There’s a top-of-the-table clash in the Eastern Conference of Major League Soccer this weekend, with leaders FC Cincinnati hosting Columbus Crew.
These two teams are both well on course for the play-offs, with Cincinnati particularly impressive so far this term. They’ve picked up more points than any other MLS team and are on a four-game winning streak heading into this match.
Three of those victories came on the road, with Pat Noonan’s side enjoying life on their travels in June. They played their first home game in more than a month last weekend, seeing off Chicago 2-1 thanks to goals from Kevin Denkey and Evander.
It won’t be easy for them here though, with Columbus also going along very nicely at the moment. The Crew have taken 10 points from their last four matches, reeling off three straight victories in front of their own fans, before securing a creditable 1-1 draw in Seattle last time out, with Diego Rossi on target.
How the bookies view it: Cincinnati the favourites
Boylesports make Cincinnati the 21/20 favourites to win this match and maintain their lead at the top of the Eastern Conference. The draw is priced at 11/4, while you can back Columbus to build on their own strong form, by recording a statement victory at 17/10.
Recent head-to-head: An even rivalry
There has been little to choose between the teams in recent years, with the last six meetings serving up two wins each and two draws. The goals have tended to flow when the sides have met in Cincinnati where four of the last five meetings have seen both teams score at least twice, however the most recent clash in Ohio bucked that trend and ended goalless.
Players to watch: Denkey and Rossi to light it up
Both teams have real quality in attack to call upon. Denkey will be looking to build on his strike last time out for the hosts, and with 12 goals in 20 MLS appearances this term, the 24-year-old looks good at 23/20 to score anytime with Betfred.
Columbus also have a player in double figures for goals already this term in the shape of Rossi. The Uruguayan has averaged 3.3 shots per game, more than any of his teammates have managed, and you can back Rossi to have over 1.5 shots on target at 13/8 with Bet365.
Predicted Lineups
Alec Kann, Obinna Nwobodo and Nick Hagglund have been ruled out due to injuries for the home team. They also have doubts over Yuya Kubo and Sergio Santos.
Rudy Camacho and Malte Amundsen are out injured for the visitors who also have a doubt over goalkeeper Patrick Schulte, but they’re hopeful he’ll be fit.
Cincinnati: Celentano, Engel, Miazga, Robinson, Orellano, Anunga, Bucha, Yedlin, Evander, Kamara, Denkey.
Columbus: Schulte, Zawadzki, Cheberko, Moreira, Arfsten, Chambost, Nagbe, Farsi, Gazdag, Rossi, Russell-Rowe.
Anything else catch the eye?
The tendency for this fixture to serve up goals, combined with the free-scoring nature of the two teams right now, suggests we should be in for an entertaining contest here.
Columbus are winless in five games on the road though, and that suggests Noonan’s men have every chance of extending their current hot streak with another victory. You can back Cincinnati to win and both teams to score at 12/5 with Boylesports.
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