Cincinnati to continue their surge
An Ohio MLS derby could be one of the most intense on Saturday, when FC Cincinnati, topping the MLS 2025 standings, and Columbus Crew, currently 6th, will face each other in a clash of contrasting styles. This FC Cincinnati vs Columbus Crew preview sets the stage for an encounter where stakes are high and both teams have much to prove.
FC Cincinnati have been a well-oiled machine in 2025, sitting top of the MLS 2025 standings and consistently finding ways to win tight games through their clinical Brazilian attacker Evander Ferreira, who has 12 goals in 19 games in MLS 2025, either scoring or assisting eight of the last nine Cincinnati goals.
Pat Noonan has done an excellent job since December 2021, instilling a pragmatic, structure-first approach in his team which is geared towards absorbing pressure and hitting on the break.
Cincinnati’s home record is a decent 6-2-1, averaging 1.78 goals per game and they come into this match with one win and one loss from their last two MLS home games. For those considering a bet, the FC Cincinnati vs Columbus Crew odds offer an intriguing opportunity in this high-stakes derby.
Cincinnati will stop Columbus
Columbus Crew are the more entertaining team with an attacking style, where their technical midfielders and players are given the freedom to express themselves in a fluid system that controls the ball and builds from the back.
Wilfried Nancy has made the most of his time at Columbus Crew’s helm since December 2022 and his teams are always positive and proactive, just as Diego Rossi, who has 10 MLS 2025 goals in 20 appearances, is just the type of forward that thrives in Nancy’s system. Columbus Crew are in solid form with three wins, one draw, and just one defeat from their last five MLS 2025 matches, but have struggled a little on the road in 2025, going winless in their last two MLS away days.
The head-to-head record between these rivals is incredibly tight, with the pair sharing the spoils in each of their two MLS 2025 meetings to date, so it seems very likely that this will be a close encounter. As noted in our FC Cincinnati vs Columbus Crew prediction, Cincinnati are listed as favourites at 2.15 for the home match, while Columbus Crew are just shy of even odds at 3.1, making it impossible to back either side with much conviction.
Take both teams to score
Both clubs have a knack for finding the net and the contrasting tactical approaches will make for a fascinating chess match, with Cincinnati’s mid-block clashing with Columbus’ creative buildup. This FC Cincinnati vs Columbus Crew betting tips article suggests that with both sides in good form, we think the ‘Both Teams to Score’ market offers the best chance of success for this Ohio MLS rivalry.
Moreover, another FC Cincinnati vs Columbus Crew prediction hints at both sides pushing hard for three points, keeping the contest entertaining throughout.
