Columbus Crew at FC Cincinnati odds, picks and prediction
The Columbus Crew (4 wins, 3 losses, 4 draws) travel two hours south to take on FC Cincinnati (3-5-2) at TQL Stadium Friday. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET. Below, we preview the Columbus Crew vs. FC Cincinnati odds and lines, and make our best MLS bets, picks and predictions.
FC Cincinnati is coming in hot, having won two of its last three matches; however, it has struggled at the brand new TQL Stadium so far this season. It's not just that FCC hasn't won at home but lost all three of those matches.
In a rivalry game, the Crew visit for the match dubbed the "Hell Is Real" derby. The Crew have disappointed so far this season, and sit ninth in the Eastern Conference. However, ninth and third place are separated by four points.
This is a big opportunity for the Crew to move up in the rankings, but it won't be an easy one as FCC has seemingly corrected many of its backline struggles.
Columbus Crew at FC Cincinnati: Odds, picks and predictions
Odds via BetMGM ; access USA TODAY Sports' betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:25 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Columbus Crew +190 (bet $100 to win $190) | FC Cincinnati +125 (bet $100 to win $125) | Draw +240
- Over/Under: 2.5 (O: +100 | U: -135)
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Prediction
Columbus Crew 2, FC Cincinnati 1
Money line (ML)
BET on CREW (+190) because they're the better team. FCC's struggles at home are obvious.
While Cincinnati played better than New England and Colorado in recent home games, it still couldn't pull out the victory. F Brenner and winger Alvaro Barreal have played well, and the backline has given up just one goal in three games.
The Crew tied their last two matches and have won three of their last six. You can get the Crew to win or tie for -165 as what feels like the best value on the money line.
The story here is FCC's struggles at home coupled with the 18 goals it has given up on the season. That's why you bet against Cincinnati, and at home on a small unbeaten streak, the odds are solid here.
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Over/Under (O/U)
"LEAN" to the OVER 2.5 (+100) as this should be a high-paced rivalry game.
Ever since FCC knocked the Crew out of the U.S. Open Cup, it has struggled to do much in the rivalry. However, Cincinnati's attacking is starting to come around.
FCC hit the Over in its first five games of the season and the Under in each of the last five. With the defense strengthening and their offense showing life, expect FC Cincinnati to push the Crew.
The Crew hit the Over in three of their last six games.
They're the only team in the Eastern Conference to conceded fewer than 10 goals on the season. The hope is that the rivalry, combined with FC Cincinnati pushing the pace, should produce goals, but it's risky at best.
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