The Columbus Crew will host the Philadelphia Union after both teams experienced disappointing results in midweek matches. A win for Columbus would solidify their position above FC Cincinnati in second place in the Eastern Conference, while also boosting team morale. The Crew recently suffered losses to both Miami and Club América, witnessing opponents celebrate a trophy on their pitch twice within eight days.

The Miami match was particularly frustrating, as forward Lionel Messi showcased his magic, but the deciding moments came from two critical Crew mistakes: defender Rudy Camacho collided with goalkeeper Patrick Schulte, leading to an easy finish for Luis Suárez, and forward Cucho Hernández had his second penalty saved in the dying minutes. Referee Drew Fisher’s decisions favored Miami throughout the match, but the Crew remained competitive despite the challenges. Philadelphia, sitting just outside the playoff line, is fighting for a postseason spot, making this match crucial for their chances.

Goalkeeper Evan Bush and Swiss-army knife Sean Zawadzki will miss this match due to injury. Zawadzki’s absence will be particularly felt, as Camacho was sent off in the last match and will also miss the game against the Union.

Expect some lineup changes as the Crew manages player fatigue in preparation for the upcoming playoffs. Here’s how Columbus might line up:

Schulte will start, aiming to stabilize a defense that has been solid all season but has allowed over two goals per game in the last six league matches. He will miss the next Crew match against the New England Revolution due to a call-up from new USA manager Mauricio Pochettino.

With Camacho and Zawadzki unavailable, the center-back lineup will feature Malte Amundsen, Yevhen Cheberko, and Steven Moreira from left to right. Depth at center and left center-back is limited, as Camacho and Zawadzki are out, while wingback Andrés Herrera, who is primarily an attack-minded player, has been pressed into service as a right center-back. Head coach Wilfried Nancy will have confidence in this lineup, as each of the Crew’s five center-backs has logged significant minutes this season.

Herrera will start at right wingback, allowing Mo Farsi to rest. Max Arfsten will aim to make an impact on the left; he provided the back-post cross that wingback Yaw Yeboah converted to defeat Philadelphia in their last meeting.

Midfielder and captain Darlington Nagbe will start on the bench as the Crew shifts focus toward postseason preparation. Midfielder Derrick Jones will fill in for Nagbe, having delivered one of his best performances of the season in the previous matchup against Philadelphia. Midfielder Alex Matan will step up as the second midfielder in Zawadzki’s absence.

There will be rotation in the attacking trio, but expect both designated players to see action. Hernández has tallied 30 goal contributions (17 goals, 13 assists) this season and will be eager to add to that total after missing a game-tying penalty against Miami. He has also received another call-up to the Colombian national team and will miss the next match for the Crew. Midfielder AZ Jackson, who has shown promising performances recently, will have an opportunity to further integrate with the team. Forward Jacen Russell-Rowe will also start.