Columbus Crew vs FC Cincinnati Prediction
Cincy Look To Double Up On Struggling Crew
Preview
Right then, let's have a proper look at this Eastern Conference clash. On paper, it's a tale of two seasons - Cincinnati sitting pretty in 2nd with 65 points, while Columbus are languishing in 7th on 54. But football's not played on paper, is it?
The recent form tells a stark story. Columbus have been proper dodgy lately - just 2 wins in their last 10 games, picking up a measly 1 point per game. They've been leaking goals too, conceding 16 in that run while only managing 14 at the other end. That recent 1-0 loss to Cincinnati says it all really.
Cincinnati, on the other hand, have been flying. Six wins in their last 10, averaging nearly 2 points per game. What's really impressive is their away form - won their last three on the road, scoring 2.33 goals per game away from home. They've kept three clean sheets in their last 10, which is decent going in this league.
The head-to-head's been pretty tight over the years - Columbus have only won 2 of the 9 meetings, with 4 draws. But here's the thing: Cincinnati just beat them 1-0 a few days ago, and they look bang in form while Columbus are struggling.
Columbus's home record's been nothing special this season - winning just a third of their home games recently. They're scoring a decent 1.67 goals at home but also letting in 1.33, which ain't great.
Looking at the stats, Cincinnati are averaging 1.4 goals per game over their last 10, while Columbus are shipping 1.6 per game. The goal expectancy has Cincinnati slight favorites at 1.83 goals vs Columbus's 1.5.
The odds have Columbus as slight favorites at home (1.91), which seems a bit generous given the form table. Cincinnati are 3.92 for the away win, which might be worth a punt given their recent away form and Columbus's struggles.
Both teams to score is priced at 1.53, which seems about right - Columbus's defence is leaky but Cincinnati have been keeping clean sheets. Under 2.5 goals at 2.75 could be interesting given Cincinnati's defensive improvements and that recent 1-0 result.