Columbus Crew v FC Cincinnati: Noonan calls for extra from table-toping facet

Pat Noonan has instructed his FC Cincinnati facet he expects a a lot better efficiency in opposition to Columbus Crew regardless of main the MLS standings.

Cincinnati beat Toronto FC 1-0 in midweek by means of Kevin Denkey’s first-half purpose to make it 9 wins in 13 league video games this season.

Nonetheless, Noonan was not impressed by what he noticed from his facet and needs extra within the Hell is Actual showdown in opposition to Columbus on Saturday.

“I’m happy with the outcome, nevertheless it was definitely not our greatest efficiency,” he stated. “I don’t assume it was wherever near the usual we anticipate.

“However we all know we’ve a fast turnaround and an vital recreation, so we’ll attempt to preserve the temper proper going into a troublesome matchup.

“Our whole group, for probably the most half, was not on the stage we have to be. We’re on this lengthy sufficient the place all people within the locker room is aware of it.”

OTD in 2021: We had our first match at TQL Stadium. pic.twitter.com/5dERYvKG2i

— FC Cincinnati (@fccincinnati) Might 16, 2025

Cincinnati are high of the Supporters’ Protect standings, two factors above rivals Columbus, who’ve drawn back-to-back video games.

Columbus have been held 1-1 by backside facet CF Montreal final trip, however there is no such thing as a time to ponder two dropped factors forward of a large conflict.

“It’s going to be an intense recreation,” Crew ahead Jacen Russell-Rowe stated. “Cincy likes to be on the entrance foot and it’s huge rivalry.

“We’re simply going to take these subsequent couple days to organize our our bodies and go 100% for it.”

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Columbus – Diego Rossi

Nancy made the choice to relaxation Rossi and Sean Zawadzki in opposition to Montreal with this showdown in opposition to Cincinnati in thoughts.

Rossi will subsequently be raring to go as he appears to construct on a formidable tally of six targets and two assists in 12 league video games this season.

Cincinnati – Kevin Denkey

Denkey’s purpose in opposition to Toronto was his seventh of the season and earned Cincinnati all three factors at BMO Area.

Meaning Evander and Denkey are the one team-mates in MLS with seven-or-more targets apiece this season.

The temperature is rising within the 614

Hell is Actual is up subsequent pic.twitter.com/EvcsnRlaL8

— The Crew (@ColumbusCrew) Might 15, 2025

MATCH PREDICTION: COLUMBUS WIN

Cincinnati are in nice kind as they’ve received seven of their previous eight matches, with every of these victories coming by a one-goal margin.

Nonetheless, Columbus have collected solely two fewer factors this season and have misplaced solely 5 of their previous 41 regular-season residence video games.

A kind of losses did come in opposition to Cincinnati final Might, with the Orange and Blue having did not win any of their earlier 5 encounters earlier than that.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Columbus – 56.2%

Cincinnati – 21.1%

Draw – 22.6%