Columbus Crew vs Philadelphia Union Prediction: Lineups, Team News, Injury And Preview

Columbus Crew vs Philadelphia Union Prediction: Columbus Crew are predicted to edge out Philadelphia Union with a narrow 1-0 victory in this tightly contested Leagues Cup semifinal match.

The Leagues Cup reaches its penultimate stage as Columbus Crew host Philadelphia Union in a highly anticipated semifinal matchup at Lower.com Field on Wednesday night. Both teams have battled their way through a challenging tournament and now stand just one win away from a coveted spot in the final.

Match Preview

This semifinal encounter promises to be a tightly contested affair between two of Major League Soccer’s top sides. Columbus Crew, the reigning MLS Cup champions, have shown their mettle throughout the Leagues Cup, most recently overcoming New York City FC in a thrilling penalty shootout. Philadelphia Union, meanwhile, displayed similar resilience in their quarterfinal victory against Mazatlan FC, also prevailing via penalties.

The Crew will be eager to capitalize on their home advantage, having never lost a Leagues Cup knockout match at Lower.com Field within 90 minutes. Their lone defeat came in last year’s round of 32 against Minnesota United on penalties. Philadelphia, on the other hand, will be looking to break their semifinal jinx, having failed to advance from their previous three successive semifinal appearances in either the Champions Cup or Leagues Cup.

Projected Columbus Crew vs Philadelphia Union Lineups and Formation

Columbus Crew Lineup (4-2-3-1): Jones, Farsi, Hernandez, Zawadzki, Camacho, Moreira, Cheberko, Nagbe, Ramirez, Schulte, Rossi.

Philadelphia Union Lineup (4-4-2 Diamond): Harriel, Wagner, Donovan, Gazdag, Elliott, Flach, McGlynn, Uhre, Glesnes, Q. Sullivan, Blake.

Columbus Crew are likely to stick with their preferred 4-2-3-1 formation, which has served them well throughout the tournament. The experienced midfield duo of Darlington Nagbe and Aidan Morris will be crucial in controlling the tempo of the game.

Philadelphia Union typically employ a 4-4-2 diamond formation, allowing them to dominate the midfield while providing support to their forwards. The creativity of Daniel Gazdag in the attacking midfield role could be key to unlocking the Crew’s defense.

Players Unavailable or Injured

Columbus Crew:

• Taha Habroune – Not available (returned from CONCACAF Under-20 Championship)
• Evan Bush – Injured (wrist)

Philadelphia Union:

• Isaiah LeFlore – Injured (right knee)
• Tai Baribo – Suspended (two yellow cards in previous match)

Where to Watch Live?

Fans can catch all the action live on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV. The match kicks off at 7:00 PM ET on Wednesday, August 23rd.

Columbus Crew vs Philadelphia Union Live Streaming and TV Schedule:

• USA: MLS Season Pass
• Canada: MLS Season Pass
• UK: MLS Season Pass
• Germany: MLS Season Pass
• France: MLS Season Pass
• Spain: MLS Season Pass
• Italy: MLS Season Pass
• Australia: MLS Season Pass
• Japan: MLS Season Pass
• Brazil: MLS Season Pass

Who Will Win?

This semifinal clash is too close to call, with both teams evenly matched on paper. Columbus Crew’s home advantage could prove decisive, but Philadelphia Union’s recent form and resilience cannot be underestimated.

Columbus Crew vs Philadelphia Union Prediction: Columbus Crew 1-0 Philadelphia Union

The Crew’s attacking prowess, led by the in-form Cucho Hernandez, might just give them the edge in what promises to be a closely fought encounter.

Recent Form and Data

Columbus Crew: W-W-W-D-L-W

• Goals scored in Leagues Cup: 9
• Goals conceded in Leagues Cup: 3
• Clean sheets in Leagues Cup: 1

Philadelphia Union: W-W-W-L-W-W

• Goals scored in Leagues Cup: 8
• Goals conceded in Leagues Cup: 4
• Clean sheets in Leagues Cup: 1

Both teams enter this semifinal in good form, with Columbus Crew unbeaten in their last four matches across all competitions. Philadelphia Union have won four of their last five games, demonstrating their consistency and ability to grind out results.

Head-to-Head

The historical record favors Philadelphia Union, who are unbeaten in their last seven meetings against Columbus Crew. However, it’s worth noting that they have never claimed a victory at Lower.com Field, which could play into the Crew’s hands.

Latest News

• Philadelphia Union’s Andre Blake was the hero in their quarterfinal victory, making two crucial saves in the penalty shootout.
• Cucho Hernandez continues to be a key player for Columbus Crew, having scored the equalizer in their quarterfinal match against NYCFC.

As the Leagues Cup reaches its climax, this semifinal matchup between Columbus Crew and Philadelphia Union promises to be a thrilling encounter, with a place in the final at stake. Both teams have shown their quality and determination throughout the tournament, setting the stage for what could be a classic cup tie at Lower.com Field.

FAQs

Also Read:

All-Time Top Scorers in Leagues Cup