FC Cincinnati vs Columbus Crew Prediction 27.10.2025 | MLS

FC Cincinnati enjoyed an extremely productive regular season, falling just one point short of claiming first place in the Eastern Conference, but they left the impression of a determined and focused team capable of fighting for the ultimate prize in the playoffs.

It cannot be ignored that the Orange and Blue are starting their playoff campaign in high spirits and as the most in-form MLS side, having won four and drawn one of their last five matches, and they will be looking to maintain that momentum to take the lead in the first leg.

Although they were recently dragged into an unpleasant five-game losing streak at home, Pat Noonan’s side has found more reasons to smile in their latest home performances, going unbeaten in three straight matches at the TQL Stadium, beating Nashville and Montreal while sharing points with Orlando City.

For the playoff opener, FC Cincinnati will have to cope without Lukas Engel, Brad Smith, Luca Orellano, and Matt Miazga, all of whom are still working on their comebacks.

Compared to their third- and second-place finishes in the past two campaigns, Columbus Crew have left a below-par impression this season, barely sneaking into the final (eighth) spot that secures direct entry into the last-16 playoff round.

However, securing eighth place depended on the final-day results of the regular season, but the Black and Gold stepped up when it mattered most, comfortably seeing off New York Red Bulls 3-1 and bringing great celebration and joy to their fans.

With that impressive result to close out the regular season, Columbus broke their previous dull streak of four winless games (D2 L2), but just two victories from their last ten MLS outings is hardly something to boast about heading into the playoffs.

Crew head coach Wilfried Nancy won’t have too many injury worries, as only Mohamed Farsi and Wessam Abou Ali are sidelined, while Diego Rossi’s availability remains uncertain due to recent muscle complaints.