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.
World class soccer coverage all in one place: Get ESPN+
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)
[tipico]
Check out Pro Soccer Wire: For the American soccer fan, USA TODAY Sports Media Group’s website provides a fresh look at the beautiful game.
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.
Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO and NJ. Bet now!
If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW, or try out our USA TODAY Parlay Calculator. Please gamble responsibly.
Follow @nathanbeighle_ on Twitter. Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO).
[lawrence-newsletter]
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=3296]
