D.C. United vs. Columbus Crew: TV schedule, lineups, prediction and GameThread

Job One for the weekend is accomplished, with the U.S. Men's National Team taking all three points out of snowy, snowy Denver last night. Now it's time for the second order of business: keeping D.C. United perfect at home. This week's obstacle is the Columbus Crew, who will be without their starting striker Jairo Arrieta but will still have dangerman Frederico Higuain pulling the strings. Here's everything you need to know about this afternoon's match-up if you can't make it out to East Capitol Street.

Time: 3:30 pm

Venue: the friendly confines of RFK Stadium, Washington, D.C.

TV: NBC Sports Network

Projected D.C. Lineup: Bill Hamid got snubbed by Jurgen Klinsmann, but you won't hear me complaining today - he's in goal for United. I think we'll see two changes on the back line, with Ethan White partnering Brandon McDonald in the middle and Daniel Woolard returning to the starting XI opposite Chris Korb on the outside. Perry Kitchen and Marcelo Saragosa get the nod in central midfield, with Chris Pontius and Nick DeLeon running the wings. Unless the little birds saying Rafael will get the start know a lot more than we think they do, expect to see Lionard Pajoy and Dwayne De Rosario up top.

Prediction: 2-0 to United. I think DeRo and Pontius both net their first goals of the season and we do enough on the other end to keep MLS' best defensive record in 2013.

What Are You Drinking?: I'll hope to see the Corona guy come by my section so I can enjoy an import during the game.

As always, this is your place for pre-game, in-game and post-game discussion.