Cincinnati vs. Nashville – News and Probable Lineups

FC Cincinnati aims to clinch a place in the first round of the MLS playoffs when they face off against Nashville SC at TQL Stadium this coming Saturday.

Nashville enters MLS Decision Day with their position already secure, having secured the Supporters’ Shield for the first time in their history.

Match overview

Currently, Cincinnati is positioned seventh in the Eastern Conference, having recorded 12 wins, 11 draws, and 10 losses from their 33 matches this season.

Pat Noonan’s team appears to be peaking at an opportune moment, having picked up just two points from their last four matches after consecutive defeats against New England Revolution and Columbus Crew.

Cincinnati achieved victories both at home and away in successive games against DC United, followed by an exhilarating 2-2 draw with Inter Miami at Nu Stadium.

The Orange and Blue then bounced back with a slim 1-0 victory at home against Philadelphia Union, thanks to Ayoub Jabbari’s third goal of the season.

Having already secured some form of playoff action, Cincinnati can guarantee a spot in the first round with a win against Nashville. However, failing to obtain all three points could see them overtaken by Columbus and Orlando City, who are currently in the two wild-card round positions.

The home side will be boosted by the fact they have triumphed in two of their last three MLS home fixtures against Nashville, including a 2-1 victory at TQL Stadium in September 2025.

Nashville will be looking ahead to the first round of the playoffs after securing their inaugural MLS Supporters’ Shield with a 2-0 win over Montreal last month.

BJ Callaghan’s squad then played to a scoreless draw against Philadelphia Union before managing to come back from two goals down to secure a 3-2 win over New York Red Bulls in their last fixture.

Sam Surridge netted the decisive stoppage-time goal in that comeback, extending the club’s impressive 17-match unbeaten streak at home in the MLS.

In fact, they have not suffered defeat in nine matches across all venues since a loss to Toronto FC on September 27, so they are eager to maintain that unbeaten run as they aim for their ultimate goal of clinching the MLS Cup for the first time in their history.

Having equaled the single-season points record in the MLS, Nashville can set a new outright record if they gain at least one point from their final regular-season outing, bringing their current total to 74 points.

The visitors will undoubtedly have confidence in achieving a positive outcome, having secured a 4-0 win in their latest encounter with Cincinnati at Geodis Park in August.

Team News

Cincinnati defender Tyrell Malacia is unlikely to return to fitness in time, having been sidelined for the last three matches due to an ankle injury.

The home team will also miss Julian Malatini and Miles Robinson, while Teenage Hadebe hopes to prove his fitness after being taken off with an apparent injury during the victory over Philadelphia.

Evander may be in contention to start the last match of the regular season, having been brought on as a substitute at half-time last weekend.

On the other hand, the visitors report no new injury issues as they prepare for Saturday’s away match, which should provide Callaghan with a full squad to choose from.

The likes of Daniel Lovitz, Edvard Tagseth, Alex Muyl, and Warren Madrigal could be considered by Callaghan if he opts to manage player minutes before the playoffs.

That said, Surridge will undoubtedly want to keep his starting position as he looks to increase his tally of 19 goals scored during the regular season.

FC Cincinnati probable starting XI:

Celentano; Smith, Hagglund, Hadebe; Mboma, Bucha, Nwobodo, Evander, Ramirez; Barlow, Denkey

Nashville SC probable starting XI:

Schwake; Najar, Palacios, Woledzi, Lovitz; Espinoza, Yazbek, Tagseth, Muyl; Madrigal, Surridge

Nashville arrives at Saturday’s match carrying a nine-match unbeaten streak, and while there may be adjustments to their lineup, we believe they will do enough to keep their undefeated streak alive with a draw.