Unbelievably, the last five New England Revolution vs Columbus Crew H2H editions have ended level. Surely something has to give eventually, and if it does, it could have a significant impact on the MLS Eastern Conference table.
High-flying New England Revolution and Columbus Crew are separated by just two points. And as fellow founder members of the MLS franchise in 1996, both will be desperate to stamp their authority on this fixture, even with 700 miles separating the teams.
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New England Revolution vs Columbus Crew H2H: H2H record:
The Revs welcome Columbus Crew to Gillette Stadium for the 89th instalment of this fixture, and it is a clash that has been hotly contested since the two sides first met all the way back in 1996, Columbus Crew’s inaugural season in the MLS. The Crew were 3-2 winners that night, as former Fulham striker Brian McBride bagged a brace to win it.
- New England Revolution wins: 28
- Draws: 21
- Columbus Crew wins: 39
Columbus Crew have the upper hand in this fixture overall, and interestingly, home advantage seems to have relatively little bearing on this matchup historically, as The Crew have narrow leads both home and away.
To give the Revs hope, the last time either side won in this encounter, it was a home win for New England. Adam Buksa scored a late winner in a 1-0 win back in May 2021.
Last time out…
Earlier in the 2023 season, these two sides played out an entertaining 1-1 draw in Columbus. Milos Degenek scored an own goal to put New England 1-0 up, and Schulte made several stunning saves to keep The Crew in the game. Barrero saw red in the 65th minute, before Zawadski scored a 98th minute equaliser to send the Lower.com Stadium into pandemonium.
New England Revolution vs Columbus Crew Potential MVP: Carles Gil
New England Revolution’s attacks invariably go through their Spanish attacking fulcrum: Carles Gil. The former Aston Villa man leads their scoring and assisting charts, with nine and seven.
He has created four times more chances than any other player in the side with 88, and leads the side in accurate long passes, successful dribbles as well as even possession won in the final third.
To break a fixture that has known nothing but stalemate for three years open, The Revs need their main man on song.
New England Revolution: Players in focus
Omar Gonzalez – Stalwart
New England are unbeaten at home this season, and have their defensive record to thank for it. Veteran centre-back Gonzalez has played a big part, using his experience from spells at LA Galaxy and Pachuca among others to marshall the defence.
Bobby Wood – Opportunity knocks?
USA international Wood is second only to Gil for goals and assists for The Revs this season, but has had a hard time of it of late. He is goalless in 12, and had a spell on the bench. Luckily for Wood, he may get more opportunities to score against The Crew as only two sides have shipped more goals away from home this season.
Noel Buck – Teenage prodigy
18-year-old Buck has been one of the breakthrough stars of MLS this season. The all-action central midfielder ranks in the 90th percentile or higher of MLS midfielders for goals, progressive carries, successful take-ons and tackles per game this season.
Columbus Crew: Players in focus
Juan Hernández – Finisher
The former Watford striker has taken to MLS perfectly, and with 14, has the second highest goal tally in the league this season.
Alexandru Matan – Provider
Romanian midfielder Matan has the most assists in The Crew’s squad with seven and will be looking to feed the goal-hungry Hernández.
Sean Zawadski – Hero again?
Zawadski rescued a point late the last time these two clashed, and would no doubt love to score again. More pressingly though, The Crew need a better defensive performance from their centre-back to take anything from this game and correct their rotten away record.
Final Prediction:
This match is delicately poised, pulled in all directions. Recent history suggests a draw, their long-term record suggests a win for The Crew, and the teams’ home and away form this season suggests a Revs win. We’re calling for the latter, a New England Revolution win with Carles Gil to score or assist.
See also: The latest football predictions
