Nashville SC are on the road for a third-consecutive match, taking on one of the best sides in MLS in the Columbus Crew. Ahead of an enticing Eastern Conference clash, we caught up with Tyler Fisher, a contributor for Massive Report covering the Crew.
Ben Wright (SixOneFive Soccer): Cucho's departure this offseason was one of the biggest transfer stories this winter. How have the Crew coped without him? Do you expect them to try and make another signing this season, or do you think this squad as-is is what they're working with?
Tyler Fisher (Massive Report): Early on, you can tell that the Crew have a gaping hole on the field as far as having a lethal No. 9. Cucho’s shoes were always going to be hard to fill when the time came for him to leave, whether it was at the beginning of the season or during this summer window.
Though, the club have fared quite well despite being winless in their last few games. I do think they make a signing this year to fill the void of Cucho, but don’t really know who would be the perfect fit. It’s a waiting game.
BW: How has Daniel Gazdag's adjustment been so far?
TF: His adjustment has been — as the kids say — mid at best. A new team, a new system, etc. Yes it takes time to adjust, but the Daniel Gazdag that fans know isn’t the one that Columbus has right now.
I do expect him to get a goal or two throughout the season, just don’t know when. And I do expect him to have a good career in the Black & Gold.
BW: We all know how attractive and effective Wilfried Nancy's style can be, but it seems like they're hitting a bit of a rough patch in their last four games. What's gone wrong for them, and how do they get back on track?
TF: I don’t think anything has gone wrong per se. I think it’s just the Crew overthinking in the final third. Nancy is all about making the extra pass, but we also know that he wants players to shoot when the opportunity arises, and they’re not doing that. Just my opinion.
BW: What are some ways the Crew will try to target Nashville? And how do you think Nashville can hurt them?
TF: Well, when this piece comes out, the Crew’s availability report will have been sent out and it’s not pretty. Columbus will be without Patrick Schulte, Sean Zawadzki and Rudy Camacho, with Mohamed Farsi and Steven Moreira listed as questionable.
Two key starters will not see the field, with a possibility of two more also not seeing the field. Where will Nashville hurt Columbus? In their attacking zone. Defense will need to be absolutely stellar if Farsi and Moreira do not play.
BW: Do you have a lineup and score prediction?
TF: 1-1 draw.
Thanks to Tyler for his time! Follow him here at Tyler Fisher, and make sure to check out Massive Report for fantastic coverage of all things Columbus.
