MLS Match Preview: FC Cincinnati (13-5-3) vs. Columbus Crew SC (10-3-8)

The “Hell is Real” derby returns on Saturday, July 12, 2025, as FC Cincinnati hosts Columbus Crew at TQL Stadium in one of the most heated rivalries in Major League Soccer. Kickoff is set for 7:30 PM ET / 12:30 AM UK, and with both teams sitting near the top of the Eastern Conference, this clash could have major playoff implications.

Match Significance & Rivalry History

Series Record: Columbus unbeaten in last 4 meetings (W2, D2)

Last Meeting: 1–1 draw at Lower.com Field (May 2025)

All-Time Series: Columbus leads, but Cincinnati has never lost at home in this fixture

This marks the 18th edition of the Hell is Real derby, and the stakes are high. Cincinnati leads the East with 42 points, while Columbus sits fourth with 38 points, making this a potential six-point swing in the standings.

Team Form & Stats

FC Cincinnati

Record: 13W–5L–3D (1st in East)

Last 5 Matches: W–W–W–W–L

Goals Scored: 33 Goals Conceded: 27

Home Form: 6W–2D–1L at TQL Stadium

Cincinnati is riding a four-match winning streak, including victories over Chicago, Orlando, Montreal, and New England. They’ve scored in 10 straight games and are unbeaten when leading at halftime this season.

Columbus Crew

Record: 10W–3L–8D (4th in East)

Last 5 Matches: D–W–W–W–L

Goals Scored: 34 Goals Conceded: 27

Away Form: Winless in last 5 road games (D2–L3)

Columbus has found momentum after the international break but continues to struggle away from home. They’ve scored in 12 consecutive matches, with a potent attack led by Diego Rossi and Kevin Denkey.

Predicted Lineups & Key Players

FC Cincinnati (Coach: Pat Noonan)

Predicted XI: Celentano; Powell, Miazga, Robinson; Yedlin, Bucha, Anunga, Engel; Evander, Valenzuela; Denkey
Key Player: Evander – 12 goals, 8 assists; looking to score in 4th straight match
Injuries: Kubo, Santos, Hagglund, Flores (all out); Robinson returns from Gold Cup duty

Columbus Crew (Coach: Wilfried Nancy)

Predicted XI: Bush; Moreira, Zawadski, Cheberko; Aliyu, Nagbe, Chambost, Farsi; Gazdag; Russell-Rowe, Rossi
Key Player: Diego Rossi – 10 goals; Crew’s top scorer
Injuries: Camacho, Hagen, Amundsen, Schulte (all sidelined)

Tactical Matchup & Betting Trends

Cincinnati: Strong at home, efficient in tight games (9 wins by 1 goal)

Columbus: Dangerous attack but leaky defense on the road

Betting Tip: Expect a high-intensity match with playoff energy. Cincinnati’s home dominance and Columbus’s attacking firepower suggest a high-scoring affair, but the Crew’s road woes could tilt the edge toward the hosts.

Match Details

Fixture: FC Cincinnati vs Columbus Crew

Date: Saturday, July 13, 2025

Time: 7:30 PM ET / 12:30 AM UK

Venue: TQL Stadium, Cincinnati, OH

Broadcast: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV