- FC Cincinnati are the form team in the MLS, winning four of their last five league matches and losing just once.
- Columbus Crew’s away record in MLS 2025 includes three wins, four draws and two defeats from nine games, averaging 1.44 goals scored and 1.67 goals conceded per match.
- The visitors have the greater goalscorer in MLS 2025 with Diego Rossi having netted 10 times in 20 appearances, but Cincinnati have a goal machine of their own in Evander Ferreira.
All to play for in Ohio derby
FC Cincinnati and Columbus Crew go head-to-head on Saturday with a full house expected in the seats for the latest episode of one of the newest and fiercest MLS rivalries. Cincinnati are the top-performing team in the league this season with 42 points from 21 games while Columbus are in their usual spot in the middle of the pack on 38.
This FC Cincinnati vs Columbus Crew prediction takes into account that Cincy have been the more consistent of the two and have the better momentum to go with it, having won four of their last five MLS games, losing once. Columbus have three wins, one draw and one defeat in the same period.
Cincinnati have been so good at keeping things simple and effective under head coach Pat Noonan, who took over in December 2021. The Orange & Blue rarely have possession, but absorb pressure well and hit on the counter attack with the precision of a well-drilled Swiss watch. They are a defensive unit first and foremost with a few creative players up top who know where the goal is.
Nancy’s Columbus are creative and dangerous
Columbus, who brought in Wilfried Nancy at the end of 2022, are the polar opposite in terms of playing style as they like to control the ball, play from the back and have dynamic, creative midfielders who make things happen.
According to our FC Cincinnati vs Columbus Crew preview, Nancy has done a brilliant job with this roster, getting the most out of the technical players he has and ensuring Columbus have the creativity to unlock compact defenses they often come up against.
The Crew do need a goalscorer to finish off the good work done by the playmakers and Rossi, who can produce a piece of magic from any angle, is the man they have.
He is in fine form, but FC Cincinnati have their own hot streak up front with Ferreira scoring 12 goals in 19 MLS 2025 appearances and either scoring or assisting eight of their last nine goals.
Looking at the FC Cincinnati vs Columbus Crew odds, the hosts are favorites at +115 to win the match, but Columbus are not far behind as underdogs at +210, suggesting it could be a close one. Based on our FC Cincinnati vs Columbus Crew betting tips, expect a tactical battle with moments of individual brilliance. In summary, our second FC Cincinnati vs Columbus Crew prediction highlights just how tight and unpredictable this Ohio derby promises to be.
