Sports Mole previews Saturday’s Major League Soccer clash between FC Cincinnati and Columbus Crew, including predictions, team news, and possible lineups.
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.
FC Cincinnati enter this match motivated, having snapped a four-game losing streak with a crucial 4-1 win in their last outing. Despite recent struggles, they have managed to stay in second place in the Eastern Conference with 51 points from 27 games. Their offensive strength this season has been driven by Luciano Acosta, who leads both the team and the league in assists while also being their top goalscorer.
Cincinnati’s defense remains a concern as they have conceded 36 goals this season. They will need to tighten up against a Columbus side featuring one of the league’s top scorers, Cucho Hernandez.
Columbus Crew head into this clash in strong form despite their recent 4-0 loss to Seattle Sounders. Offensively, Columbus has been one of the most productive teams in MLS this season with Hernandez leading the way. Defensively, they have been equally impressive conceding just 28 goals -the lowest in the league.
For Cincinnati defender Miles Robinson and midfielder Ian Murphy will be unavailable due to suspension for accumulating yellow cards while Matthew Miazga and Isaiah Foster are sidelined with knee injuries expected until mid and early October respectively. Midfielder Yamil Asad is also out with a knee injury but is expected back by early October along with defender Nick Hagglund recovering from leg injury late September goalkeeper Alec Kann is anticipated back by late September too.
Columbus Crew will be missing goalkeeper Evan Bush due to an arm injury while Abraham Romero serves suspension for direct red card meanwhile forward Cucho Hernandez remains key player contributing significantly to team attack
In conclusion: Cincinnati’s recent resurgence and home advantage should give them an edge despite defensive vulnerabilities
