Columbus Crew vs FC Cincinnati Prediction & Betting Tips - Major League Soccer

Prediction published on 18/08/2023, 19:30  by Sridhar | Modified on 18/08/2023 at 20:47 in Major League Soccer Predictions

It is derby time in the MLS this weekend as “Hell is Real” derby between the two Ohio clubs – the Columbus Crew and FC Cincinnati is set to light the league up. This match number 24 in the Eastern Conference will be played at the Lower.com Field venue on Sunday. Crew are 6th in the Conference with 36 points while the Cincinnati side are top with 51 points and eight ahead of their nearest challenger. Columbus looked good in the Leagues Cup with a 4-1 win over Club America and also in going past St. Louis City 2-1. They were knocked off in the round of 32 via penalties by Minnesota giving them a chance to improve their MLS standings. With only four points separating them from eight-placed Chicago, an adverse result here would be detrimental to their playoff chances. Home form gives a strong advantage to Columbus, as they are unbeaten across seven league games. That included winning five of the last six, so the home fans would be gearing up for a big performance.

Cincinnati also had a good run in the Leagues Cup where they were beaten in the round of 32 by Nashville. That doesn’t change the fact that they are the team to beat in the league. With an eight-point lead at the top of conference standings, Cincinnati are setting the pace. Their recent form is a worry though, as they seem to be dropping points regularly. Cincinnati have won just three of their last seven matches, drawing three and losing one during that sequence. They have the second-best defensive record in the conference with only 25 goals conceded but would be tested against the best offensive team of the conference.