FC Cincinnati (7 wins, 7 losses, 4 draws) will welcome the New York Red Bulls (9-5-5) on Saturday. Kickoff from TQL Stadium is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET. Below, we preview the FC Cincinnati vs. New York Red Bulls odds and lines, and make our best MLS bets, picks and predictions.
FC Cincinnati will get another tough test after drawing both the Philadelphia Union and New York City FC in 2 of its last 4 matches. FCC is unbeaten across its last 4 with a 1-0-3 record, having played 2 of the 4 on the road.
They’re led by captain M Luciano Acosta who was named the MLS Player of the Month in June. Acosta has 6 assists and 6 goals on the season, tied for the team points lead with F Brandon Vazquez, who has a team-high 8 goals and 4 assists.
The Red Bulls sit atop the Eastern Conference with 32 points in 19 matches. They’ve scored 29 goals and allowed 20, which is tied for the 2nd-best goal differential.
They’re led by 29-year-old Scottish F Lewis Morgan, who has 8 goals. The Red Bulls have won 4 of their last 6 and have been dominant on the road, posting a 6-3-1 record.
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FC Cincinnati vs. New York Red Bulls odds, lines, picks and predictions
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 5:56 p.m. ET.
- Money line: FC Cincinnati +165 (bet $100 to win $165) | New York Red Bulls +155 (bet $100 to win $155) | Draw +250
- Over/Under: 2.5 (O: -135 | U: +110)
[tipico]
Prediction
FC Cincinnati 1, New York Red Bulls 1
Money line (ML)
LEAN DRAW +250.
While I wouldn’t put a full unit on it, this is my preferred bet of the game, with the reason being that FC Cincinnati has continued to prove this season they can match whatever level its opponent is at.
They’ve drawn 3 of their last 4 games, all against teams in playoff position. Their lone win was against a team in playoff position as well. It’s been a season-defining stretch.
New York, on the other hand, hasn’t played top-tier competition, beating Sporting KC 1-0 and Atlanta 2-1 in its last 2. They haven’t beaten a team in playoff position since April 24, a 3-0 win over Orlando City.
With that in mind, FCC to win or draw at -210 has little value as the Red Bulls have a solid road record and sit atop the East. However, considering their struggles against top-tier sides, Draw +250 has terrific value.
Over/Under (O/U)
LEAN UNDER 2.5 (+110).
The Red Bulls have allowed 2 or more goals just 4 times this season.
They have one of the league’s best defenses, having allowed just 20 goals in 19 matches. They rank tied for the 3rd-fewest shots against, and they rank 3rd in interceptions.
Helping to kill build-ups and limit attacks, the Red Bulls should be able to limit FCC’s high-pace style of play. New York has gone under this total in 4 of its last 5 matches. FCC has gone under in 2 of its last 4.
They’ve scored 1.61 per game and allowed 1.78 per game, so their style of play and lack of defending make this just a lean. But, the under is certainly the preferred side.
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