FC Cincinnati vs. Columbus Crew Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 8 November 2025

Get ready for an electrifying clash in the Major League Soccer Playoff 1/8 round as FC Cincinnati hosts Columbus Crew at TQL Stadium on 8th November. The match kicks off at 23:00 and promises to be a thrilling encounter, especially considering recent results between these two fierce rivals.

FC Cincinnati, under the guidance of Pat Noonan, has shown solid form at home, winning three of their last five matches. However, their recent 4-0 thrashing by Columbus Crew will give them plenty of motivation to bounce back. Columbus Crew, led by Wilfried Nancy, never fails to show their attacking prowess, and their recent 4-0 victory over Cincinnati solidifies them as a formidable opponent.

Both sides have notable scorers like Kevin Denkey for Cincinnati and Jacen Russell-Rowe for Columbus, each with a goal in recent matches. The recommended bet is on over 2.5 goals, given both teams’ scoring capabilities. Injuries and suspensions may play a role, with key players missing for both sides.

Expect a high-octane match that adds another chapter to the exciting narrative of the MLS season.

FC Cincinnati vs Columbus Crew Prediction & Betting Tip

• Both FC Cincinnati and Columbus Crew have shown strong scoring capabilities in their recent matches.
• FC Cincinnati has been robust at home, winning three out of their last five matches at TQL Stadium.
• Columbus Crew’s attacking style is expected to make this an exciting, high-scoring contest.

Given these factors, the recommended bet is on over 2.5 goals for this match. Both teams have the ability to find the back of the net, making over 2.5 goals a sensible prediction for this electrifying playoff clash.

FC Cincinnati vs Columbus Crew Odds

This match between FC Cincinnati and Columbus Crew offers some intriguing betting odds. With both teams demonstrating strong performances and scoring abilities recently, the odds reflect a well-matched contest.

The close odds indicate that the bookmakers expect a tight game, with FC Cincinnati having a slight edge as the favourites. A draw offers an enticing 3.61, while a Columbus Crew win promises a return of 2.67. These odds reflect the competitive nature of this Major League Soccer playoff match, where either team could come out on top. Punters should consider the recent form and head-to-head results when making their bets.

FC Cincinnati Team Analysis

FC Cincinnati Recent Performance

FC Cincinnati’s recent form has been solid, with three wins, one draw, and one loss in their last five matches.

• Recent Matches:
  • Columbus Crew 4 – 0 FC Cincinnati (Loss)
  • FC Cincinnati 1 – 0 Columbus Crew (Win)
  • FC Cincinnati 3 – 0 CF Montréal (Win)
  • New York Red Bulls 0 – 1 FC Cincinnati (Win)
  • FC Cincinnati 1 – 1 Orlando City (Draw)

Their home performance has been particularly noteworthy, winning three of these five games at TQL Stadium. With an average of 1.20 goals scored per match and three clean sheets in this period, they’ve shown resilience in defence.

Despite the setback against Columbus Crew, they will be eager to leverage their home advantage and bounce back. This strong home form and defensive solidity make them formidable opponents in this crucial playoff encounter.

FC Cincinnati Key Players

FC Cincinnati’s lineup boasts several key players who will be pivotal in this matchup against Columbus Crew. Kevin Denkey, their top scorer, will aim to add to his goal tally, partnering with Brenner in the attack. Roman Celentano’s performance between the sticks will also be crucial, especially coming off three clean sheets in their last five games.

Midfielder Evander Ferreira will be instrumental in dictating the pace of play and linking up with the forwards. Additionally, the defence led by Miles Robinson and Teenage Hadebe will have to be on high alert to withstand Columbus Crew’s attacking threat.

Expected lineup for FC Cincinnati:

• Goalkeeper: Roman Celentano
• Defenders: Alvas Powell, Miles Robinson, Teenage Hadebe
• Midfielders: Ender Echenique, Pavel Bucha, Evander, Samuel Gidi, Gerardo Valenzuela
• Attackers: Brenner, Kevin Denkey

These players will need to be at their best to secure a positive result in this crucial playoff match.

FC Cincinnati Suspensions & Injuries

FC Cincinnati will face some challenges due to key absences in their squad. Yuya Kubo is suspended owing to a red card, and his presence will be missed in the midfield. Additionally, the team will have to cope without Brad Smith and Matthew Miazga, both sidelined with leg injuries and expected to return by mid-November 2025.

The absence of Miazga in defence could particularly impact the team’s solidity at the back, while Smith’s dynamic play on the wings will also be sorely missed. The remaining squad members will need to step up to fill these gaps and ensure the team remains competitive against Columbus Crew in this crucial playoff fixture.

FC Cincinnati Tactics and Formation

FC Cincinnati’s tactical setup has been quite effective in their recent fixtures, contributing to their strong home form. Their expected formation for this match against Columbus Crew is likely to be a 3-5-2, allowing them flexibility in both defence and attack.

