FC Cincinnati (2 wins, 0 losses, 2 draws) and Nashville SC (2-1-1) battle on Saturday with kickoff from GEODIS Park set for 8:30 p.m. ET (Apple TV). Below, we preview Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Nashville vs. FC Cincinnati odds, and make our best expert MLS picks and predictions.
FC Cincinnati salvaged a 3-3 draw with the Chicago Fire last week. They started off up 1-0 and ended up trailing 3-1 before scoring 2 goals in the last 10 minutes. FCC has drawn both of their road games and won both home games. They are led by F Sergio Santos and M Junior Moreno, both of which have 2 goals on the season.
Nashville has scored 4 goals in 4 games and allowed just 1. Seattle is the only other team in the MLS with 4 games played and just 1 allowed goal. Nashville is coming off a 1-0 road loss to New England, having won both their home games 2-0. They are led n scoring by F Jacob Shaffelburg, who has 2 goals on the season. Star F Hany Mukhtar is a name to keep an eye on. He has 2 assists in 4 games.
[gambcom-standard rankid=”3011″ ]
[gambcom-standard rankid=”3012″ ]
[betwidget_tipico]
Nashville vs. FC Cincinnati odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 7:02 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline: Nashville +107 (bet $100 to win $107) | FC Cincinnati +270 (bet $100 to win $270) | Draw +255
- Over/Under: 2.5 (O: +110 | U: -130)
World class soccer coverage all in one place: Get ESPN+
Nashville vs. FC Cincinnati picks and predictions
Prediction
Nashville SC 2, FC Cincinnati 1
Moneyline (ML)
BET NASHVILLE SC (+107).
Nashville has dominated 2 good opponents at home. They beat NYCFC 2-0 to open the season then CF Montreal 2-0 on March 11. It wasn’t just that they won, but the how. They had .9 more expected goals than NYCFC and 1.2 more expected goals than Montreal. Both those opponents were playoff teams last season.
Meanwhile, FCC drew both their games on the road with the teams having combined for just 1 win this season. FCC has been within .3 expected goals of their opponent in 3 of 4 games and has played 3 teams that missed the playoffs last season.
Nashville’s defense, led by USMNT star D Walker Zimmerman, is also the real deal and should limit a lethal FCC attack. Ultimately, considering their home strength, back NASHVILLE SC (+107).
Over/Under (O/U)
LEAN OVER 2.5 (+110).
While Nashville’s defense is elite, FCC’s attack is as well. They have scored 6 goals in 4 games and are averaging 1.5 goals per game on the road.
FCC has also allowed a goal per game this season, but their defense will be challenged by Mukhtar as well. They allowed 3 goals to a Chicago side that had just 1 goal in its 2 games prior.
Nashville has scored multiple goals in both home games, and that trend is likely to continue. For a small unit, back the OVER 2.5 (+110).
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.
[gambcom-standard rankid=”5″ ]
For sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Plus, try out the USA TODAY Parlay Calculator and please gamble responsibly.
Follow @nathanbeighle_ on Twitter. Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
[lawrence-newsletter]
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=3296]