New York City FC vs. Columbus Crew Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 18 September 2025

New York City FC and Columbus Crew lock horns on 18 September 2025 at Yankee Stadium in a clash that could have significant implications for their Major League Soccer playoff hopes. Just two points separate the two sides, with City sitting in 10th place on 47 points and Crew in 8th with 49 points. This close proximity in the standings highlights the competitive nature of this fixture.

New York City FC come into the match as slight favorites with bookmaker odds of 2.18, thanks in part to their solid home form, boasting a 4-0-1 record in their last five games at Yankee Stadium. Columbus Crew, on the other hand, have shown their resilience on the road by scoring in 93% of their away matches this season.

Key players to watch include NYCFC’s top scorer Alonso Martinez with 15 goals and Crew’s Diego Rossi, who narrowly edges him out with 16 goals. Both teams have been consistent in finding the back of the net, averaging 1.60 goals in their last five games each.

Considering their standings and recent performances, this promises to be a closely fought contest, making a draw a recommended bet. Be sure to tune in at 00:30 to catch all the action!

New York City FC vs Columbus Crew Prediction & Betting Tip

New York City FC vs Columbus Crew Prediction
Betting tip	Odds
Draw	3.60

Why this prediction?

• Both teams are close in league standings with just two points separating them.
• New York City FC has a solid home record (4W-0D-1L in the last 5 home games).
• Columbus Crew has shown resilience on the road, scoring in 93% of their away matches this season.

Given their closely matched stats and recent performance history, a draw seems a likely and profitable outcome.

New York City FC vs Columbus Crew Odds

As we head into this high-stakes clash between New York City FC and Columbus Crew, let’s delve into the odds provided by the bookmakers. New York City FC enter this contest as slight favorites, reflecting their strong home performance. Columbus Crew also have decent odds, mirroring their capacity to score consistently on the road.

New York City FC vs Columbus Crew Betting Odds
Bet	Odds
New York City FC	2.18
Draw	3.60
Columbus Crew	2.93

With City having a solid home record of 4-0-1 in their last five fixtures at Yankee Stadium and Columbus demonstrating resilience by scoring in 93% of away matches, the odds indicate a tightly contested encounter. The possibility of a draw also seems strong given their recent form and comparable standings.

New York City FC Team Analysis

Recent Performance:

New York City FC have been in decent form recently, coming off a strong 3-1 away victory against Chicago Fire FC. Over their last five matches, they’ve won three and lost two, posting a record of LWWLW. The team has displayed solid attacking prowess, averaging 1.60 goals per game in this span.

Defensively, NYCFC have managed just one clean sheet in their last five games, which does suggest some vulnerability at the back. However, their strong home form, highlighted by a 4-0-1 record in the last five home fixtures, suggests they could capitalize on their home advantage against Columbus Crew.

Key players like Alonso Martinez, who is their leading scorer with 15 goals, will be crucial if they are to secure another victory.

Summary Table

Recent Performance	Record
Last 5 Matches	LWWLW
Avg. Goals Scored	1.60
Clean Sheets	1
Home Record	4-0-1

New York City FC Key Players

Key to New York City FC’s chances will be their top scorer, Alonso Martinez, who has netted 15 goals this season. His striking partnership with Maxi Moralez and Hannes Wolf will be critical in breaking down the Columbus Crew defense.

Expected lineup for New York City FC:

• Goalkeeper: Matt Freese
• Defenders: Tayvon Gray, Thiago Martins, Justin Haak, Kevin O’Toole
• Midfielders: Maxi Moralez, Aiden O’Neill, Jonathan Shore
• Forwards: Hannes Wolf, Alonso Martinez, Andrés Perea

With Columbus Crew often conceding late goals, NYCFC will aim to exploit this and ensure they maintain their scoring momentum throughout the 90 minutes. The midfield battle will also be decisive, with Aiden O’Neill looking to control the game and keep the supply line open to Martinez.

New York City FC Suspensions & Injuries

New York City FC will be without some key players due to injuries. Malachi Jones and Keaton Parks are both sidelined with leg injuries and are expected to return in late September 2025. Nico Cavallo is also out with a leg injury and is projected to be back by early October 2025.

The absence of these players, particularly Malachi Jones and Keaton Parks from the midfield, could impact New York City FC’s depth and balance. Manager Pascal Jansen will need to rely on the remaining squad members to step up, especially in a crucial match with playoff implications.

If NYCFC can compensate for these absences, their solid home form should still give them an edge.

New York City FC Tactics and Formation

New York City FC Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-3-3
• Key Forward: Alonso Martinez
• Midfield Trio: Maxi Moralez, Aiden O’Neill, Jonathan Shore
• Defensive Strength: Only one clean sheet in the last five games suggests areas for improvement.
• Notable Strategy: Typically strong during home games, boasting a 4-0-1 record in the last five fixtures at Yankee Stadium.

