This weekend's clash between FC Cincinnati and Columbus Crew promises to be a high-stakes encounter as both teams continue their fight for dominance at the top of the MLS Eastern Conference.
The hosts, currently second in the standings, are eager to regain their footing after a rocky run of form saw them surrender their lead, losing four of their last five games before a resounding 4-1 win in their last match.
Match preview
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FC Cincinnati enter this match motivated, having snapped a four-game losing streak with a crucial 4-1 win in their last outing, regaining confidence after a poor stretch of form that followed their dominant 6-1 victory over Inter Miami in July.
Despite their recent struggles, Cincinnati have managed to stay in second place in the Eastern Conference with 51 points from 27 games, boasting 16 wins, three draws and eight losses. They now face the challenge of keeping their Supporters' Shield hopes alive with Inter Miami just eight points ahead.
The Orange and Blue's offensive strength this season has been driven by their league MVP, Luciano Acosta, who leads both the team and the league in assists while also being their top goalscorer even though he missed the last game due to a yellow card suspension.
Cincinnati's defence remains a concern, having conceded 36 goals this season, and they will need to tighten up against a Columbus side featuring one of the league's top scorers, Cucho Hernandez, especially after their recent losing streak exposed vulnerabilities in defeats to teams like the New York Red Bulls and Inter Miami.
This fixture also holds an extra edge as the hosts seek to avenge their playoff exit at the hands of Columbus last season. Despite their strong regular season showing last year, Cincinnati were eliminated in the postseason by their Ohio rivals, a loss that still lingers as they meet again in this crucial encounter.
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Columbus Crew head into this clash in strong form despite their recent 4-0 loss to Seattle Sounders, a defeat that snapped their impressive eight-game winning streak across all competitions. That run included their first-ever Leagues Cup trophy win and a string of dominant performances that have kept them in the top three of the Eastern Conference.
Offensively, Columbus have been one of the most productive teams in MLS this season, scoring 52 goals, the second-highest total in the Eastern Conference. Key to this has been their forward, Hernandez, who has continued where he left off last season.
On the defensive front, Columbus have been equally impressive, conceding just 28 goals — the lowest in the league. This defensive stability has been a cornerstone of their success, anchored by a backline that has excelled at keeping clean sheets even though their recent loss to Seattle raised questions about their defensive solidity.
Columbus will be eager to avenge their 2-1 home loss to Cincinnati earlier this season, drawing confidence from last season's playoff victory over their rivals and their strong overall head-to-head record, with local bragging rights and a playoff push adding extra tension to this already fierce matchup.
Team News
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For Cincinnati, defender Miles Robinson and midfielder Ian Murphy will be unavailable due to suspension for accumulating yellow cards, each missing one game.
Additionally, the hosts will be without defender Matthew Miazga and midfielder Isaiah Foster, both sidelined with knee injuries expected to keep them out until mid and early October, respectively.
Midfielder Yamil Asad is also out with a knee injury, with a return expected in early October. Defender Nick Hagglund is set to return by late September from a leg injury, while goalkeeper Alec Kann is recovering from a hip injury and is anticipated to be back by late September.
They will, however, benefit from the return of Luciano Acosta and DeAndre Yedlin, who are back in the lineup after serving suspensions.
Columbus Crew will be missing goalkeeper Evan Bush due to an arm injury, and Abraham Romero will serve a one-game suspension for a direct red card.
Meanwhile, forward Cucho Hernandez remains a key player in form, contributing significantly to the team's attack.
FC Cincinnati possible starting lineup:
Celentano; Hadebe, Awaziem, Yedlin; Orellano, Nwobodo, Bucha, Kubo; Gioacchini, Acosta; Santos
Columbus Crew possible starting lineup:
Schulte; Moreira, Camacho, Amundsen; Farsi, Nagbe, Matan, DeJuan Jones; Rossi; Ramirez, Hernandez
We say: FC Cincinnati 2-1 Columbus Crew
Cincinnati's recent resurgence and home advantage should give them the edge, despite their defensive vulnerabilities.
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