Columbus Crew vs FC Cincinnati predictions take centre stage in Sunday’s “Hell is Real” derby at ScottsMiracle Gro Field. The Crew welcome their Ohio rivals for the 21st meeting between the sides. Kick-off is at 12:15am (UK Time), with Cincinnati arriving in far better form than their struggling hosts.
Columbus Crew lost 2-1 at home to New York City FC in their first match back from the mid-season break. FC Cincinnati beat Vancouver Whitecaps 4-3 to extend their unbeaten run to ten league matches. The visitors arrive with momentum, but a fierce local rivalry and derby atmosphere could level the playing field.
Columbus Crew vs FC Cincinnati predictions and betting tips
| OUR PREDICTION | ODDS & BOOKMAKER | CONFIDENCE | WHY WE’RE BACKING IT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pavel Bucha to score anytime | 9/1 with BetMGM (10%) | ★★★ | Bucha scored twice in Cincinnati’s 4-3 victory over Vancouver Whitecaps in their opening match back from the break. The Czech midfielder has emerged as a key attacking weapon for Pat Noonan’s side this season. Cincinnati have scored 40 goals in 16 league matches, the third-highest tally in MLS. Bucha operates in an advanced role that gives him regular shooting opportunities. Columbus have conceded 25 goals and kept just three clean sheets this campaign. The Crew’s defensive record offers little protection against a player in this kind of form. At 9/1, Bucha looks well-priced to continue his hot streak in a derby where goals are almost guaranteed. |
| Daniel Gazdag to score anytime | 19/10 with BetMGM (35%) | ★★ | Gazdag came off the bench to score against New York City FC in Columbus’s 2-1 defeat. The Hungarian playmaker looks set to earn a start here after making an immediate impact as a substitute. He brings experience and finishing quality from his time with Philadelphia Union, where he established himself as one of MLS’s most clinical attackers. Columbus have managed just 22 goals from 16 matches this season. Laurent Courtois needs his creative players to step up, and Gazdag has the quality to deliver in a derby. Cincinnati have conceded 40 goals, the joint second-worst defensive record in the league. At 11/4, there is value in backing Gazdag to exploit that vulnerability on home soil. |
Odds correct at time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.
How both teams head into Columbus Crew vs FC Cincinnati
Columbus Crew
Columbus Crew’s 2026 campaign has been a struggle. The reigning MLS Cup holders sit 25th in the overall standings with just 16 points from 16 matches. Four wins, four draws and eight defeats represent a sharp decline from the side that lifted the trophy in 2024.
Courtois’s men headed into the World Cup break on an improved run of two wins and a draw from three matches across all competitions. A 1-1 draw with Championship side Burnley during the break offered some encouragement. However, the restart brought familiar problems as New York City FC inflicted a 2-1 home defeat.
The Crew’s away form has been particularly poor. Just one victory from eight road matches underlines their struggles on the road. Home advantage has been their saving grace, and ScottsMiracle Gro Field will need to provide a fortress atmosphere to trouble Cincinnati.
Columbus hold the historical advantage in this rivalry. They have won eight of the 20 previous meetings, drawing six and losing six. A 4-0 home demolition of Cincinnati in November 2025 shows what the Crew can produce at their best.
FC Cincinnati
Cincinnati arrive in Columbus with momentum. Noonan’s side have lost just once in their last ten league matches, although five of those fixtures ended in draws. Their 4-3 victory over Vancouver on the return from the break continued a strong run of form.
The attacking numbers catch the eye. Cincinnati have scored 40 goals in 16 matches. Only Inter Miami and Nashville have scored more. Evander and Bucha have been the standout performers, combining for goals and assists in the win over Vancouver.
Defensive frailties remain the concern. Cincinnati have also conceded 40 goals, tied for the second-worst defensive record in MLS. A goal difference of zero from 16 matches tells the story of a side that entertains but struggles to control games.
Noonan’s men sit 12th in the overall standings with 23 points. That represents a significant drop from last season, when they finished second in the regular-season table. The gap to leaders Nashville now stands at 16 points. A derby win would keep their playoff hopes alive and add to what has been a positive run of results.
- Bet £10 get £30
- Excellent Football Betting Options
- Extensive Bet-Builder
- Multi-Award Winning Bookmaker
New customers can sign up using bonus code SQUAWKA365, bet £10 and get £30 in Free Bets. Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply. Registration Required. This code is for marketing and tracking purposes only. #Ad.
Columbus Crew team news
Columbus could make changes following Tuesday’s defeat. Courtois is likely to shuffle his options as he searches for a winning formula. Gazdag could earn a start after scoring from the bench against New York City.
The Crew remain without Brooks Lennon, Andre Gomes and Wessam Abou Ali through injury. All three are long-term absentees. The midfield axis of Akhundzade and Picard should retain their places alongside new arrivals in the back line.
Columbus Crew (3-4-2-1): Schulte; Farsi, Zawadzki, Camacho; Amundsen, Akhundzade, Picard, Bangoura; Arfsten, Gazdag; Thiare
FC Cincinnati team news
Cincinnati head into the derby with a fully-fit squad. Noonan may consider changes in defence after another shaky display against Vancouver that saw the Orange and Blue concede three times.
Miles Robinson was withdrawn shortly after the hour mark against Vancouver following a difficult evening. Kyle Smith replaced him and could come into the starting lineup. Bucha’s brace and Evander’s goal and assist should ensure both retain their places in the attacking roles.
FC Cincinnati (3-4-2-1): Celentano; Smith, Miazga, Gidi; Bucha, Valenzuela, Nwobodo, Ramirez; Dem, Evander; Denkey
Head-to-head
Columbus and Cincinnati have met 20 times in MLS. The Crew hold the advantage with eight wins to Cincinnati’s six, alongside six draws. Columbus have outscored their rivals 38-24 across those fixtures.
Home advantage plays a significant role. Columbus have won five of their ten home matches in this rivalry. Cincinnati have won five of their ten home fixtures. The most recent meetings tell contrasting stories. Columbus hammered Cincinnati 4-0 at home in November 2025. Cincinnati responded with a 2-1 home victory six days later.
Who comes out on top at ScottsMiracle Gro Field?
Derbies tend to bring the best out of both sides, and this one should be no different. Cincinnati arrive with momentum after ten unbeaten league matches, but Columbus have a strong historical record in this fixture at home.
Bucha to score anytime at 9/1 is the standout selection. His brace against Vancouver demonstrated his eye for goal from midfield. Columbus have kept just three clean sheets all season, and Bucha’s runs into the box give him regular scoring opportunities.
Gazdag to score anytime at 19/10 completes the pair. His impact from the bench against New York City should earn him a start. Cincinnati’s 40 goals conceded offer encouragement to a player of his finishing ability. Both defences have leaked goals all season, and this derby has all the ingredients for another high-scoring encounter.
Read more:
- Latest football news
- Football betting tips
- Best betting sites
- Best free bet offers
- Football accumulator tips
