Both teams look to be in their best form in a long time, but until LAFC can show us they can decode Nancy-Ball, it’s hard to make a case for them. With Cucho Hernández and Diego Rossi playing at their current level and Columbus aiming for another title at home, I believe they have a slight edge over LAFC.

I picked Columbus at the start of this tournament and I’m sticking with it because I’m a man of his word, but with the switch to 3-4-3 (allowing LAFC to defend more naturally across the pitch) and the signing of Olivier Giroud, there’s a very, very good case for the visitors here.

This is one of the most difficult predictions. Both teams are in top form and have built a strong identity, especially through their offensive play. I’m leaning slightly towards Columbus, not because they are the favorites, but because they are playing at home and have turned their stadium into a fortress. It will be an intense, beautiful game and surely full of goals.

Columbus dominated LAFC just six weeks ago in downtown LA, winning 5-1. LAFC changed its lineup a week later and was much more solid defensively, conceding just four goals in eight games. But Columbus was just too good at home and LAFC hasn’t found a way to beat them yet. The Crew won 2-1 thanks to Diego Rossi’s impressive run in the Leagues Cup.

Why the Crew? Home advantage and the ability to dictate where and how the game is played. Recent history between the two teams, including the MLS Cup in the same building, suggests there’s something about the Crew that LAFC hasn’t quite figured out yet. That might change a bit with Steve Cherundolo’s switch to a 3-4-3, but I suspect it won’t change enough to affect the outcome.