols.
Omir Fernandez is questionable for New York with a hamstring injury while Aaron Long is out for the season after a major Achilles issue.
Predicted lineups
Columbus Crew: Room; Valenzuela, Williams, Mensah, Moreira; Fraser, Nagbe; Zelarayán, Santos, Etienne; Zardes
New York Red Bulls: Coronel; Gutman, Nealis, Edwards; Duncan, Yearwood, Davis, Tolkin; Carmona, Fabio, Casseres Jr.
Ones to watch
Lucas Zelarayan (Columbus Crew)
With Gyasi Zardes, the club's leading scorer with nine goals, out for two to four weeks, the scoring load will fall to the Argentine, who is second on the team, having found the back of the net on seven occasions.
The entire New York defense
Since August 4, the Red Bulls have only allowed ten goals, which is the least amount allowed in MLS during that timespan. Tom Edwards, Sean Nealis, Andrew Gutman and goalkeeper Carlos Coronel are the anchors of the back-line that is responsible for that sterling record.
Previous meetings
Columbus is the last team to defeat New York, having claimed a 2-1 victory just 39 days ago.
Patryk Klimala gave the Red Bulls a 25th-minute lead before second-half strikes by Darlington Nagbe and Miguel Berry ensured all three points for the Crew.
Ones to watch
The match will be streamed nationally on ESPN+. The MSG Network will have full coverage in New York while Bally Sports Great Lakes televises all of the action in Columbus.
Kickoff is set for 6pm Eastern time.