Major League Soccer is entering the business end of the season, with the race for the playoffs intensifying across the Eastern Conference. This matchup sees one side firmly in the postseason picture, while the other is still battling to secure its place.
Columbus Crew welcome FC Cincinnati to ScottsMiracle-Gro Field after suffering a defeat to New York City FC. Meanwhile, the visitors arrive in red-hot attacking form, having scored 18 goals in their last five matches, although they have also shown defensive vulnerabilities by conceding multiple goals at the other end during that run.
With Columbus eager to bounce back on home soil and Cincinnati bringing one of the league's most potent attacks, all the ingredients are in place for an entertaining encounter.
How to watch
- Date: Saturday 25 July, 2026
- When is kick-off: 19:15 EDT (00:15 BST)
- Where is the game: ScottsMiracle-Gro Field, Columbus
- TV Channel: The game is being streamed on Apple TV
Columbus Crew Team News
Max Arfsten has returned to the squad after his World Cup campaign with the USMNT, while Steven Moreira also resumed club duties in the defeat to New York City FC following his involvement in the tournament. New signing Eric Bailly could be handed his first start in central defence, adding experience and stability to the back line.
The Crew remain without Brooks Lennon, Andre Gomes and Wessam Abou Ali through injury, while Daniel Gazdag is pushing for a place in the starting XI after coming off the bench to score against New York City FC.
FC Cincinnati Team News
Despite their prolific goalscoring form, Cincinnati have looked vulnerable at the back, making defensive changes more likely than alterations in attack. With a fully fit squad to choose from, Pat Noonan has the luxury of rotating his side or freshening things up where needed.
Miles Robinson endured a difficult outing against the Vancouver Whitecaps, meaning Kyle Smith or Teenage Hadebe could come into the back line to provide greater defensive solidity.
In attack, wholesale changes appear unlikely. Pavel Bucha is full of confidence after scoring twice in the previous match, while Evander and Kévin Denkey are both expected to retain their places in the starting XI. Bryan Ramírez also made a positive impact off the bench and could be rewarded with a starting role.
Predicted Line-ups
Columbus Crew: Schulte; Farsi, Zawadzki, Camacho, Amundsen; Akhundzade, Picard, Bangoura, Arfsten; Thiare, Gazdag
FC Cincinnati: Celentano; Smith, Miazga, Gidi; Bucha, Valenzuela, Nwobodo, Ramirez; Dem, Evander; Denkey
Match Prediction
Few fixtures in MLS promise entertainment quite like this one. FC Cincinnati have scored 40 goals and conceded 40 in just 16 league matches, underlining their thrilling but unpredictable style of play. Columbus Crew have been more disciplined defensively by comparison, although they have still shipped 25 goals while scoring 22 themselves.
Cincinnati's relentless attacking threat will test the Crew back line throughout the evening. However, the potential inclusion of experienced defenders Eric Bailly and Steven Moreira could provide Columbus with the added stability needed to contain one of the conference's most dangerous forward lines.
At the other end, opportunities should come. Cincinnati's attacking approach often leaves space to exploit, meaning Columbus' forwards will need to be ruthless in front of goal if they are to take advantage and claim all three points.
Form, though, favours the visitors. The Crew have managed just one win from their last five matches, and a disappointing home defeat to New York City FC after the league's restart has only increased the pressure. With Cincinnati arriving full of confidence and goals, Columbus will need a significant improvement if they are to halt their rivals' momentum.
Columbus to spring a shock in this win. Columbus Crew 2 - 1 FC Cincinnati
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