FC Cincinnati (8 wins, 10 losses, 8 draws) welcomes the Columbus Crew (8-6-11) to TQL Stadium Saturday. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET. Below, we preview the FC Cincinnati vs. Columbus Crew odds and lines, and make our best MLS bets, picks and predictions.
FC Cincinnati has fallen out of playoff position with this being a huge Eastern Conference battle. FCC has 8 games left. They sit tied for 8th, but 5th and 13th place in the East is separated by 6 points.
While it has been a drastic change from years past, FCC is earning points, just not at a quick enough pace. They have drawn 8 of their last 10 matches. FCC is led by F Brandon Vazquez, who has 15 goals on the season.
As for the Crew, they are in playoff position, barely. The Crew sit 7th, 1 point higher than FCC. Columbus is led by M Lucas Zelarayán with 8 goals and 5 assists.
Cucho, a 23-year-old Columbia forward from EPL’s Watford, has scored 8 goals in 8 games (6 starts). He’s averaging 1.23 goals per 90 minutes and is primed to play a good chunk of Saturday’s match.
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FC Cincinnati vs. Columbus Crew 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 6:36 p.m. ET.
- Money line: FC Cincinnati +117 (bet $100 to win $117) | Columbus Crew +215 (bet $100 to win $215) | Draw +265
- Over/Under: 2.5 (O: -150 | U: +120)
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Prediction
FC Cincinnati 1, Columbus Crew 1
Money line (ML)
LEAN DRAW (+265).
You really cannot be smart and play anything but a draw when FCC is on the pitch.
They’ve played at both an ultra-high level, drawing the Red Bulls 1-1 in their last outing, and at a low level, drawing Atlanta United 2-2 at home the matchup prior. FCC has drawn 4 of their last 5 and 8 of their last 10.
Similarly, the Crew have been a draw-heavy side as well. They have drawn 7 of their last 12. Given the value, this is a strong play. Two of the last 3 times these teams have met in Cincinnati the result has been a draw as well.
Over/Under (O/U)
LEAN UNDER 2.5 (+115).
FCC plays with pace, but considering this value, the Under 2.5 (+115) has good value. Both teams have gone under 2.5 combined goals in 3 of their last 6 games.
The last time these two teams met the result was a 2-0 Columbus win.
The Crew are allowing just 1.19 goals per game and haven’t had either side (Columbus or its opponent) have more than 2.0 expected goals in a match since July 13th battle with D.C. United.
Also, FCC just brought in a key defender in D Matt Miazga. He should help bring some stability to their backline. Considering the value and how both teams have played down the stretch, I’ll take the Under here.
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