The highly anticipated clash between Columbus Crew and Minnesota United at Lower.com Field in the Leagues Cup Round of 32 on Friday (August 4) promises to be a thrilling encounter. Both teams have shown impressive form in the group stage, and as they face each other once again, fans can expect an exhilarating display of football. In this article, we will delve into the key statistics, head-to-head records, and player performances to provide you with a comprehensive prediction for this exciting match.
Columbus Crew’s Road to the Round of 32
Columbus Crew’s journey to the Round of 32 has been nothing short of remarkable. They topped their group, Central 1, with convincing victories over Mexican side América (4-1) and fellow MLS team St. Louis City SC (2-1), amassing six points in the process. These wins were a relief for manager Wilfried Nancy, as they came after a three-game winless streak. The team’s confidence is now sky-high, and they will be eager to carry this momentum into the upcoming clash against Minnesota United.
Head-to-Head History and Key Numbers
When it comes to their previous encounters, Columbus Crew and Minnesota United have shared some intense battles. In their last meeting in 2020, Columbus emerged victorious once and settled for a draw in the other encounter. Overall, Columbus holds a slight edge with four wins compared to Minnesota’s three. In the Leagues Cup, both teams have an equal number of goals, with six apiece.
Minnesota United’s Challenge in the Group Stage
Minnesota United’s path to the Round of 32 wasn’t as smooth as Columbus’. The Loons kicked off brightly with a dominant 4-0 victory over Puebla, displaying their attacking prowess. However, they faced a setback in their next game, succumbing to a 3-2 defeat against Chicago Fire. Ultimately, they finished second in Central 2, securing three points behind Chicago Fire’s four. Their defense has been a concern, conceding 16 goals in just ten games. Despite their ability to score, critics have pointed out their vulnerability at the back.
Key Players to Watch
Cucho Hernández has been the standout performer for Columbus Crew this season, responsible for half of the team’s six goals. He has also been instrumental in creating opportunities for his teammates, boasting an impressive ten assists in MLS. Another key player for The Crew is Christian Ramirez, the side’s top scorer with eight goals. His goal-scoring ability and attacking prowess make him a constant threat for the opposition.
On the other side, Minnesota United relies heavily on the goal-scoring abilities of South African striker Bongokuhle Hlongwane, who has contributed four of their six goals in the tournament. His presence in the attacking third makes him a player to watch out for.
Match Details :
Series: Leagues Cup Round of 32
Match Between: Columbus Crew vs Minnesota United
Date: August 4, 2023
Time: [5 : 30 am IST]
Venue: Lower.com Field, 560 W Nationwide Blvd, Columbus, OH.
Columbus Crew Team Squad
Yaw Yeboah, Kevin Molino, Malte Amundsen, Jimmy Medranda, Philip Quinton, Sean Zawadzki, Maximilian Arfsten, Aidan Morris, Jacen Russell-Rowe, Mohamed Farsi, Will Sands, Alexandru Mățan, Isaiah Parente, Patrick Schulte, Gustavo Vallecilla, Christian Ramirez, Yevhen Cheberko, Josh Williams, Evan Bush, Julian Gressel, Noah Fuson, Gibran Rayo, Lucas Zelarayán, Keegan Hughes, Luis Díaz, Eloy Room, Federico Higuaín, Brady Scott, Taha Habroune, Kei Kamara, Edson Buddle, Matt Lampson, Brian McBride, Mike Lapper, Jeff Cunningham, Brad Friedel, Eddie Gaven, Justin Meram, Steve Clark, Michael Parkhurst, William Hesmer, Giancarlo González, Andy Gruenebaum, Guillermo Barros Schelotto, Jon Busch, Thomas Dooley, Frankie Hejduk.
Minnesota United Team Squad
Emanuel Reynoso, Joseph Rosales, Kervin Arriaga, Bongokuhle Hlongwane, Wil Trapp, Hassani Dotson, Miguel Tapias, Jeong Sang-bin, Devin Padelford, Bakaye Dibassy, Dayne St. Clair, Eric Dick, Cameron Dunbar, Robin Lod, Franco Fragapane, Michael Boxall, Clint Irwin, Mikael Marqués, Brent Kallman, Zarek Valentin, Emmanuel Iwe, DJ Taylor, Ménder García, Teemu Pukki, Ismael Tajouri, Fred Emmings, Ryen Jiba, Kemar Lawrence, Tani Oluwaseyi, Patrick Weah, Ján Greguš, Ethan Bristow, Luis Amarilla, Britton Fischer, Zaydan Bello, Alan Benítez, Abu Danladi, Romain Métanire, Tyler Miller, Jonathan González, Adrien Hunou, Doneil Henry, Johan Venegas, Bobby Shuttleworth, Darwin Quintero, Ike Opara, Miguel Ibarra, Matt Lampson, Ibson, Vadim Demidov, Christian Ramirez.
Prediction: Columbus Crew to Prevail
Considering the form and structure of both teams, Columbus Crew appears to have the upper hand in this encounter. Their dominant performances in the group stage, coupled with the prolific goal-scoring of Cucho Hernández and Christian Ramirez, make them strong favorites. Meanwhile, Minnesota United’s defensive vulnerabilities could be exploited by Columbus’ attacking prowess. As a result, our prediction is that Columbus Crew will emerge victorious in this thrilling clash.
Betting Tips
For those looking to add an extra dimension of excitement to the match, betting on the outcome can be enticing. Based on our prediction of Columbus Crew’s triumph, placing a bet on their victory could be a wise choice. Additionally, considering the attacking nature of both teams, a wager on the total number of goals scored might also prove fruitful. However, we always recommend responsible betting, with only the amount you are willing to risk.