Columbus has not been in great form coming into this match as they have no wins in their last 3 straight, but they are coming off of a 3-2 loss at home to league leaders Inter Miami and they are going to be hungry to bounce back from that loss. That loss sealed Inter Miami's fate as the number 1 seed in the East, but Columbus still has the 2nd seed to play for which could be very important in the playoffs. They have a 1 point lead over Cincinnati in 3rd place but also a match in hand so a win here would put them 4 points clear in 2nd place and give them a cushion going into the final 2 matches. They only have 1 win in their last 4 matches at home, but this is a good spot for them to bounce back as they will be pushing for 3 points. They are going up against a Philadelphia side that has not been in great form in their recent matches. They have 2 wins in their last 5 matches but have no wins in their last 2 straight. When playing away from home, they have lost 2 of their last 3 matches and they are coming off of a 2-1 away loss against Orlando in their last match. Their defense has not been good in their recent away matches as they have allowed 6 goals in their last 3 away matches. They have also struggled with Columbus in recent meetings, losing the last 3 straight against them, and 2 of those losses were both within the last 2 months as well. Columbus missed out on the number 1 seed, but they will be pushing for the number 2 seed with a win here at home while also hurting Philadelphia's chances of getting into the playoffs. Columbus will win this match at home and collect all 3 points here.
USA MLS: Columbus Crew ML, Rot. 209938