Columbus Crew vs FC Cincinnati 2025: Hell is Real Derby MLS Prediction
The Hell is Real derby is upon us on May 18, 2025, as Columbus Crew face FC Cincinnati at Lower.com Field in a crucial MLS Eastern Conference clash. With Columbus Crew’s home advantage and an unbeaten run in 12 of their last 13 games, Wilfried Nancy’s side is favored to win, backed by Diego Rossi’s 6 goals. However, FC Cincinnati, led by Pat Noonan and Kevin Denkey’s recent scoring form, could exploit the Crew’s defense, which has allowed 1.1 goals per game. With H2H stats showing both teams to score in 7 of 8 matchups and over 2.5 goals in 5 of 6, can Cincinnati upset the odds, or will Columbus continue their dominance in this fiery rivalry?
Claim Welcome Bonus🏠 Columbus Crew: form and statistics
Intensity is growing in MLS Rivalry Week as Columbus Crew prepare to host the arch-rivals of FC Cincinnati in the renowned “Hell is Real” derby. This clash isn’t just for bragging rights—it stands atop the table with massive implications for the Eastern Conference. The Columbus side, 3rd with 26 points (7W-5D-1L) currently, are on a four-match unbeaten run. The recent form (LWWDD) conveys both resilience and brilliance for Columbus, which included a hard-fought 1-1 draw away from home against CF Montréal in their previous clash.
At home, Columbus remains quite hard to beat, with a record of DWLWW at Lower.com Field. Strangely, offensively, it is working well for them, being spearheaded by Diego Rossi with 6 goals, while Jacen Russell-Rowe and Daniel Gazdag create a lot of play alongside him. However, their defense remains leaky, having conceded in the past 8 straight games. What stands out is that these teams rarely disappoint, with over 2.5 goals coming in 6 of their last 8 games, both teams scoring in 7 of their last 8, and under 10.5 corners in 8 of 9.
Also, the club announced new premium additions at their stadium—Skyview Club, Northwest Lofts, and Patio 96—all slated for 2026, with the intention of elevating the fan experience under Wilfried Nancy. This derby could be the biggest test at home for this club.
📝 Columbus Crew Lineup
🔖 Expected Lineup: Schulte, Moreira, Cheberko, Amundsen, Nagbe, Jackson, Farsi, Chambost, Gazdag, Russell-Rowe, Arfsten
⛔️ Out: Andrés Herrera, R. Camacho
👤Head coach: Wilfried Nancy
Columbus Crew Latest Games
Columbus Crew 
Columbus Crew
Nashville SC
Columbus Crew
FC Cincinnati
Columbus Crew
Columbus Crew
Charlotte FC
San Jose Earthquakes
Inter Miami CF
Columbus Crew
FC Cincinnati Latest Games
FC Cincinnati
DC United
FC Dallas
FC Cincinnati
FC Cincinnati
FC Cincinnati
Austin FC
FC Cincinnati
Sporting Kansas City
FC Cincinnati
FC Cincinnati
✈️ FC Cincinnati: form and statistics
The derby has FC Cincinnati entering not just as the league leaders but a side at the top of their game, brimming with confidence. Playing for 28 points upstairs in the Eastern Conference (9W-1D-3L), Cincinnati has been quite clinical of late, winning four of their last five matches; (WWLWW). Coming into this fixture on the back of a 1-0 win over Toronto FC, Kévin Denkey scored his seventh goal of the campaign, setting the stage for their fifth clean sheet of the season.
Pat Noonan has equipped Cincinnati with an identity whereby they start fast and control games. They've come from ahead in 6 of the last 7 matches, claiming victory by halftime in 5 of those occasions. They continue to maintain strong performance indicators away from home as well; WWWLW was how they fared in these away fixtures, and they've also showcased the mettle to extract results in hostile settings.
They appear disciplined, as in 7 of their last 8 games, the number of cards have been fewer than 4.5. Midfielder Obinna Nwobodo has been given a contract extension until 2027, a nod toward Cincinnati's long-term vision. This team will arrive at Lower.com Field determined to silence the crowd and further extend their lead at the summit of the table.
📝 FC Cincinnati Lineup
🔖 Expected Lineup: Celentano, Smith, Yedlin, Hadebe, Robinson, Flores, Anunga, Bucha, Evander, Valenzuela, Denkey
⛔️ Out: L. Orellano, Matt Miazga
👤Head coach: Pat Noonan
More Football Predictions
🤝 Columbus Crew vs CF Montreal Head-to-Head Statistics
The most heated derby has generated a history of fireworks. Columbus Crew has 4 wins over Cincinnati in the last 10 games, with Cincinnati winning three times and three draws. The last match ended goalless, which is an anomaly in a very high-octane match-up. Regarding trends, 5 of the last 6 went over 2.5 goals, while 7 of the last 8 fell under 4.5 cards. Surprisingly, every one of the last 6 H2Hs has seen less than 10.5 total corners, really tight and tactical matches despite the rivalry heat.
History of Head-to-Heads
Major League Soccer 2025
FC Cincinnati
Major League Soccer 2024
Columbus Crew
Major League Soccer 2024
FC Cincinnati
Major League Soccer Playoff 2023
Columbus Crew
Major League Soccer 2023
FC Cincinnati
📉 Columbus Crew vs CF Montreal Betting Tips and Odds
- Columbus Crew is unbeaten in 4 games (Columbus Crew Win or Draw ~ 1.24 Odds).
- Cincinnati won 4 of their last 5 matches (Cincinnati Win or Draw ~ 1.26 Odds).
- Columbus Crew conceded in 8 straight matches and GG occured in 7 of their last 8 (BTTS Yes ~ 1.61 Odds).
- Over 2.5 goals occured in 6 of Columbus’ last 8 and in 5 of last 6 H2Hs (Over 2.5 goals ~ 1.65 Odds).
- Cincinnati scored first in 6 their last 7 games (Cincinnati to score first ~ 2.40 Odds).
- Cincinnati were First-half winners in 5 of their last 6 (Cincinnati won first half ~ 4.20 Odds).
- Cincinnati recorded under 4.5 cards in 7 of 8 games and in 7 of 8 H2Hs vs Columbus (Under 4.5 cards ~ 1.51 Odds).
- Under 10.5 corners occured in 8 of Columbus’ last 9 and in in 6 straight H2Hs vs Cincinnati (Under 10.5 corners ~ 1.50 Odds).
🎯 Columbus Crew vs FC Cincinnati Match Prediction
Columbus Crew’s unbeaten run and Wilfried Nancy’s tactics give them a 38.19% win probability, with odds at 1.87. FC Cincinnati’s form, bolstered by Kevin Denkey’s impact, makes their 3.845 odds tempting for bettors. Expect over 2.5 goals, as 5 of the last 6 Hell is Real derbies delivered high-scoring action.
Below are my betting tips for the match:-
🏅My Prediction:- Both Teams to Score – Yes with a coefficient of 1.60 odds on 1xbet
🏅My Betting Tip:- Over 2.5 Total Goals with a coefficient of 1.65 odds on Betway
🏅 My Main Betting Tip:- Under 10 Total Corners with a coefficient of 1.66 odds on Bet365
Other predictions
