Minnesota United FC (4 wins, 3 losses, 2 draws) welcomes FC Cincinnati (4-5-1) to Allianz Field Saturday for an 8 p.m. ET kickoff. Below, we preview the Minnesota United FC vs. FC Cincinnati odds and lines, and make our best MLS bets, picks and predictions.
United is one of the strongest home teams in the Western Conference with a 3-1-1 mark this season. Minnesota is coming off a 2-0 loss to LAFC which ended its 2-game win streak.
Minnesota averages 1.22 goals per game and allow just .89. They’re 1 of 5 teams in the West to have allowed single-digit goals. Outside of two 3-goal games, United has scored 5 goals in 7 games. It has 11 on the season led by F Robin Lod with 3.
FC Cincinnati is riding a 2-game winning streak. It already has as many wins this season as it did in all 34 games a year ago. FCC’s two-game winning streak were both against the M Michael Bradley-led Toronto FC.
FCC’s most recent 2-0 win felt disappointing as they played up a man for 85 minutes, having scored once before their early-game red card. Their only other goal was a penalty kick. FCC is led by F Brandon Vazquez, who has 5 goals on the season, and Captain M Luciano Acosta with 4.
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Minnesota United FC vs. FC Cincinnati 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 Friday 3:08 p.m. ET.
- Money line: Minnesota United -150 (bet $150 to win $100) | FC Cincinnati +390 (bet $100 to win $390) | Draw +310
- Over/Under: 2.5 (O: -170 | U: +135)
[tipico]
Prediction
Minnesota United 2, FC Cincinnati 0
Money line (ML)
LEAN to the MINNESOTA UNITED -150.
This is a little pricey which is why it’s just a lean. Had this game been 2 weeks ago, it might be around -200, so there is some value here as FCC’s recent play has likely aided this line in Minnesota’s favor.
United has won 2 straight home games and 3 of its last 4. Also, 3 of FCC’s 4 wins have come against teams outside of playoff position. Three of their 4 losses have come to teams in playoff position.
With United sitting 6th in the West, it should be able to possess and potentially score against a weak FCC defense. United is 2-0-1 against the East with its only draw against the conference-leading Philadelphia Union.
It’s pricey, but at -150, I’d lean to Minnesota.
Over/Under (O/U)
LEAN to the UNDER 2.5 (+135).
FC Cincinnati has played 2 games against teams that have allowed single-digit goals and have scored just once in those 2 games combined. LAFC won 2-1 and Austin won 5-0.
While those games still would have gone over this total, Minnesota’s offense isn’t even close to as dominant as Austin or LAFC, which sit 1-2 in goals scored in the MLS.
Minnesota ranks tied for the seventh-fewest shots on target this season. They should be able to limit FCC, but will also struggle to score themselves. Considering the value, this is my favorite play in the game.
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