Fc Cincinnati Cin vs Columbus Crew Sc Clb Picks and Predictions September 14th 2024

The “Hell Is Real” Derby Showdown: FC Cincinnati and Columbus Crew Go Head-to-Head for Playoff Glory

The long-standing rivalry between FC Cincinnati and the Columbus Crew is about to ignite once again in the “Hell Is Real” derby, and this time, the stakes couldn’t be higher. With only two points separating the teams in the MLS Eastern Conference standings, Saturday’s showdown could be the game that decides who snags second place and builds momentum for the playoffs.

Playoff Stakes: Cincinnati vs. Columbus

Cincinnati’s Objective: FC Cincinnati is currently sitting in second place with 51 points (16-8-3), and they’re just one point away from officially locking in a playoff spot. But that’s not enough—they’re gunning for the full three points to pull even further ahead of third-place Columbus Crew.

Columbus’ Opportunity: The Crew, trailing just behind with 49 points (14-5-7), have an extra game in hand and are eager to leapfrog Cincinnati in the standings. A win on Saturday would not only put them ahead but also boost their playoff position. If the game ends in a draw, they’ll need some other results to go their way to secure that coveted postseason berth.

Coaches Are Locked In

Both teams understand just how crucial this game is, and their coaches are laser-focused.

Pat Noonan (FC Cincinnati Coach): Noonan knows this match is no ordinary derby—it’s a season-defining moment. “It’s a great challenge at this moment with where we’re at in the season and what’s at stake,” he said, making it clear that Cincinnati is ready for the fight.

Sean Zawadzki (Columbus Crew): The Crew midfielder sees this as a chance to prove they belong among the league’s elite. “It’s an opportunity to compete against one of the best teams in the conference and to be able to jump them and put ourselves in the best position come playoff time,” Zawadzki emphasized, highlighting how much this match means for their season.

Columbus Crew’s Goalkeeper Drama

The Crew faced some serious goalkeeper drama in their last game. Fourth-string keeper Abraham Romero got red-carded, forcing midfielder Sean Zawadzki into an emergency stint as a part-time goalkeeper. To make matters worse, MLS denied Columbus’ request for a backup keeper under the hardship rule, and the Crew ended up getting hammered 4-0 by Seattle.

Luckily for Columbus, they’ll have their first-choice goalkeepers Patrick Schulte and Nico Hagen back in the lineup for Saturday. With stability returning to their defense, Columbus will be feeling a lot more confident heading into this derby.

The Heated “Hell Is Real” Rivalry

The rivalry between FC Cincinnati and Columbus Crew has only grown fiercer with every meeting, and both teams have claimed important wins in recent clashes.

Cincinnati’s Recent Triumph: Earlier this season, FC Cincinnati grabbed a 2-1 win in Columbus on May 11, adding fuel to the fire ahead of Saturday’s rematch.

Columbus’ Comeback Glory: The Crew, however, have their own bragging rights. Last December, they pulled off an epic comeback in the Eastern Conference final, overturning a two-goal deficit to beat Cincinnati 3-2 before going on to win the MLS Cup. That dramatic victory solidified their place in the rivalry’s history.

What’s at Stake in This Derby

Cincinnati’s Momentum: FC Cincinnati is coming off a commanding 4-1 win over CF Montreal on August 31. With home-field advantage and the opportunity to widen the gap between themselves and Columbus, they’re aiming to keep their foot on the gas and secure that second spot in the Eastern Conference.

Columbus’ Redemption Story: Columbus sees this game as their shot at redemption after losing to Cincinnati at home earlier this year. Zawadzki admitted the sting of that defeat but sees this rematch as the perfect opportunity to bounce back. “Losing at home to a rival is less than ideal. So now it’s our opportunity to go there, put in a good performance, and show what we’re capable of doing,” he said.

Players to Watch

FC Cincinnati: Pat Noonan’s squad has been a force all season, and their recent win over Montreal showcased their lethal attacking style. Expect Cincinnati’s forwards to come out swinging as they look to dominate on home turf.

Columbus Crew: With their top goalkeepers back, Columbus will be much more solid defensively. Sean Zawadzki, fresh off his unexpected goalkeeping duties, will also be a player to watch as he looks to help the Crew maintain their composure in a high-stakes game.

Conclusion: A Derby Packed with Playoff Drama

The “Hell Is Real” derby isn’t just another rivalry game—it’s a showdown with massive playoff implications. Both FC Cincinnati and the Columbus Crew are in strong form, and with only two points separating them in the standings, Saturday’s match could be the decider for who grabs second place in the Eastern Conference.

Cincinnati is looking to extend their lead and clinch a playoff spot, while Columbus is eager to leap ahead and put themselves in prime postseason position. With so much on the line, this is bound to be one of the most intense matches of the season.

The passion of the “Hell Is Real” rivalry, combined with the high stakes for playoff positioning, means both teams will be leaving it all on the field. Whether Cincinnati continues their strong run or Columbus pulls off another dramatic victory, this is a game you won’t want to miss.