FC Cincinnati vs Columbus Crew Prediction

Right then, let's have a proper look at this Ohio derby! FC Cincinnati, sitting pretty in 2nd place with 65 points, welcome Columbus Crew to their patch. Now, I know what you're thinking - Cincinnati just got stuffed 4-0 by these same lot a few days ago! But hold your horses, 'cause that result looks about as rare as a sunny day in Manchester.

Cincinnati have been solid as a rock at home all season, conceding just 0.67 goals per game on their own patch. They've beaten the likes of CF Montreal 3-0 and Nashville SC 2-1 recently. Their overall form's decent too - 6 wins from their last 10 games. The 4-0 drubbing? Looks like a proper off day, happens to the best of 'em.

Columbus, meanwhile, have been struggling on their travels all season. Just one win in six away games and they're shipping nearly two goals per game away from home. Yeah, they just put four past Cincinnati, but before that they could only manage one goal in three straight away games. Their away form's been about as reliable as a chocolate teapot.

The head-to-head's been pretty even over the years, but Cincinnati usually hold their own at home against these rivals. Before that 4-0 result, they'd just beaten Columbus 1-0, showing they know how to handle them.

Look, Cincinnati are the better team this season, they're at home where they're strong defensively, and Columbus are proper dodgy on the road. That 4-0 result looks like a blip rather than the new normal. I'm backing the home side to get back to winning ways and show everyone why they're near the top of the table.