FC Cincinnati vs. Columbus Crew prediction, projected lineup, team news | OneFootball

Saturday brings the second edition of the Hell Is Real Derby in 2025, and as is typical for these clubs in the last few seasons, positioning atop the Eastern Conference standings will be at stake.

Cincinnati enters with a slim lead atop the MLS Supporters' Shield standings after winning four in a row, most recently grinding out a 2-1 home victory over the Chicago Fire last weekend.

Columbus is fourth in the East despite trailing Cincy by only four points, but some data suggests the Crew may ultimately be the MLS Cup favorites.

Will either team make a statement in one of MLS' most consistently entertaining rivalries? Here's what you need to know.

How to watch FC Cincinnati vs. Columbus Crew

Time: Saturday, July 12, 7:30 pm ET

Venue: TQL Stadium, Cincinnatti

TV/Streaming: MLS Season Pass

FC Cincinnati vs. Columbus Crew projected lineups

This fixture is a bit of a rarity in MLS in that it involves two sides who both prefer to play three center backs.

In their previous meeting, Cincy manager Pat Noonan made a rare tweak and played in a back five on the road in search of a result. Whether it had the desired impact depends on your preferred metric.

Cincy did earn a 1-1 away draw. They also lost the xG battle 2.8 to 0.9, according to Opta's data, and their 32% share of possession was their lowest figure of the season.

Columbus have started a back three in all 21 of their MLS matches and typically played a 3-4-3/3-4-1-2. They could see Patrick Schulte finally return in goal after an extended absence, but if he's still not ready, it will be veteran Evan Bush again, since Nicho Hagen remains out.

FC Cincinnati projected lineup (3-4-1-2, right to left):

Roman Celenano (GK) - Alvas Powell, Matt Miazga, Miles Robinson - DeAndre Yedlin, Brian Anunga, Pavel Bucha, Luca Orellano - Evander - Kei Kamara, Kevin Denkey

FC Cincinnati player status report

Nick Hagglund - chest (out), Yuya Kubo - ankle (out), Obinna Nwobodo - quad (out), Sergio Santos - leg (questionable)

Columbus Crew projected lineup (3-4-1-2, right to left):

Evan Bush (GK) - Steven Moreira, Sean Zawadski, Yevhen Cheberko - Mo Farsi, Dylan Chambost, Darlington Nagbe, Aliyu Ibrahim - Daniel Gazdag - Diego Rossi, Jacen Russell-Rowe

Columbus Crew player status report

Malte Amundsen - knee (out), Rudy Camacho - thigh (out), Nicho Hagen - thigh (out), Patrick Schulte - torso (questionable)

FC Cincinnati vs. Columbus Crew pediction

You can look at all the data that suggests Columbus is the far better team. But even with Daniel Gazdag joining the fold before the close of the primary transfer window, the two best finishers in this game are Cincinnati's Evander and Kevin Denkey.

In a derby, that individual ability to make plays in moments often matters as much or more than quality in the aggregate. And that's why Cincy may continue along its Supporters' Shield trajectory, at least for now.