Columbus Crew Sc vs Charlotte Fc Picks and Predictions July 17th 2024

Charlotte FC eager to test form against red-hot Crew

Charlotte FC is preparing for a crucial match against the Columbus Crew after an impressive win over FC Cincinnati. With both teams in excellent form, this game is set to be a thrilling encounter. Let’s delve into the key aspects of this much-anticipated clash.

Take your Soccer Betting to the next level with our expert Soccer Handicappers

Charlotte FC vs. Columbus Crew: A High-Stakes Matchup

Charlotte FC’s Recent Performance

Charlotte FC (10-8-5, 35 points) heads into this match with confidence after a statement win over Supporters’ Shield leaders FC Cincinnati. Their 3-1 victory showcased their potential and resilience, providing a strong foundation as they prepare to face another formidable opponent.

Columbus Crew’s Dominance

The Columbus Crew (12-3-6, 42 points), defending MLS Cup champions, have been in exceptional form. With five consecutive wins and victories in nine of their last ten matches, the Crew are one of the hottest teams in the league. Their recent 5-1 victory over Los Angeles FC, a rematch of the 2023 league final, underscores their offensive prowess and overall dominance.

Key Players and Strategies

Wilfried Nancy’s Tactical Mastery

Columbus coach Wilfried Nancy has been instrumental in their success. His ability to blend skillful play with a gritty, hard-to-beat mentality has been a cornerstone of the Crew’s winning streak. “My players found a way to be ourselves and to play the way we wanted to play and to play really good sequences, but also to be disgusting to play against,” Nancy said, reflecting on their comprehensive team effort.

Ashley Westwood’s Midfield Command

For Charlotte, midfielder Ashley Westwood has been a key figure. His comments after the Cincinnati win reflect the team’s high spirits and confidence: “It was a statement performance. We’ve come here and really put on a performance. The first 35, 40 minutes, I thought we were outstanding. They couldn’t live with us.” Westwood’s leadership and playmaking abilities will be crucial in their bid to upset the Crew.

Historical Context and Previous Encounters

Charlotte’s Previous Triumph Over the Crew

Adding to Charlotte’s optimism is their 2-0 victory over Columbus on March 23. In that match, goals from Patrick Agyemang and Westwood in the second half against a 10-man Crew side sealed the win. However, this time around, they will face a different Crew team, missing key players like goalkeeper Evan Bush and Patrick Schulte.

Impact of Key Absences

Schulte is with the United States’ U-23 team, and Bush is sidelined with an arm injury, leaving Nicholas Hagen to start in goal for the Crew. Additionally, the previous match saw the absence of Crew’s coach Nancy due to illness and leading scorer Cucho Hernandez, who was suspended.

Current Form and Offensive Firepower

Cucho Hernandez’s Scoring Streak

Cucho Hernandez has been in sensational form, scoring eight goals in his past seven matches. His presence and ability to find the back of the net consistently will be a major threat to Charlotte’s defense.

Crew’s Offensive Explosion

The Crew have been an offensive juggernaut, outscoring opponents 20-2 during their five-match winning streak. Their ability to score prolifically and maintain defensive solidity makes them a formidable opponent for any team.

Charlotte’s Defensive Resilience and Tactical Approach

Defensive Solidarity

Charlotte will need to be at their defensive best to contain the Crew’s high-powered attack. Key defensive players will have to step up and maintain focus throughout the match to prevent the Crew from finding their rhythm.

Tactical Adjustments

Strategically, Charlotte might opt for a more conservative approach, focusing on counter-attacks and set pieces to exploit any weaknesses in the Crew’s defense. Effective utilization of their attacking players, like Patrick Agyemang, who returns from suspension, will be vital.

Conclusion

The upcoming clash between Charlotte FC and Columbus Crew promises to be an exciting and high-stakes encounter. With both teams in excellent form, it will be a true test of skill, strategy, and resilience. Fans can look forward to a thrilling match as Charlotte aims to maintain their momentum and the Crew seeks to extend their winning streak.

Join the Best Sports Handicappers