FC Cincinnati (7 wins, 8 losses, 8 draws) welcomes the Philadelphia Union (12-2-9) to TQL Stadium Saturday. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET. Below, we preview the FC Cincinnati vs. Philadelphia Union odds and lines, and make our best MLS bets, picks and predictions.
FC Cincinnati was securely in the playoff hunt but have struggled as of late, tied for seventh place now. FCC has drawn 6 of their last 7, losing the only non-draw.
They haven’t won since June 24. FCC is led by two 2022 All-Stars, F Brandon Vazquez and M Luciano Acosta. Vazquez has 13 goals while Acosta, the team’s captain, has 13 combined goals and assists.
As for Philadelphia, it sits atop the Eastern Conference, having cleared some space from the second-place NYCFC.
The Union’s +25 goal differential is the best in the MLS. They are led by their backline, which has allowed a league-best 15 goals. The Union have won 5 straight, 2 of which were by at least 6 goals.
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FC Cincinnati vs. Philadelphia Union 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 at 7:15 a.m. ET.
- Money line: FC Cincinnati +170 (bet $100 to win $170) | Philadelphia Union +155 (bet $100 to win $155) | Draw +250
- Over/Under: 2.5 (O: -140 | U: +112)
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Prediction
Philadelphia Union 2, FC Cincinnati 1
Money line (ML)
BET PHILADELPHIA UNION (+155).
It’s impossible to logically bet against the Union right now. They’re on fire, and they’re doing it with some incredible defense, ranking No. 1 in save rate and 5th in shots against.
Philadelphia has pitched four shutouts in its last 6 matches. This is its second 5-game win streak this season. The Union are just too hot right now to not bet at plus-money value.
FCC, on the other hand, has struggled, drawing 4 straight home matches and having fewer expected goals in 4 of their last 7 matches.
Over/Under (O/U)
BET OVER 2.5 (-140).
Philadelphia might have the best defense in the MLS, but it’s the attack that has stolen the show as of late. The Union have scored 2 or more in 4 of their last 5 matches.
They’ve topped this total in 4 of their last 5 matches as well. FCC drew 4-4 with Miami their last time on the pitch. FCC has been a fast-paced side, scoring 37 goals and allowing 42 in just 23 matches.
They’ve given up almost 2 goals per game. FCC drew Philadelphia 1-1 up north earlier in the season, totaling 18 shots. The road side played well and should’ve had more than just 1.
Despite a strong Union defense, betting the OVER 2.5 (-140) makes the most sense.
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