NYCFC will likely line up in a 4-3-3 formation, utilizing the creativity of Maxi Moralez in midfield and the goal-scoring prowess of Alonso Martinez up front. Expect them to exploit Columbus Crew’s tendency to concede late goals and maintain a high-press strategy, particularly in the second half. The wide play from Hannes Wolf and Andrés Perea will aim to stretch the opposing defense, creating space for Martinez to capitalize on.

Columbus Crew Team Analysis

Recent Performance:

Columbus Crew have showcased mixed form in their recent outings, securing two wins, two draws, and one loss from their last five matches (WDLDW). Their most recent match saw them edge past Atlanta United in a thrilling 5-4 encounter. The Crew have averaged 1.60 goals per game in this period, indicating a stable offensive output.

Defensively, Columbus have proven slightly more robust than their opponents, keeping two clean sheets in their last five games, signaling some defensive solidity. However, inconsistency remains an issue, as their away form lacks the dependability needed for a crucial standings push.

The coming match will demand peak performance from key players like Diego Rossi, who leads the team with 16 goals this season, as Columbus aim to strengthen their playoff aspirations.

Summary Table

Recent Performance	Record
Last 5 Matches	WDLDW
Avg. Goals Scored	1.60
Clean Sheets	2

Columbus Crew Key Players

Columbus Crew will rely heavily on their top scorer, Diego Rossi, who has found the net 16 times this season. Rossi’s combination with Wessam Abou Ali up front will be crucial in breaking through the New York City FC defense.

Expected lineup for Columbus Crew:

• Goalkeeper: Patrick Schulte
• Defenders: Marcelo Herrera, Steven Moreira, Evgen Cheberko, Malte Amundsen
• Midfielders: Diego Rossi, Dylan Chambost, Darlington Nagbe, Max Arfsten
• Forwards: Daniel Gazdag, Wessam Abou Ali

Rossi’s role as a wide midfielder who drifts inward will be pivotal, particularly against a defense that has kept just one clean sheet in their last five games. The midfield battle featuring Darlington Nagbe and Dylan Chambost will also be key, as they look to control the tempo and provide support for their forwards.

Max Arfsten’s pace on the wings could exploit any defensive lapses from NYCFC, adding another layer to Columbus’s offensive strategy.

Columbus Crew Suspensions & Injuries

Columbus Crew have a few critical absences to contend with in their upcoming match. Central defender Rudy Camacho is sidelined with a thigh injury, with a potential return expected in late September 2025. Full-back Mohamed Farsi is dealing with a back injury and is also projected to be out until late September. Additionally, midfielder Sean Zawadzki has a knee injury and isn’t expected to return until late October 2025.

These injuries could impact Crew’s defensive solidity and midfield depth. Manager Wilfried Nancy will need to rely on the remaining squad members to step up, particularly in defense, to maintain their push for a favorable result against a challenging NYCFC side.

Columbus Crew Tactics and Formation

Columbus Crew Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-4-2
• Key Forward: Diego Rossi
• Midfield Duo: Dylan Chambost, Darlington Nagbe
• Defensive Strength: Two clean sheets in the last five games.
• Notable Strategy: High scoring efficiency with a strong second-half presence.

Columbus Crew are likely to set up in a 4-4-2 formation, focusing on a balanced approach between attack and defense. Diego Rossi will be pivotal, not just as a scorer but also in creating spaces for Wessam Abou Ali. The midfield pairing of Dylan Chambost and Darlington Nagbe will look to control the tempo, initiate attacks, and cover defensively.

Given NYCFC’s vulnerability towards the end of matches, expect Columbus to remain resilient and possibly exploit the flanks through Max Arfsten. Columbus will aim to maintain their scoring consistency, hoping their solid recent form will translate into a positive result.

New York City FC vs Columbus Crew Head-to-Head Statistics

Looking at the head-to-head statistics between New York City FC and Columbus Crew, the last five meetings paint a picture of a remarkably tight contest. The most recent encounter ended in a goalless draw on March 22, 2025. The previous meetings have seen mixed results with Columbus emerging victorious 4-2 on August 31, 2024.

Breaking down the last five fixtures:

• Columbus Crew 0 – 0 New York City FC (March 22, 2025)
• Columbus Crew 4 – 2 New York City FC (August 31, 2024)
• Columbus Crew 1 – 1 New York City FC (Penalty shoot-out: 4-3, August 17, 2024, Leagues Cup)
• New York City FC 2 – 3 Columbus Crew (June 14, 2024)
• Columbus Crew 1 – 1 New York City FC (July 8, 2023)

The balance and competitiveness of previous fixtures suggest that this upcoming match at Yankee Stadium is bound to be another close encounter. Both teams have shown their capability to score and hold their ground, making yet another draw a foreseeable outcome.

Odds accurate as of 16.09.2025 00:31, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.