Wilfried Nancy insists Columbus Crew must continue to build on their recent winning run when they travel to face New England Revolution this Sunday.
The Crew returned to winning ways in style following their defeat to Inter Miami, beating Kansas City 4-0 last time out courtesy of Cucho Hernandez's hat-trick.
Nancy's side sit in fifth place in the Eastern Conference, two points behind Charlotte FC but with the luxury of three games in hand compared to Dean Smith's side.
Despite their convincing victory in their last MLS fixture, Nancy is looking to replicate the Crew's four-game unbeaten run they enjoyed last month moving forwards.
“It was really important also when I made all the changes that we stay focused on the task,” Nancy said.
“With all the celebration also was not easy because we can switch really quickly.
"I really wanted to help my team to have a clean sheet if possible and to score more goals because this is the level that we want to have. I don't like when we take everything for granted.”
Meanwhile, the Revs also come into the fixture on an impressive run of form, beating high-flyers FC Cincinnati 2-1 away from home to extend their winning streak to four matches in the MLS.
Caleb Porter's side welcome the Crew to the Gillette Stadium this weekend in search of improving their home form to climb up the Eastern Conference table.
New England have won just three of their last seven games in front of their supporters and know a win will see them move up from 12th in the standings, along with games in hand on many of the surrounding sides.
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
New England – Cucho Hernandez
Cucho Hernandez scored his third career MLS hat-trick in the Crew’s win over Kansas City on Saturday, with all three coming within his last 20 games.
The Colombian is just the ninth player in MLS history to score three hat-tricks in a span of 20 games.
Columbus Crew – Giacomo Vrioni
It looks set to a battle of both side's goal-scoring forwards, with Giacomo Vrioni looking to continue his hot streak for Nancy's side.
Vrioni scored both of New England’s goals against Cincinnati on Saturday, the first time a Revolution player has scored more than one goal in a game this season.
MATCH PREDICTION: COLUMBUS CREW WIN
The Crew come into the encounter in much the better form, having won five of their last six league matches (L1) following their win over Sporting Kansas City.
However, New England also boast an impressive winning streak of their own. Porter's side have won four consecutive matches, having previously won just four of their previous league matches dating back to the beginning of September last year (D4 L14).
And it was the Crew who emerged victorious in the side's last meeting. The win over New England last October ended a string of five straight draws between the sides. Columbus have lost only one of their last 12 against New England (W5 D6) dating back to 2018.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
New England - 27.1%
Draw - 23.9%
Columbus Crew - 49%
Maresca urges Chelsea to ignore off-field noise ahead of West Ham trip
Enzo Maresca will be hoping Chelsea can put their off-field issues to one side as they aim for back-to-back Premier League wins when they visit West Ham on Saturday.
The Blues are facing a period of boardroom uncertainty with much of the focus remaining on the reported ownership rift between Bedhad Eghbali and Todd Boehly.
That seemed to do little in the way of distraction last time out against Bournemouth as Christopher Nkunku scored late on to snatch a 1-0 victory for Chelsea.
Maresca urged his players to continue to focus on the things in their control, rather than the speculation over the ownership.
"The players read and see things on their social networks but I told them there's nothing they can do about it and we try to prepare our games in the best way," Maresca said.
"In this kind of game you need to learn that it isn't just about the tactical part – you need something inside, to win duels and all the games are different.
"To win the game, you have to win with the T-shirt dirty – probably [getting] some yellow cards because they had many yellow cards. These kind of games require these kinds of things."
West Ham head into this London derby after a 1-1 draw at fellow capital-city rivals Fulham, with Danny Ings striking late at Craven Cottage to salvage a point with his stoppage-time leveller.
Hammers head coach Julen Lopetegui knows improvements are needed if his side are to end a two-game winless run in the early top-flight season.
"We showed fight and we ran a lot but we can do better and that's my feeling," Lopetegui said.
"I am happy for the reaction, the feeling and spirit of the team but we have to improve with the ball, we can do better."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
West Ham – Michail Antonio
Michail Antonio is not a guaranteed starter for the home side, considering the recent signing of towering striker Niclas Fullkrug.
However, Antonio has been involved in five goals in his last six Premier League games against Chelsea, scoring three and assisting two. His next goal involvement will also be his 100th in the competition, making him the first West Ham player to reach that milestone (67 goals, 32 assists).
Chelsea – Christopher Nkunku
Nkunku burst Bournemouth's bubble last time out and will hope to do similar on the road at London Stadium, though it remains unclear whether the France international will be in the side from the off for this one.
