In this edition of Oppo Research, Hudson River Blue spoke with Ty Fisher of Massive Report to learn more about the Columbus Crew, New York City FC's opponent at Yankee Stadium on Wednesday night. Here is your NYCFC vs Columbus preview.
• League Form: W-D-L-D-L
• Record: 13W, 10D, 6L | 49 points, 5th place
• Scoring Leader: Diego Rossi, 16 goals
• Assist Leader(s): Dylan Chambost and Dániel Gazdag, 5 assists
1. Darlington Nagbe shone in crazy Atlanta win
Hudson River Blue: In a nine-goal thriller, Columbus held on to defeat Atlanta 5-4, earning its first win in four games. Columbus nearly blew a 5-0 first-half lead, conceding four unanswered goals in the second half. What did you see from that game?
Ty Fisher: What I saw from that insane game was the need for Darlington Nagbe.
Columbus looked so lost when he was sidelined with his injury. Nagbe is the dictator. His hold-up play is what allows Columbus to get numbers forward, and that's what we saw in the first half against Atlanta United.
What I also saw was the need for defensive depth. It's no secret that the backline for the Crew has gaping holes, and I think that was on display in the second 45 against the Five Stripes. In no shape or form should Columbus have conceded four unanswered, but I guess that's the price you pay.
2. Wessam Abou Ali, Diego Rossi duo could work
HRB: Newly signed striker Wessam Abou Ali from Al Ahly SC scored three goals at the FIFA Club World Cup this summer, and scored his first goal for Columbus against Atlanta. How do you see him and Diego Rossi playing together so far?
TF: Wessam Abou Ali has yet to play a full 90 minutes for the Black & Gold, but I do see him and Diego Rossi building up chemistry as the season starts dwindling. Abou Ali is the target man, and if Rossi provides the service, this could be one of the most dangerous duos in MLS come next year if the Uruguayan stays in Ohio.
3. Columbus's defense hasn't been good
HRB: The win over Atlanta saw Columbus’s offense surge, but its defense struggled. Are you more concerned with the defense going forward after Saturday’s game?
TF: Everyone is concerned about the defense moving forward. You're talking about one of the league's best two years ago, and now they're conceding four unanswered after going up 5-0? If that doesn't scream "First round exit," then I don't know what does. The Crew haven't seen Rudy Camacho all year, and I doubt they will. So it's going to be interesting how Wilfried Nancy and company play this out.
4. The X-Factor: Columbus's defense
HRB: What's the X-factor that could decide this game?
TF: I think the X-factor that could decide this game is Columbus's defense, and I think it'll be in a negative way. They can't figure it out in the back, and against a very hit-or-miss NYCFC squad, I think they'll throw everything at them to throw them off. Columbus is set to be without Sean Zawadzki and Rossi, so that's even more of a bad hit for the Black & Gold.
5. Predicted score, Starting XI
HRB: Prediction time: Starting XI? Final score?
TF: Final Score: NYCFC 2-0 Columbus Crew.
