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Cincinnati and Columbus clash in high stakes MLS rivalry match

FC Cincinnati and Columbus Crew meet this weekend with playoff spots on the line in the Eastern Conference.

Written by the BettingEdgeHub desk, 17 October 2026

FC Cincinnati head into the latest edition of the Hell is Real derby looking to bounce back from a disappointing midweek defeat. Pat Noonan saw his side lose three to two against the New England Revolution, leaving them ninth in the Eastern Conference standings. That result leaves them only three points ahead of New York City FC, increasing the pressure as the regular season reaches its final stretch.

Playoff urgency for Cincinnati

Kevin Denkey insists his team must treat every remaining fixture as a playoff match to secure their postseason berth. Denkey and Tom Barlow have carried the goalscoring burden recently, netting nine of the team's last ten goals. Defensively, however, Noonan wants his players to tighten up and stop relying on late drama to rescue points. Bookmakers might drift Cincinnati in the betting markets if their defensive vulnerabilities continue to cost them leads.

Columbus momentum builds

Columbus Crew arrive with renewed confidence after securing a comfortable three to one victory against Charlotte FC. Interim head coach Laurent Courtois praised his team's balance after goals from Brais Mendez, Anass Zaroury, and Taha Habroune turned the match around. The Crew are now just four points behind ninth place Cincinnati, making this upcoming rivalry clash a massive six pointer for the postseason race. Momentum is clearly with the visitors, which could shorten their odds in the match winner market.

Key players to watch

Punters eyeing the goalscorer markets should focus on the in form talons for both sides. Kevin Denkey leads Cincinnati with seventeen regular season goals, while Mendez and Habroune have been firing consistently for Columbus. Expect an open encounter at TQL Stadium as both rivals desperately need all three points.