7M - Club Friendlies Preview: Columbus Crew vs Burnley - prediction, team news, lineups

English Championship side Burnley continue their summer preparations in the United States when they square off against MLS outfit Columbus Crew at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field on Sunday.

The hosts are utilizing this exhibition match to fine-tune their squad before resuming their competitive domestic campaign later this month, while the visitors are building match fitness ahead of their grueling upcoming domestic season.

Match Preview

Columbus Crew heading into this fixture boast an impressive historical pedigree with eight major trophies in their cabinet. Having secured a seventh-place finish in the Eastern Conference last term, the Black and Golds are searching for high-caliber tests to keep their momentum flowing. With critical MLS fixtures against New York City FC and FC Cincinnati arriving before the end of July, this clash serves as a vital tactical testing ground.

Burnley, meanwhile, are balancing a heavy summer schedule as they transition into their pre-season routine. This fixture comes rapidly on the heels of their early Friday morning clash against FC Cincinnati. With an intense itinerary that features upcoming tests against Real Salt Lake, Ajax, and Espanyol, the Clarets are managing heavy fixture pressure before their official competitive opener against Notts County in the EFL Cup on August 8.

Team News

The home side will have to navigate this friendly without the services of Malte Amundsen, Wessam Abou Ali, and Jamal Thiare, who are all sidelined due to fitness issues. Despite expected widespread substitutions as the match progresses, manager choices point toward a strong initial XI. Key attacking threat Diego Rossi, who has found the net six times in 16 appearances this season, is set to lead the line alongside Daniel Gazdag.

For the visitors, squad rotation will heavily depend on who saw action during the early hours of Friday morning against Cincinnati. Right-back Kyle Walker is tipped to step into the starting lineup to provide defensive steel. However, Burnley remain short-handed in key areas, as Hannibal Mejbri, Zeki Amdouni, Lyle Foster, and Hjalmar Ekdal remain completely unavailable due to their extended international duties at the 2026 World Cup.

Possible Starting Lineups

Columbus Crew possible starting lineup:
Schulte; Moreira, Camacho, Zawadzki; Farsi, Bangoura, Gomes, Arfsten; Habroune; Gazdag, Rossi

Burnley possible starting lineup:
Weiss; Walker, Humphreys, Worrall, Pires; Florentino, Cullen; Edwards, Tresor, Larsen; Flemming

Prediction: Columbus Crew 2-2 Burnley

Considering both managers are expected to make sweeping changes across the 90 minutes to manage player fatigue, finding a rhythmic flow might prove difficult. However, given the attacking talent available from the opening whistle and the open nature of pre-season friendlies, an entertaining, high-scoring affair is highly anticipated.