Columbus Crew v FC Cincinnati: Noonan demands more from table-toping side

Pat Noonan has told his FC Cincinnati side he expects a much better performance against Columbus Crew despite leading the MLS standings.

Cincinnati beat Toronto FC 1-0 in midweek through Kevin Denkey's first-half goal to make it nine wins in 13 league games this season.

However, Noonan was not impressed by what he saw from his side and wants more in the Hell is Real showdown against Columbus on Saturday.

"I'm pleased with the result, but it was certainly not our best performance," he said. "I don't think it was anywhere close to the standard we expect. 

"But we know we have a quick turnaround and an important game, so we'll try to keep the mood right going into a tough matchup.

"Our entire team, for the most part, was not at the level we need to be. We're in this long enough where everybody in the locker room knows it."

Cincinnati are top of the Supporters' Shield standings, two points above rivals Columbus, who have drawn back-to-back games.

Columbus were held 1-1 by bottom side CF Montreal last time out, but there is no time to ponder two dropped points ahead of a massive clash.

"It's going to be an intense game," Crew forward Jacen Russell-Rowe said. "Cincy loves to be on the front foot and it's big rivalry.

"We're just going to take these next couple days to prepare our bodies and go 100% for it."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Columbus - Diego Rossi

Nancy made the decision to rest Rossi and Sean Zawadzki against Montreal with this showdown against Cincinnati in mind.

Rossi will therefore be raring to go as he looks to build on an impressive tally of six goals and two assists in 12 league games this season.

Cincinnati - Kevin Denkey 

Denkey's goal against Toronto was his seventh of the season and earned Cincinnati all three points at BMO Field.

That means Evander and Denkey are the only team-mates in MLS with seven-or-more goals apiece this season.

MATCH PREDICTION: COLUMBUS WIN

Cincinnati are in great form as they have won seven of their past eight matches, with each of those victories coming by a one-goal margin.

However, Columbus have collected only two fewer points this season and have lost only five of their past 41 regular-season home games.

One of those losses did come against Cincinnati last May, with the Orange and Blue having failed to win any of their previous five encounters before that.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Columbus - 56.2%

Cincinnati - 21.1%

Draw - 22.6%