FC Cincinnati midfielder Pavel Bucha knows their upcoming match against the Columbus Crew “is going to be big”.

Cincinnati are top of the Eastern Conference after four consecutive wins, but the Crew are just four points behind in fourth.

The Crew are unbeaten in their last four matches, most recently drawing 1-1 against the Seattle Sounders on the road.

Bucha insists the whole Cincinnati squad understand the importance of the Hell is Real derby, and “know what they need to do”.

“Just now in the locker room when we were together in the cold tub, we just started talking about next week,” Bucha said after Cincinnati's last match.

“I think that says it. It's going to be big and everyone can feel it, and we know what we need to do.

“I love the fact that we got a win tonight at home, that was so important for us because it's been almost a month since we last played here in our home stadium.

“So it was really important for us and also because of our fans, to get a win tonight. So I think it helps us for the coming matches.”

Cincinnati goalkeeper Roman Celentano added: “We know the big one's coming up on the weekend, and everyone has full focus on [Columbus].

“Obviously this one means a bit more for the fans and the club. I feel like the boys have had some time to work on things in training and guys are stepping up and doing their jobs.”

With Nashville SC, who are second in the Eastern Conference, facing Inter Miami this weekend, both Cincinnati and Columbus will know a victory could present a huge opportunity in the East.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

FC Cincinnati – Kevin Denkey

Denkey has scored 12 goals in MLS this season, the joint-fourth most so far, netting the crucial first goal of the match on six occasions.

He scored the winner against the Chicago Fire in their last game, becoming the first player to score in three straight home MLS games for Cincinnati since Lucho Acosta in September-October 2023.

Columbus Crew – Diego Rossi

Rossi has been the leading attacking threat for Columbus this season, netting on 10 occasions.

He is one of three MLS players with at least 10 goals and five assists in league play this season, joining Evander and Lionel Messi. 

MATCH PREDICTION – DRAW

Cincinnati are the only team in MLS this season with multiple winning streaks of four or more games and could equal the longest run in the league this season by any team, which is their own streak of five wins.

Columbus, meanwhile, scored for a 12th consecutive match in their 1-1 draw with Seattle, so expect goals in this one. 

Cincinnati are unbeaten in their last three matches against the Crew (W1 D2) – their longest unbeaten streak against Columbus – with the last two matches being draws.

The previous MLS fixture between the sides saw them play out a 1-1 draw at Lower.com Field in May. Rossi scored a penalty for the Crew after Denkey put Cincinnati ahead.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

FC Cincinnati – 37.6%

Draw – 26.4%

Columbus Crew – 36%