Tonight’s match against Columbus is not only a classic six-pointer, but it’s also a very key match for the Revs in light of the close playoff chase. Tonight’s game (7:30 p.m., Fox Soccer Channel, WRKO 680 AM) is also New England’s final game in hand on the rest of the league, so while a win is not absolutely required to gain a playoff appearance, a win would certainly make the final two weeks of the season a bit easier for the team.

Kyle McCarthy takes a look at the Revs for both the Boston Herald and MLSnet.com, while Craig Merz has a look at the game from Columbus’ point of view for MLSnet.com. Other general previews include SportsNetwork and STATS LLC.

Ridge Mahoney of Soccer America has a look at the short slate of games this weekend all having a significant impact on the playoff race, while Steve Davis takes a look around the league in his weekly Five-a-Side column at MLSnet.com - including the timely topic of playoffs.

Finally, there is also another big match tonight - one you can catch at CBS Scene at Patriot Place at 10 p.m. - the U.S. traveling to Honduras in a key match in the qualifying battle for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

John Powers from the Boston Globe takes a look at the game, as well as the qualifying races around the other confederations. Also, Michael Lewis has a look specifically at tonight’s game for MLSnet.com.