The Revolution are headed in the wrong direction. Three straight losses in MLS play have pushed New England into eighth place in the Eastern Conference, while injuries and suspensions have plagued the team.

One positive for the Revolution, who have just 19 points in 18 matches (4-7-7), is that a home win over the Columbus Crew on Saturday could propel them into fifth place and right back into playoff contention.

New England fell Wednesday at home to Eastern Conference-leading New York City FC, 1-0. The difference was a ball off the knee of Frank Lampard that floated into the the net in the 58th minute.

Columbus, the reigning Eastern Conference champion, is in ninth place (3-6-7, 16 points) and coming off a 3-2 loss to Sporting Kansas City on Sunday.

Since trading Kei Kamara to the Revolution, the Crew have found offense from a new source — but with a similar name. Norwegian striker Ola Kamara has scored seven times for Columbus since Kei — no relation — was traded, while the latter has only scored twice in league play for New England.

Rhode Island native Michael Parkhurst will make his return to Gillette Stadium. Parkhurst played for the Revolution from 2005-08 before heading to Europe. He returned to MLS with Columbus in 2014.

Homecoming aside, Parkhurst remains focused on the task at hand Saturday night.

“We’ve all played against former teammates,’’ said Parkhurst, the Crew’s captain. “You say hi before or after the game, and when you’re on the field it’s business as usual.’’

In their last encounter, June 24, 2015, Lee Nguyen put the Revolution ahead just 31 seconds in, but Kei Kamara equalized for the Crew less than three minutes later and scored a second-half winner to seal a 2-1 victory.

Saturday marks the first of three meetings between New England and Columbus.

Coach Jay Heaps said the Revolution plan to leave it all on the field.

“We could have done more [Wednesday],’’ said Heaps. “We were good in moments. Our reaction’s got to be positive, and if we can do more, do more.’’