- Columbus Crew have won their last two matches.
- Columbus have conceded just six goals across their last seven MLS 2026 home matches.
- Cincinnati have failed to win either of their last two away games against Columbus.
Crew and Cincinnati are both in good nick
Columbus Crew and FC Cincinnati have had quite different trajectories in the Major League Soccer 2026 campaign, but both arrive at the ScottsMiracle-Gro Field in good form and they could put on a terrific derby game this Saturday.
Laurent Courtois has been at the helm of the Crew since 17 May 2026 and the team have become more aggressive in their pressing, more compact in their rotations and more direct in their approach to the box since he took over.
The evidence suggests that Columbus have benefited from these adjustments, as they have won two, drawn one and lost two of their last five games in all competitions - a run which has included a 1-1 away draw with Philadelphia Union in MLS 2026, a 1-0 home win over New York City FC in the US Open Cup 2026, and a 2-0 home win over Atlanta United in MLS 2026.
Diego Rossi is Columbus' leading scorer in MLS 2026 with six goals in 15 games, but Max Arfsten has chipped in with two of the Crew's six strikes in their last five.
Cincinnati are also on a two-match winning streak, although their form across their last five in all competitions is more mixed at two wins, two draws and one loss.
Pat Noonan's men have deployed a Dutch-leaning 4-3-3 system since December 2021, where they try to control possession, circulate the ball quickly and win it back aggressively.
South African sharpshooter Evander Ferreira is Cincinnati's danger man with nine goals in 14 MLS 2026 matches, while he's chipped in with four goals and five assists during their recent five-game surge.
Columbus can edge tight derby match
The Columbus Crew vs FC Cincinnati preview suggests this is a much tighter derby than the odds imply as the Crew sit 23rd with 16 points from 15 games while Cincinnati are 15th with 20 points from 15.
But we're leaning towards a home win here as Columbus look much sharper at home in the last couple of matches - where they've won two straight - and seem more confident and clear in the final third.
Hell Is Real should be a proper derby match with lots of heat, tempo swings and bite. Cincinnati have won just one, drawn four and lost three of their eight away matches in MLS 2026, conceding a brutal 23 goals at 2.88 per game on their travels.
Our selection for the match at ScottsMiracle-Gro is Columbus Crew to win and Over 2.5 goals at 1.38. Columbus' pressing and Cincinnati's open games should align in a good way for some goals here and we're getting the home win at a value price while still getting a few more of our own back.
Cincinnati nicked a 2-1 home victory over Columbus in the MLS Playoffs 2025, but have failed to do so on either of their previous two visits. And although it's difficult to call when it comes to derbies, the form tells us that Columbus are more likely to extend their two-game winning streak on Saturday.
For those looking at Columbus Crew vs FC Cincinnati betting tips, the best angle remains Columbus Crew to win and Over 2.5 goals.
In our Columbus Crew vs FC Cincinnati prediction, the Crew's home edge and sharper attacking play make them slight favourites to edge a lively contest.
