The Columbus Crew hosts FC Cincinnati in the Hell is Real Derby on Sunday, July 17 at 7:30 PM ET at Lower.com Field. Both teams are battling for playoff position in the MLS Eastern Conference, with Cincinnati in sixth (27 points) and Columbus in seventh (26 points).

Recent Form

• Both teams drew 2-2 in their midweek matches
• Columbus: New signing Cucho Hernandez scored twice vs DC United
• Cincinnati: Barreal and Vazquez scored against Vancouver

Team News Columbus Crew:

• Jonathan Mensah returns from suspension
• Darlington Nagbe questionable with cramping
• Cucho Hernandez has 3 goals in 2 appearances
• Leading scorers: Etienne Jr (5), Zelarayan (4)

FC Cincinnati:

• Luciano Acosta and Allan Cruz return from suspension
• Sergio Santos injured in debut match
• Brandon Vazquez leads team with 10 goals
• Have allowed 35 goals this season (defensive struggles)

Head-to-Head

• Columbus leads all-time series 4-1-3
• Last meeting: Columbus won 3-2 at home
• Three games in 2021 produced 12 total goals

Betting Odds:

• Columbus (-130)
• Cincinnati (+300)
• Draw (+265)
• Over/Under 2.5 goals: Over (-135), Under (+105)

Key Factors:

• Both teams better on road than at home this season
• High-scoring rivalry historically
• Cincinnati unbeaten in last 6 matches
• Columbus scored multiple goals in last 4 games

The stage is set for another intense derby match between these Ohio rivals, with playoff implications adding extra motivation beyond the usual bragging rights.

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