FC Cincinnati vs Columbus Crew Preview, prediction, lineups, betting tips & odds | MLS 2025

Ohio gears up to host the first round of this MLS best-of-three series.

TQL Stadium in Cincinnati gears up to host the MLS Eastern Conference round of three series’ first fixture between the home team, FC Cincinnati and the visitors, Columbus Crew.

FC Cincinnati finished second in the MLS Eastern Conference points table after clinching 65 points. They are led by American gaffer Pal Noonan, who has previously played for teams like Colorado Rapids and LA Galaxy. They would be keen to make the most of their home advantage and win the first game against Columbus.

Columbus Crew finished seventh in the MLS Eastern Conference points table and are led by French gaffer Wilfried Nancy. Nancy has been at the managerial helm of CF Montreal before making a move to Ohio. Columbus won the MLS Cup in 2023 and the MLS Leagues Cup in 2024 recently.

Kick-off:

• Location: Ohio, USA
• Stadium: TQL Stadium
• Date: Tuesday, October 28
• Kick-off Time: 4:15 am IST
• Referee: TBD
• VAR: In use

LET'S PACK @TQLStadium! 🔷 🔶

— FC Cincinnati (@fccincinnati) October 20, 2025

Players to Watch

Evander Ferreira (FC Cincinnati)

The Brazilian midfielder from Rio began his footballing journey with Vasco da Gama. He plied his trade with Midtjylland and Portland Timbers before making a move to FC Cincinnati in 2025. His exemplary performance saw him get inducted into the MLS All-Star 2024.

This season, in 32 games, he has scored 18 and given 13 assists.

Hugo Picard (Columbus)

The 22-year-old French winger from Cholet has played for Nantes and Guingamp before making a move to the US to play for the Columbus Crew. He has played eight games for the Crew so far. He will be keen to find his name on the scoresheet against Cincinnati next.

Match Facts

• The match will take place at the TQL Stadium in Ohio.
• FC Cincinnati finished second in the Eastern Conference MLS points table.
• Columbus finished seventh in the Eastern Conference table.

FC Cincinnati vs Columbus Crew: Betting Tips and Odds

• Cincinnati to win the game.
• Evander to score first.
• FC Cincinnati 2-0 Columbus Crew.

Injury and Team News

Cincinnati will miss out on the services of Jabbari, Orellano, Smith, Engel and Miazga.

Columbus will miss out on the services of Rossi, Ali and Farsi.

Head-to-Head

Total matches: 18

Cincinnati won: 08

Columbus won: 04

Draws: 06

Predicted Lineups

Cincinnati predicted lineup (5-3-2)

Celentano (GK); Powell, Hadebe, Robinson, Hagglund, Marczuk; Bucha, Nwobodo, Evander; Brenner, Kamara

Columbus predicted lineup (4-3-3)

Schulte (GK); Herrera, Moreira, Amundsen, Arfsten; Chambost, Nagbe, Zawadzki; Picard, Russell-Rowe; Lappalainen

Match Prediction

We expect Cincinnati to make the most of their home advantage and clinch an easy win in the upcoming game against the Columbus Crew.

Prediction: FC Cincinnati 2-0 Columbus Crew

Telecast Details

All MLS matches can be viewed on Apple TV.

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