After a humbling 5-0 loss to D.C. United last week, the Montreal Impact‘s margin for error when it comes to making the MLS playoffs is even thinner heading into their final three matches of the regular season.

Next up for the Impact is the Columbus Crew at Stade Saputo on Saturday afternoon. Not only does Columbus have just two wins in their last seven games, the Crew have only picked up one victory away from home since May 19.

With this in mind, here are three keys to the match.

Defensive discipline

Montreal had several opportunities to grab an equalizer before halftime against D.C. United, then the team’s shape became disjointed and D.C. took advantage.

This can’t happen against the Columbus Crew, who are a dynamic side in the final third. At a moment’s notice, the Crew attack can go from methodical to quick and incisive. That’s why it’s imperative for the Impact to keep their shape.

D.C. didn’t really threaten when Montreal ceded possession, but once there were wide open spaces, Luciano Acosta and Wayne Rooney pounced instantly. Columbus’ Pedro Santos, Justin Meram, Federico Higuain, Harrison Afful and Milton Valenzuela can influence a match regardless of the situation.

The Lovitz-Piatti combo

Daniel Lovitz has been one of the underrated players for the Montreal Impact over the past few games. In fact, Lovitz’s combination play with chief playmaker Ignacio Piatti has led to some dangerous scoring chances for the Impact.

That combo wasn’t present last Saturday in D.C. and it showed. Lovitz’s overlapping runs and Piatti’s improvisation make it difficult for opposing defenders to track both players.

Crew full-back Afful pushes up a lot to attack and centre-back Jonathan Mensah can be error prone when defending one-on-one. Perhaps that’s how Piatti and Lovitz can exploit Columbus on Saturday night.

Shutting down the wings

Columbus tends to thrive off crosses, specifically low deliveries into the feet of Gyasi Zardes.

#CrewSC defender Milton Valenzuela is fifth among @MLS defenders in tackles won (47) and tied for most successful crosses (22) from open play among defenders! #22U22 https://t.co/QJJrS7GAY7 — Columbus Crew SC (@ColumbusCrewSC) October 3, 2018

Not only do Montreal’s full-backs have to be cautious, so do centre-backs Rod Fanni and Rudy Camacho. Zardes can be very shifty, so it’s important that Fanni and Camacho track the U.S. international consistently. Valenzuela and Afful have to be monitored as well.

The Impact like to force their opponents out wide, but the Crew create most of their attacks down the flanks. It will be intriguing to see if Montreal coach Remi Garde persists with this tactic on Saturday afternoon.