In fact, all four of Nkunku’s Premier League goals for Chelsea have been as a substitute, including his winner against Bournemouth. It’s the joint-most goals a player has scored in the competition’s history with 100% of them coming from the bench.
MATCH PREDICTION – CHELSEA WIN
Chelsea are considered the favourites for this London derby on Saturday, taking into account their head-to-head record with West Ham and favourable Opta win probability from their data-based simulations.
Indeed, the Blues have won 30 of their 56 Premier League meetings with West Ham (D10 L16), only winning more times against Tottenham in the competition’s history (35).
Chelsea have also won each of their last four away games in the Premier League, though have not triumphed in five such matches in a row since December 2021 under Thomas Tuchel.
That impressive road run includes both league trips under Maresca this season, with Pep Guardiola in 2016 the last manager to win each of his first three away games in the Premier League.
However, this result is by no means a foregone conclusion. West Ham have alternated between winning (five) and not winning (D2 L3) in their last 10 league home games against Chelsea, beating them 3-1 at the London Stadium last term.
The Hammers last won consecutive home league games against the Blues in 2001-02/2002-03, though, with the hosts needing to buck the trend here if they are to succeed.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
West Ham win – 31.3%
Draw – 24.6%
Chelsea win – 44%
Roma announce former Torino boss Juric as De Rossi's successor
Roma have announced the appointment of Ivan Juric as the club's new manager on a deal until the end of the season.
The former Torino boss succeeds Daniele De Rossi, who was dismissed after just seven months in charge following a winless start to the Serie A campaign.
Juric's contract will reportedly be extended should the Giallorssi qualify for next season's Champions League.
The 49-year-old, who took training for the first time on Wednesday, becomes the first Croatian to manage Roma, having departed Torino at the end of last season after three years in charge of Il Toro.
Juric led Crotone to Serie A promotion in the 2015-16 campaign, while he has also overseen the fortunes of Genoa and Verona in the Italian top flight.
He will take charge of Roma for the first time on Sunday, when they welcome Udinese to Stadio Olimpico.
Jamaica's Michail Antonio, Kasey Palmer, and Guyana's Isaiah Jones named in 2024/25 Concacaf Nations League A Best XI for September window
JThe September window of the 2024/25 Concacaf Nations League A group stage is now complete, and standout performances have led to Jamaica's Michail Antonio and Kasey Palmer, along with Guyana's Isaiah Jones, being named in the Best XI for the group stage fixtures.
Palmer was a crucial figure for the Reggae Boyz, dominating the midfield with his commanding presence. Defensively, he was a rock, securing eight steals and disrupting the opposition's play consistently. In addition to his defensive work, Palmer was also efficient in possession, completing an impressive 92.42 percent of his passes, making him a key conduit in transitioning from defense to attack. His dynamic performance in the midfield was instrumental in Jamaica's strong start to the Nations League campaign.
Leading Jamaica's attacking efforts, Antonio once again demonstrated why he is one of the country's top forwards. Antonio contributed a goal and was a constant threat to opposing defenses, taking five shots over the two group-stage matches. His ability to put pressure on the opposition and create scoring opportunities played a vital role in Jamaica's offensive strategy. Antonio's inclusion in the Best XI reflects his consistent ability to impact games at the highest level.
Guyana's Jones also earned his spot in the Best XI with a standout performance in the group stage. Jones scored a crucial brace in Guyana’s visit to Martinique, securing the team's first points of the campaign with a significant draw. His efforts were pivotal for Guyana, showcasing his goal-scoring instincts and resilience on the international stage.
The Best XI also features notable performances from players like Nicholas Hagen of Guatemala, who was instrumental in his team's unbeaten start with key saves and a clean sheet against Costa Rica. Costa Rica's defensive duo, Juan Pablo Vargas and Francisco Calvo, made the list for their commanding performances, each contributing both defensively and offensively to Costa Rica's solid start. Honduras' midfielders David Ruiz and Kervin Arriaga impressed with their all-around play, with Ruiz particularly standing out as a young talent to watch.
The inclusion of two Jamaican players in the Best XI highlights the team's strong performance in the early stages of the 2024/25 Concacaf Nations League. With both Michail Antonio leading the attack and Kasey Palmer anchoring the midfield, the Reggae Boyz have demonstrated their quality and potential as they aim for success in the competition. The recognition of these players also underscores the depth and talent present in the Caribbean football scene, showcasing their impact on the regional stage.
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