FC Cincinnati vs Columbus Crew Lineups, Prediction, Betting Picks & Odds
Check FC Cincinnati vs Columbus Crew lineups, team news and odds for Sunday's game, plus Same Game Parlay and best picks ideas before kickoff time.
Grayson Parker - October 18, 2026, 1:08 PM EDT
6 minutesFC Cincinnati vs Columbus Crew Game Preview
Competition | US MLS |
|---|---|
Game Date | Sunday, October 18, 2026 |
Game Time | 5:00 PM ET / 2:00 PM PT |
Venue (City, Stadium) | TQL Stadium |
Hell is Real returns to TQL Stadium on Sunday, and this Ohio derby carries real playoff weight. Expect goals when these two get going.
Cincinnati hold the final Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference, though Pat Noonan's side stumble in off a 3-2 home defeat to New England Revolution in midweek.
Columbus sit four points back in the Eastern Conference race, and Laurent Courtois' club has the better momentum, picking up wins in four of its last five outings across all competitions.
Home cooking matters in this rivalry. Cincinnati are unbeaten in 9 of their last 10 home games against Columbus in all competitions.
FC Cincinnati vs Columbus Crew Recent Results
Cincinnati have won just one of their last eight games, and the defense is the problem. Dor Turgeman's brace sank them in that New England loss, the latest night the back line got carved open. The bright spot is Kévin Denkey, who has found the net in each of his last four MLS outings.
Columbus showed real backbone on Thursday. They fell behind to an early Idan Toklomati goal, then two quickfire second-half strikes powered a 3-1 comeback win. Brais Méndez is the attacking engine, Josef Martínez gives the Crew a second threat up top, and the playoff push is very much alive.
FC Cincinnati vs Columbus Crew Lineups & Team News
Injuries & Suspensions
FC Cincinnati: J. Martínez (Injured/out), M. Robinson (Injured/out), T. Malacia (Injured/doubtful), O. Nwobodo (Injured/doubtful)
Columbus Crew: W. A. Ali (Injured/out), R. Camacho (Injured/out)
FC Cincinnati
Tyrell Malacia and Obinna Nwobodo both picked up injuries against New England Revolution and are doubtful. Samuel Gidi and Pavel Bucha are in contention for recalls to replace them, while Evander could return to the starting XI alongside Kévin Denkey in attack.
Columbus Crew
Laurent Courtois could go with an unchanged starting XI against FC Cincinnati. W. A. Ali and R. Camacho are the two players missing. The FC Cincinnati vs Columbus Crew lineups point to a mirror matchup, with both sides set up in a 3-5-2 and Brais Méndez and Josef Martínez leading the line for the visitors.
FC Cincinnati vs Columbus Crew Predicted Lineup
FC Cincinnati
Formation: 3-5-2
Predicted Starting Lineup: Probable XI: E. Louro; T. Hadebe, J. Malatini, K. Smith; E. Echenique, T. B. Anunga, P. Bucha, S. Gidi, G. Valenzuela; Evander, K. Denkey
Columbus Crew
Formation: 3-5-2
Predicted Starting Lineup: Probable XI: P. Schulte; M. Amundsen, S. Zawadzki, S. Moreira; A. Zaroury, T. Habroune, S. Rodríguez, D. Chambost, M. Farsi; B. Méndez, J. Martínez
FC Cincinnati vs Columbus Crew Key Stats & Game Facts
- FC Cincinnati have received 2+ cards in 9 of their last 9 games vs Columbus Crew (Major League Soccer).
- There have been 29+ shots taken in 5 of FC Cincinnati's last 5 games (Major League Soccer).
- Brais Méndez has recorded 3+ shots on target in 3 of his last 3 appearances (Major League Soccer).
- Josef Martínez has scored or assisted in 4 of his last 6 appearances vs FC Cincinnati (Major League Soccer).
- There have been 3+ goals scored in 4 of the last 4 meetings between FC Cincinnati and Columbus Crew (Major League Soccer).
FC Cincinnati vs Columbus Crew Prediction & Best Picks
Our Prediction
Our prediction: FC Cincinnati edge a wild one at home. Columbus arrive in better shape, but the hosts carry the bigger attacking punch with Denkey leading the line, and our projection gives them a narrow edge in a game where both attacks get plenty of joy. Neither defense looks capable of shutting the door. Cincinnati are +141 (Polymarket) on the moneyline, and that is the side we are on.
Best Picks
Over 3.5 in the Total Goals Over/Under market. Both sides have been involved in plenty of goals recently. That is our top pick for this one. The projection lands on 3.8 total goals between these two, and Columbus have also seen over 2.5 goals in 12 of their last 14 games in Major League Soccer.
Yes in the Both Teams To Score market. Both teams have scored regularly, and Cincinnati have conceded at least 2 in 6 of their last 7. It fits the shape of this game perfectly. The projection puts both teams finding the net at a 72% probability, and Columbus have scored at least 2 goals in each of their past 4 outings in Major League Soccer, a run this leaky Cincinnati back line is unlikely to halt.
FC Cincinnati vs Columbus Crew Same Game Parlay
This Same Game Parlay leans into goals and shooting: Tom Barlow to score, two Brais Méndez shot props and Over 3.5 goals.
Tom Barlow to score anytime (Anytime Goalscorer). He has found the net in 3 straight MLS appearances, and that kind of hot streak is worth riding in a game built for goals.
Brais Méndez Over 3.5 shots (Player Shots). The forward has fired 4 or more shots in each of his past 4 MLS outings, and Cincinnati struggle to stop opponents creating looks.
Over 3.5 goals (Total Goals Over/Under). Cincinnati have seen over 2.5 goals in their last 3 games against Columbus in all competitions, and neither back line inspires trust.
Brais Méndez Over 0.5 shots on target (Player Shots On Target). He has registered a shot on target in every one of his last 6 MLS games, making this the anchor leg.
Make sure to get the best odds on your Same Game Parlay with Oddschecker's Exclusive Same Game Parlay Comparison Tool.
Same Game Parlay odds correct at time of publishing.
FC Cincinnati vs Columbus Crew Talking Points
Laurent Courtois has been in interim charge of the Crew since May 17, 2026, when Henrik Rydström was relieved of his duties, and his side arrive with real momentum. Cincinnati made Kévin Denkey a league-record signing from Cercle Brugge for a reported $16.2 million, and the striker is delivering. The tactical battle is clear. Columbus like to keep the ball and attack down the right, while Cincinnati are at their weakest defending attacks down the wings. The market has noticed too, easing on Cincinnati since opening while the Crew's price has shortened. Check the FC Cincinnati vs Columbus Crew betting odds before kickoff, because this one has been on the move.
FC Cincinnati vs Columbus Crew Predictions FAQs
When is the FC Cincinnati vs Columbus Crew US MLS game?
The game kicks off at 5:00 PM ET / 2:00 PM PT on Sunday, October 18, 2026.
Where is FC Cincinnati vs Columbus Crew being played?
The game is being played at TQL Stadium.
Who is in the probable starting lineup for FC Cincinnati?
FC Cincinnati's probable lineup is E. Louro, T. Hadebe, J. Malatini, K. Smith, E. Echenique, T. B. Anunga, P. Bucha, S. Gidi, G. Valenzuela, Evander and K. Denkey.
Which FC Cincinnati players are injured or doubtful?
J. Martínez and M. Robinson are listed as injured, while T. Malacia and O. Nwobodo are listed as doubtful.
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