FC Cincinnati vs New York City FC Prediction & Betting Tips

FC Cincinnati host New York City FC in this Eastern Conference matchup in the MLS. Both teams will be wanting to pick up three points early in the season.

Date: 23/03/24

Kick-off time: 23:30

Venue: TQL Stadium

It is a brand new season, but it is still a very important game for both sides as they contend at both ends of the table. Cincinnati have made a strong start to the campaign, and are one of four teams yet to taste defeat. Their two wins and two draws have them third in the standings on seven points. They are only three points off the top of the table, a place occupied by Inter Miami, who have played one more game than the rest of the competition. Victory this weekend could see them go level at the summit, but defeat could allow multiple teams below them to overtake.

New York, in contrast, are sitting in 12th on three points. They have won just once this season though this victory came in their most recent game against New England Revolution. A win against Cincinnati would move them just one point behind their opponents, highlighting the importance of this fixture for both sides.

The hosts have had issues putting the ball in the back of the net, scoring just four all season. New York have endured some similar struggles, netting just three times. Defences could be on top in this one, with the two teams conceding a combined five goals. However, if anyone will threaten in attack, it will be Cincinnati’s Luciano Acosta. He was one of the standout players last season, producing 17 goals and 14 assists in 32 games. This season he has scored twice. New York will be relying on Santiago Rodriguez.

Since 2022, these two sides have met five times in all competitions, and it is Cincinnati who have dominated the head-to-head. They have won three of the five games, with the other two ending in draws. They played each other in the US Open Cup last May, in which Cincinnati won 1-0. Last season they did the double over New York, winning 3-0 and 3-1.

FC Cincinnati

Goalkeeper Alec Kann and midfielder Obinna Nwobodo both missed the last game with hand and leg injuries so their availability for this weekend is in doubt.

New York City FC

Defender Rio Hope-Gund, forward Talles Magno and midfielder Maxi Moralez all missed the last game through injury. The latter has been out long-term with a knee injury, but Hope-Gund and Magno could return soon.

FC Cincinnati

In their last five games, FC Cincinnati have won two, lost two and drawn one. Cincinnati have endured a mixed start to the season. They started this stretch of games with a 2-1 victory at Chicago Fire. Aaron Boupendza opened the scoring in the 39th minute, but this was soon cancelled out by former Liverpool forward Xherdan Shaqiri from the penalty spot on the stroke of half-time. Miles Robinson struck midway through the second half to secure all three points for his side.

Attention was shifted to the CONCACAF Champions Cup, in which they faced Mexican side Monterrey in the Round of 16. In the first leg, they narrowly lost 1-0 at home as Brandon Vazquez scored the winner in the first half. The visitors were reduced to ten men with 20 minutes to go, but Cincinnati could not take advantage. The second leg also ended in defeat as they lost 2-1 to fall 3-1 on aggregate. Luis Romo and Vazquez scored either side of a Luciano Acosta goal to win the tie.

Between these legs was a goalless draw with DC United in the league. There was not much to split the teams, though Cincinnati edged possession. Last weekend saw them pick up maximum points at New England Revolution in a 2-1 win. They scored two goals in as many minutes to race into a commanding lead. Giacomo Vrioni pulled one back shortly after, but the hosts could not mount a comeback.

New York City FC

In their last five games, New York City have won one, drawn one and lost three. NYCFC are in a tough run of form at the beginning of the season. However, they picked up their first win in their latest game at home to Toronto FC. They fell behind early to a Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty opener, but this was cancelled out soon after by a Santiago Rodriguez equaliser. Kevin Toole completed the turnaround in the second half, before the side were reduced to ten men as Keaton Parks saw red. However, the visitors were unable to take advantage of their extra man, with New York holding on.

It was a great response to a 2-1 defeat to Portland Timbers. There was late heartbreak as their opponents came from behind to steal three points very late in the game. Rodriguez broke the deadlock ten minutes in, and they held this lead until the 85th minute. Antony levelled the score before Evander broke home fans’ hearts in the seventh minute of stoppage time. This followed another loss, this time at St Louis City SC. Celio Pompeu and Samuel Adeniran scored either side of half-time to give the hosts a comfortable lead. James Sands was sent off with eight minutes remaining to damage any hopes of a comeback. The first of three defeats in a row came against Charlotte FC. Adilson Malanda’s early strike proved to be the difference in a 1-0 game. Preparations for the new season ended with a 2-2 draw against LA Galaxy.

Both sides have suffered through inconsistencies at the start of this season, but come into this one fresh from victory. We expect this to be a closely contested fixture with nothing to split the teams – FC Cincinnati 1-1 New York City FC

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FC Cincinnati vs New York City FC will be available to watch on Apple TV.

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