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

Recent Form

• Both teams drew 2-2 in their previous matches
• Columbus features new signing Cucho Hernandez, who scored twice vs DC United
• Cincinnati hasn't lost in 6 straight games, with 4 consecutive draws

Key Players Columbus Crew:

• Cucho Hernandez: 3 goals in 2 games since joining
• Lucas Zelarayan: 4 goals this season
• Derrick Etienne Jr: Team-leading 5 goals

FC Cincinnati:

• Brandon Vazquez: Team record 10 goals
• Luciano Acosta: Returns from suspension
• Allan Cruz: Also back from suspension

Head-to-Head

• Columbus leads all-time series 4-1-3
• Last year: Crew won 3-2 at home, 2-2 draw in Cincinnati
• High-scoring history with 12 total goals in 3 games last season

Betting Odds:

• Columbus Crew: -130
• FC Cincinnati: +300
• Draw: +265
• Over/Under 2.5 goals: -135/+105

Prediction: Expect an intense, high-scoring rivalry match between two evenly matched teams. Recent history suggests multiple goals, with the winner typically scoring at least twice.

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