FC Cincinnati Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 3-5-2
• Key Forward: Kevin Denkey
• Midfield Engine: Evander Ferreira, supported by Pavel Bucha and Samuel Gidi
• Defensive Strength: Three clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Utilizing the width provided by wing-backs to stretch the opposing defence

This setup allows FC Cincinnati to deploy solid midfield control while providing ample support to Denkey and Brenner upfront. Their defensive trio, led by Miles Robinson, aims to maintain the resilience shown in previous matches. The wing-backs will be crucial in executing their wide play strategy, aiming to exploit any gaps in the Columbus Crew defence.

Columbus Crew Team Analysis

Columbus Crew Recent Performance

Columbus Crew’s recent form has been a mixed bag, with two wins, one draw, and two losses in their last five matches.

• Recent Matches:
  • Columbus Crew 4 – 0 FC Cincinnati (Win)
  • FC Cincinnati 1 – 0 Columbus Crew (Loss)
  • Columbus Crew 3 – 1 New York Red Bulls (Win)
  • Orlando City 1 – 1 Columbus Crew (Draw)
  • Chicago Fire FC 2 – 0 Columbus Crew (Loss)

Wilfried Nancy’s side has shown flair in attack, averaging 1.60 goals per game but has kept only one clean sheet in these outings. Their offensive strength, demonstrated in the dominant recent win over Cincinnati, will be a key factor going into this playoff match. However, their defence will need to tighten up to avoid conceding crucial goals in this high-stakes encounter.

Columbus Crew Key Players

Columbus Crew will rely heavily on their key players to make an impact in this crucial playoff fixture. Jacen Russell-Rowe, their top scorer, leads the attacking line and will be looking to add to his goal tally. Diego Rossi is another important figure in the attack, known for his ability to create and convert chances.

In midfield, Darlington Nagbe will be key in controlling the tempo of the game, while Dylan Chambost provides additional creativity. In defence, the partnership of Steven Moreira and Malte Amundsen will be essential in keeping FC Cincinnati at bay.

Expected lineup for Columbus Crew:

• Goalkeeper: Patrick Schulte
• Defenders: Andres Herrera, Steven Moreira, Malte Amundsen, Max Arfsten
• Midfielders: Sean Zawadzki, Dylan Chambost, Darlington Nagbe, Taha Habroune
• Attackers: Diego Rossi, Hugo Picard

These key players will have to be at their best to overcome a resilient Cincinnati side and progress further in the playoffs.

Columbus Crew Suspensions & Injuries

Columbus Crew will need to adjust their strategy as they cope with a couple of notable absences. Mohamed Farsi will be out due to a back injury, while Wessam Abou Ali is sidelined with an ankle injury, with both players expected to return by mid-November 2025.

Farsi’s absence could weaken their defensive option on the flanks, and Abou Ali’s injury will limit their attacking depth. These absences could force Wilfried Nancy to make some tactical adjustments and lean more heavily on his available players. Despite these challenges, Columbus Crew’s squad depth and quality should help them to remain competitive in this high-stakes playoff encounter.

Columbus Crew Tactics and Formation

Columbus Crew’s tactical approach has been largely centred around their formidable attacking play, which has seen them average 1.60 goals per match in recent outings. Wilfried Nancy is expected to deploy a 4-4-2 formation for this crucial playoff tie against FC Cincinnati.

Columbus Crew Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-4-2
• Key Forward: Jacen Russell-Rowe
• Midfield Engine: Darlington Nagbe, complemented by Sean Zawadzki and Dylan Chambost
• Defensive Resilience: One clean sheet in the last five matches
• Notable Strategy: High pressing and swift transitions to maximise attacking opportunities

This formation allows Columbus Crew to maintain a solid defensive structure while also benefiting from a potent attack. By leveraging their dynamic wing play and central midfield control, they aim to break down FC Cincinnati’s defence and secure a decisive advantage in this playoff encounter.

FC Cincinnati vs Columbus Crew Head-to-Head Statistics

When it comes to head-to-head confrontations, FC Cincinnati and Columbus Crew have had some thrilling encounters. In their last five meetings:

• Columbus Crew 4 – 0 FC Cincinnati (Win – 2025-11-02, Major League Soccer Playoff)
• FC Cincinnati 1 – 0 Columbus Crew (Win – 2025-10-27, Major League Soccer Playoff)
• FC Cincinnati 2 – 4 Columbus Crew (Loss – 2025-07-13, Major League Soccer)
• Columbus Crew 1 – 1 FC Cincinnati (Draw – 2025-05-17, Major League Soccer)
• FC Cincinnati 0 – 0 Columbus Crew (Draw – 2024-09-14, Major League Soccer)

Overall, Columbus Crew have had the upper hand with two wins, two draws, and only one loss against Cincinnati in these five fixtures. Their recent 4-0 rout in November 2025 will give them confidence going into the playoff.

The history suggests a competitive matchup where goals are often a feature, lending credence to the recommendation of betting on over 2.5 goals for this encounter.

Odds accurate as of 11.06.2025 21:01, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.