Preview: FC Cincinnati vs. Columbus Crew – Prediction, Team News, Lineups

This weekend’s clash between FC Cincinnati And Columbus Crew promises to be a high-stakes encounter as both teams continue their battle for supremacy at the top of the MLS Eastern Conference.

The hosts, currently second in the table, will be keen to get back on track after a dip in form saw them surrender their lead and lose four of their last five games before comfortably winning their last game 4-1.

Game Preview

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FC Cincinnati will come into this game motivated after ending a four-game losing streak with a decisive 4-1 win in their last game and regaining confidence after a dip in form following their dominant 6-1 win over Inter Miami in July.

Despite their recent struggles, Cincinnati have managed to hold on to second place in the Eastern Conference with 51 points from 27 games, recording 16 wins, three draws and eight losses. They now face the challenge of keeping their Supporters' Shield hopes alive with Inter Miami just eight points ahead.

The Orange-Blues’ offensive strength this season was driven by their league MVP, Luciano Acostawho provided the most assists on both the team and the league and was also the team's top scorer despite missing the last game due to a yellow card suspension.

Cincinnati's defense remains a concern, having conceded 36 goals this season, and they will need to step up against a Columbus team that has one of the league's top scorers. Cucho Hernandezespecially after the recent losing streak against teams like the New York Red Bulls and Inter Miami exposed their weaknesses.

This game also has a special appeal as the hosts will be looking to avenge their playoff exit to Columbus last season. Despite their strong performance last season, Cincinnati were eliminated in the postseason by their Ohio rivals, a loss that still resonates as they face each other again in this crucial game.

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Columbus Crew come into this clash in strong form despite their recent 4-0 loss to Seattle Sounders. That defeat ended their impressive eight-game winning streak in all competitions, which included their first-ever Leagues Cup win and a series of dominant performances that kept them in the top three of the Eastern Conference.

Offensively, Columbus has been one of the most productive teams in MLS this season, scoring 52 goals, the second-highest total in the Eastern Conference. The key to that has been their striker Hernandez, who has picked up where he left off last season.

Columbus was equally impressive on defense, conceding just 28 goals – the lowest rate in the league. That defensive stability has been a cornerstone of their success, anchored by a defense that excelled at playing cleanly, although their recent loss to Seattle raised questions about their defensive stability.

Columbus is desperate to avenge its 2-1 home loss to Cincinnati earlier this season. Last season's playoff victory over its rival and its overall good head-to-head record give Columbus confidence. Local success and the prospect of the playoffs add extra excitement to this already bitter duel.

FC Cincinnati Major League Soccer form:

FC Cincinnati form (all competitions):

Columbus Crew Major League Soccer form:

Columbus Crew Form (all competitions):

Team News

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For Cincinnati, defender Miles Robinson and midfielder Michael B. will be unavailable due to a suspension for accumulated yellow cards and each of them will miss a game.

In addition, the hosts have to do without a defender Matthew Miazga and midfielder Isaiah FosterBoth are expected to be out until mid or early October due to knee injuries.

midfield Yamil Asad is also out due to a knee injury, his return is expected in early October. Nick Hagglund is expected to return at the end of September after a leg injury, while goalkeeper Alec Can is recovering from a hip injury and is expected to be back at the end of September.

However, they will benefit from the return of Luciano Acosta and DeAndre Yedlinwho are back in the squad after serving their suspensions.

Columbus Crew has to do without goalkeeper Evan Bush due to an arm injury and Abraham Romero is suspended for one match due to a direct red card.

Meanwhile, striker Cucho Hernandez continues to be a key player in top form and makes an important contribution to the team's attack.

Possible starting eleven for FC Cincinnati:
Celentano; Hadebe, Awaziem, Yedlin; Orellano, Nwobodo, Bucha, Kubo; Gioacchini, Acosta; Santos

Possible starting lineup of Columbus Crew:
Schulte; Moreira, Camacho, Amundsen; Farsi, Nagbe, Matan, DeJuan Jones; Rossi; Ramirez, Hernandez

We think: FC Cincinnati 2-1 Columbus Crew

Cincinnati's recent resurgence and home court advantage should give them an advantage despite their defensive weaknesses.

Click here to see a data analysis of the most likely outcomes, scores and more for this match.

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