MLS Preview: Columbus Crew vs. FC Cincinnati Prediction, Odds, and Picks (Aug 20)

• The 2023 MLS returns after a five-week break with 11 interesting matchups on Sunday, August 20.
• The Ohio Derby between Columbus Crew and FC Cincinnati is arguably the most interesting MLS game this weekend.
• FC Cincinnati is without a single win over Columbus Crew on the road; will that change on Sunday?

The 2023 MLS is coming back after the summer break which lasted five weeks. There are 11 MLS games on the program on Sunday, August 20, most of which seem very interesting. However, there’s one that stands out from the crowd – Columbus Crew vs. FC Cincinnati.

Not only is this a duel between two teams from Ohio, but it’s also a clash between two teams that have been brilliant in 2023.

---

How to Watch

• When: Sunday, August 20, 2023, at 7:30 p.m ET
• Where: Lower.com Field, Columbus, Ohio
• How to Watch: Apple TV

---

Odds

Game Result	Odds
Columbus Crew
Draw
FC Cincinnati

Game Preview

Both Columbus Crew and FC Cincinnati failed to go past the first round of the 2023 Leagues Cup knockout stage, meaning that they’ve had plenty of time to prepare for their duel in the Major League Soccer (MLS). Both got knocked out of the North American tournament after penalties, but it’s safe to say that neither team felt too bad about it. After all, for both of these Ohio-based teams, the 2023 MLS is the No. 1 focus.

They’ve both been doing okay in 2023, with FC Cincinnati currently sitting top of the Eastern Conference with a 15-6-2 record and a 39-25 score differential. Columbus Crew is sixth right now but with a good chance of moving a couple of places up in the standings. This team’s record is 10-6-7, with 45 goals scored and 33 conceded in 2023.

READ ALSO: Leagues Cup Preview: Nashville SC vs. Inter Miami Prediction, Odds, and Picks (Aug 19)

What’s interesting is that eight of Columbus’ 10 wins happened at home. Further, two-thirds of the goals this team’s scored so far happened at Lower.com Field. This explains why the betting odds are in favor of this team. Another reason for that is that Cincy has never defeated Columbus Crew in Columbus. However, there’s a first for everything.

---

Columbus Crew vs. FC Cincinnati Prediction

FC Cincinnati has a fantastic roster in 2023, which explains why this team is sitting top of the conference table. Some of Cincy’s players impressed in the Leagues Cup, despite the fact that their team had a really tough fixture list in that tournament. But they did well – they defeated Guadalajara Chivas 3-1, with a hat-trick scored by Brandon Vazquez.

They also did okay in the round of 32 against Nashville SC – the team that went all the way to the final – and lost only after a penalty shootout.

That said, we do think Cincy has what it takes to end its horrible run in Columbus. We think the time has come for Pat Noonan’s men to finally beat Columbus Crew at Lower.com Field.

Free Pick: