- FC Cincinnati finished as Eastern Conference No.2 in the 2025 MLS season with 65 points, 11 more than Columbus Crew, who finished No. 7 with 54 points. Cincinnati are unbeaten in their last five MLS matches, while Columbus avoided a Wild Card clash with a 3-1 win on Decision Day.
- Columbus Crew have won two, drawn one and lost one of the last four head-to-head meetings, with recent Hell Is Real meetings featuring late drama.
Cincinnati’s creativity and Columbus’ possession should meet in a playoff clash
The FC Cincinnati vs Columbus Crew prediction is that the two Ohio clubs should serve up a tense, fiery, high-scoring playoff opener at TQL Stadium on Monday when they do battle in the Round One of the MLS playoffs. Cincinnati are narrow favorites at 2.28, with the Crew available at 2.85, which looks a bit short for a team that won 4-2 at this venue back in July 2025.
But the home side will bring some serious form into this game and have an attacking spark that should give them the edge in the game. Pat Noonan has built a pragmatic yet fluid side that presses with numbers and uses an adaptable back-three system to allow the wingbacks to push on and provide wide support for the No.10.
Cincinnati have gone unbeaten through their final five MLS regular season games, recording wins over CF Montréal (3-0), LA Galaxy (3-2) and Nashville SC (2-1) and keeping two clean sheets to close out the campaign. This FC Cincinnati vs Columbus Crew preview suggests Evander, who had 18 goals and double-digit assists in total, has provided the spark and final touch for Cincinnati this season, while Kévin Denkey has also provided plenty of pressure on opposing defenses.
No extra time makes this a more nerve-wracking derby affair
With no extra time in Round One of the playoffs, any draw after 90 minutes will go straight to penalties, which will make for an even more dramatic affair than the normal Hell Is Real derby. Columbus won 3-2 after extra-time when these sides met in the 2023 Eastern Conference Final, and Columbus won 4-2 at TQL Stadium in July 2025.
Our FC Cincinnati vs Columbus Crew prediction for this encounter is rooted in recent performance: Cincinnati have been unbeaten in their last five MLS matches, including wins over CF Montréal (3 - 0), LA Galaxy (3 - 2), and Nashville SC (2 - 1), with two clean sheets to close the season, while Columbus's recent form is mixed but resilient, highlighted by a Decision Day 3-1 win and a 2-0 victory over Chicago. Goals look likely, so the market is already anticipating a crazy derby when Over 2.5 is priced at 1.57 and Both Teams To Score at 1.45.
Wilfried Nancy’s Crew side are a possession-based 3-4-3 side that look to control the tempo of games with patient build-up play, sharp vertical runs and aggressive counter-pressing. Nancy won the 2023 MLS Cup as Crew boss and brings a fresh eye to an experienced squad that will be motivated to play well in veteran captain Darlington Nagbe’s farewell season.
Both clubs have momentum and match winners
Diego Rossi is Columbus’ most efficient goal scorer and their best creative player, but his match sharpness may be lacking after a thigh injury affected his fitness. This FC Cincinnati vs Columbus Crew prediction could come down to late drama, as midseason signing Dániel Gazdag has helped to plug the gap with some big goals, including a winner on Decision Day, while Nagbe orchestrates the midfield and should be keen to impress in his final year at Columbus.
Cincinnati have home-field advantage and have a good thing going right now, so we have to lean towards Noonan’s side for this clash. The FC Cincinnati vs Columbus Crew betting tips suggest Columbus are a dangerous team with a pedigree in this rivalry, but a lack of clean sheets could cost them in the end.
