Major League Soccer Regular Season - 19

Columbus Crew vs NS FC Cincinnati

ScottsMiracle-Gro Field

Match Preview

Match previews and recaps to help you decide which games are worth watching

Futmetrix Verdict
58
Columbus Crew
vs
FC Cincinnati
Sat, Jul 25 • 23:15
⚡ Form 62
⚖️ Balance 76
🏆 Stakes 33
⭐ Stars 66
Ohio rivals clash with guaranteed goals.

Win Probability

  • Columbus Crew 54%
  • Draw 23%
  • FC Cincinnati 24%

Futmetrix AI estimate

Defensive Frailties Guarantee Fireworks in Ohio

Worth Watching Futmetrix Score: 58/100. An absolute must-watch for neutrals craving goals, as two notoriously leaky backlines prepare to deal with blazing attacking talent.

The Setup

The Columbus Crew welcome FC Cincinnati to ScottsMiracle-Gro Field for a classic regular-season clash. The Crew sit 10th in the table, trailing 7th-placed Cincinnati by four points. A modest Stakes rating reflects the mid-season nature of Matchday 19, but local pride ensures a fiery contest. Cincinnati’s defense collapses on the road, leaking nearly three goals a game. That chaotic Form sets the perfect stage for a shootout. Despite the bookmakers heavily backing the hosts, a tight Balance metric suggests the visitors have enough firepower to keep things competitive.

Key Battle

Hugo Picard offers a crucial spark for the hosts, tallying two goals and an assist recently. But the real story is Evander. Cincinnati's talisman brings an off-the-charts Stars rating to this fixture, pulling all the creative strings in the final third. Picard must relentlessly exploit the spaces Evander leaves behind when the visitors commit bodies forward.

Our Prediction

Expect absolute chaos. Columbus has the home advantage, but Cincinnati's attack is too lethal to silence right now. Our take is a thrilling 2-2 draw where both defenses are left chasing shadows for ninety minutes.

Key Questions

Should I watch this match?

Yes. Two vulnerable defenses facing elite attackers makes this a guaranteed high-scoring spectacle.

What's the predicted outcome?

We expect an entertaining 2-2 draw as both teams trade heavy attacking blows.

Where are Columbus Crew and FC Cincinnati in the league table?

Columbus Crew are currently 10th with 16 points, while FC Cincinnati sit 7th with 20 points.

What is Columbus Crew's current form?

Columbus Crew are struggling slightly, holding a recent record of one win, one draw, and three losses (WDLLL).

Who is the in-form player to watch?

Evander (FC Cincinnati) is the player to watch, registering 5 goals and 5 assists in 3 matches, averaging a 9.5 rating.

What is the Futmetrix Score?

The Futmetrix Score is our 0-100 verdict on how entertaining a match is. We look at intensity, balance, stakes, and star quality to tell you if it's worth your time.

Season Statistics

10
League Position
7
16
Points
20
19
Goals Scored
30
23
Goals Conceded
35

Eastern Conference League Standings

League Standings

Pos Team P Pts GF GA GD Form
1 Nashville SC 15 36 32 11 +21
2 Inter Miami 15 31 39 28 +11
3 Chicago Fire 14 26 27 16 +11
4 New England Revolution 14 25 22 18 +4
5 New York Red Bulls 15 22 25 32 -7
6 Charlotte 15 21 24 23 +1
7 FC Cincinnati 15 20 36 37 -1
8 New York City FC 15 19 25 21 +4
9 DC United 15 18 21 25 -4
10 Columbus Crew 15 16 21 23 -2
11 CF Montreal 15 15 22 31 -9
12 Toronto FC 15 15 22 29 -7
13 Orlando City SC 15 14 23 44 -21
14 Atlanta United FC 15 11 14 24 -10
15 Philadelphia Union 15 7 18 30 -12
P: 15 GD: +21
2 Inter Miami 31 pts
P: 15 GD: +11
P: 14 GD: +11
P: 14 GD: +4
P: 15 GD: -7
6 Charlotte 21 pts
P: 15 GD: +1
P: 15 GD: -1
P: 15 GD: +4
9 DC United 18 pts
P: 15 GD: -4
10 Columbus Crew 16 pts
P: 15 GD: -2
11 CF Montreal 15 pts
P: 15 GD: -9
12 Toronto FC 15 pts
P: 15 GD: -7
P: 15 GD: -21
P: 15 GD: -10
P: 15 GD: -12