We are just hours away from kick-off between the Columbus Crew and the New England Revolution!

The New England Revolution are back home this weekend. While currently in 4th place in the Eastern Conference, the Revolution are having themselves quite the season thus far.

Last week, the Revs travelled to Philadelphia where after an intense and physical match, the Revs found themselves walking away with a point against the Philly Union. Now, this week the Revolution find themselves in a rematch of the Eastern Conference Final last season.

"It will be important for us to be focused and play the game we want to play in order to win and continue improving.”#NERevs

— New England Revolution (@NERevolution) May 15, 2021

New England – Expectations

It’s MATCHDAY! See you tonight!

🆚 @ColumbusCrew
🏟 @GilletteStadium
📺 @espn 2
⏰ 6 p.m. ET#NERevs pic.twitter.com/Vn78VuAjFi

— New England Revolution (@NERevolution) May 16, 2021

While last week was devastating to see Philadelphia come in and tie the game, expect the New England Revolution to come into this game with a chip on their shoulder.

As I mentioned earlier, last year the Revolution lost to Columbus who then became the MLS Champions. I guess that if you are to lose to the Champs you don’t feel as bad but this year things are different.

I’d fully expect to see Carles Gil, Gustavo Bou, Polster and Buksa to be big factors in this game. Carles will of course be the creative mind in this game. However, we could expect to see La Pantera Gustavo Bou fully attacking a team that brings him back memories he wants to overcome this season.

Columbus Crew – Expectations.

On the road. On a mission.#Crew96 | #NEvCLB pic.twitter.com/8ZNpEliIOO

— The Crew (@ColumbusCrew) May 16, 2021

What is happening Columbus? For the Columbus Crew, this season has been a rough one from the start as they find themselves in 11th place currently. We get it that you won the MLS trophy last year, but that is history and we are living in the present. The beginning of the season was ok as you beat DC United at home but since then, this team has lost its marbles.

We could expect for Columbus to make a statement against New England at Gillette Stadium if they want to climb back up the table. However, until they show themselves on the pitch, I am not sure we could expect the same tough Columbus Crew we faced last year.

One thing to watch out for though is letting Espinoza or Santos get too comfortable in the midfield. Should that be the case tonight in New England, this game could easily escape out of hand for Revolution!

Predicting the Outcome!

Here are the lineups for both teams…

Columbus Crew Starting XI: 4-2-3-1 Formation

Tonight's #Crew96 Starting XI 👇#NEvCLB

— The Crew (@ColumbusCrew) May 16, 2021

New England Starting XI: 4-2-3-1 Formation

Here. We. Go.#NERevs | #NEvCLB

— New England Revolution (@NERevolution) May 16, 2021

Seeing how both teams have stacked up while using the same formation style, I think we are bound to see big differences on both teams style of play.

For New England, it is important to note seeing the lineup! While yes, they are going with a 4-2-3-1 formation. It is clear that Bruce could play this one in a 4-3-3 formation as Bunbury and Traustason look to provide a second option to the sole forward himself Gustavo Bou making it a lethal triple threat for Columbus.

Meanwhile, Columbus is sending Zardes upfront being supported by Santos and Etienne. Sure, the three of them will likely create chances but seeing the Revs defense, I wonder how far in they could get.

I will be going with a score prediction of 3-2 game in favor of New England Revolution. Potentially seeing Traustason score a goal along with Bou and Bunbury.

~Diego Galvis (@Diego_TheDJ On Twitter).