COLUMBUS — The Columbus Crew return to ScottsMiracle-Gro Field on Saturday afternoon looking to extend their winning streak to five matches when they host D.C. United. Columbus has won four consecutive matches, and another victory would strengthen its position in the Eastern Conference standings.

The Crew (12-15-5, 41 points) most recently defeated FC Dallas 2-0 Wednesday night, earning a solid road victory against a team that had not lost at home since May 13. Columbus also ended Dallas' streak of four consecutive home shutouts. Not to mention completely shut down Petar Musa.

Gonzalo Tapia opened the scoring in the 18th minute, and Santiago Rodríguez doubled the lead in the 70th. Goalkeeper Patrick Schulte helped preserve the shutout with five saves as Dallas pressed for a goal throughout the second half.

Columbus has been getting contributions throughout its lineup during the winning streak. Midfielder Dylan Chambost leads the club with seven assists, while Taha Habroune has contributed five goals and four assists this season. Diego Rossi leads the Crew with six goals.

D.C. United (7-13-12, 33 points) comes to Columbus following a 2-1 loss at Toronto FC on Wednesday. United has struggled away from home this season, posting a 2-7-7 road record, but the visitors have already demonstrated they can defeat the Crew.

The two clubs met September 9 in Washington, with D.C. United earning a 2-1 victory that ended its nine-match winless streak against Columbus. Tai Baribo scored twice in the opening 38 minutes before Rodríguez pulled one back for the Crew shortly after halftime.

Baribo remains D.C.'s primary attacking threat, leading the club with 16 goals this season. Columbus will need to account for his movement in and around the penalty area while maintaining the defensive organization that helped produce Wednesday's shutout.

The Crew will also benefit from returning home, where they will celebrate Fan Appreciation Day with their supporters. Columbus has shown an ability to create scoring opportunities from different areas of the field during its recent run, while the team's defensive performances have also played an important role in its success.

Saturday offers another chance for Columbus to continue climbing back into the Eastern Conference playoff race. The Crew have built some incredible momentum with four consecutive victories, and a fifth would provide another important result as the regular season approaches its conclusion.

Match Information

Prediction

Columbus enters the match playing its best soccer of the season, while D.C. United has struggled to produce consistent results away from home. Baribo gives the visitors a legitimate scoring threat, but the Crew's recent attacking production and home-field advantage should provide enough opportunities to secure another victory. Under normal conditions, I would objectively pick the Crew big in this one, but D.C. United always seems to play Columbus tough, as evidence by the loss earlier in the year.  The Crew walk away with 3 points, no matter.

Columbus Crew 2, D.C. United 1