FC Cincinnati host Columbus Crew at TQL Stadium on Sunday, October 18 (5:00 PM ET / 4:00 PM CT / 2:00 PM PT).
FC Cincinnati and Columbus Crew both arrive with clean injury sheets, so expect each side’s first-choice attacking options at TQL Stadium. Steeve Denkey, who leads Cincinnati with 16 goals and 31 shots on target this season, is the man Columbus must contain, with Evander — 13 goals and a team-high 75 chances created — pulling the strings behind him. For the visitors, Wessam Abou Ali has scored 5 goals, with Brais Méndez (4 goals, 18 chances created) and Taha Habroune (43 chances created) the other names to watch in behind him.
FC Cincinnati sit ninth in the Eastern Conference on 36 points from 27 games, still in the playoff picture, while Columbus Crew are 13th on 29 points from 28 matches, working to close that gap. Cincinnati’s 3-1 win at Atlanta United last time out contrasts with a Crew side still searching for consistency after a 3-2 loss at Orlando City, and with both attacks capable of finding the net, this one looks set to produce goals at both ends rather than a stalemate.
FC Cincinnati vs Columbus Crew: Best Bets & Predictions
Playoff positioning and firepower collide at TQL Stadium
Our approach: we weigh conference standings, recent results and the underlying player numbers rather than reputation, and let those factors drive the call.
Odds correct at time of writing and shown in American format for illustration; your local odds may vary. 19+ (18+ in AB/MB/QC). Please play responsibly. ConnexOntario: 1-866-531-2600 (ON).
Season Form & Standings
FC Cincinnati sit ninth in the Eastern Conference on 36 points from 27 games (9 wins, 9 draws, 9 losses), still in the mix for a playoff spot. Columbus Crew are 13th on 29 points from 28 matches, with ground to make up on the pack above them.
Eastern Conference
| Team | Pos | GP | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FC Cincinnati | 9 | 27 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 58 | 65 | -7 | 36 |
| Columbus Crew | 13 | 28 | 8 | 5 | 15 | 41 | 46 | -5 | 29 |
FC Cincinnati vs Columbus Crew Predicted Lineups
Predicted XI — updated for the latest team news.
FC Cincinnati
3-5-2Columbus Crew
3-5-2Potential Match-Winners
- Steeve Denkey (FC Cincinnati): 16 goals and 31 shots on target make him the most direct goal threat on the pitch.
- Evander (FC Cincinnati): 75 chances created paired with 13 goals shows he’s involved in almost everything Cincinnati create.
- Wessam Abou Ali (Columbus Crew): 5 goals in 567 minutes gives Columbus a reliable finisher to lean on.
Recent Form
FC Cincinnati: L D D L W
- 2026-10-11: Atlanta United 1-3 FC Cincinnati (W, away)
- 2026-09-27: CF Montreal 3-1 FC Cincinnati (L, away)
- 2026-09-20: Houston Dynamo 2-2 FC Cincinnati (D, away)
- 2026-09-13: FC Cincinnati 3-3 Charlotte FC (D, home)
- 2026-09-10: Philadelphia Union 5-0 FC Cincinnati (L, away)
Cincinnati’s last five league matches read L D D L W. That included a 3-1 win away at Atlanta United on October 11.
Columbus Crew: L L W W L
- 2026-10-11: Orlando City 3-2 Columbus Crew (L, away)
- 2026-09-28: Columbus Crew 2-1 Inter Miami (W, home)
- 2026-09-20: CF Montreal 0-2 Columbus Crew (W, away)
- 2026-09-13: Columbus Crew 0-1 New York Red Bulls (L, home)
- 2026-09-10: DC United 2-1 Columbus Crew (L, away)
Columbus have gone L L W W L across their last five matches. The sequence was undone by a 3-2 loss at Orlando City on October 11.
FC Cincinnati vs Columbus Crew Prediction
FC Cincinnati, ninth in the East on 36 points, look the sharper side here against a Columbus Crew team 13th on 29 points and still finding their best form. We expect goals at both ends on a tight scoreline, with the hosts’ extra class up front just enough to get the job done: FC Cincinnati 2-1 Columbus Crew.