FC Cincinnati at Columbus Crew odds, picks and prediction
In the first match since the All-Star break, FC Cincinnati (3 wins, 8 losses, 8 draws) travel north to take on the Columbus Crew (6-9-6) Friday. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. ET at Lower.com Field. Below, we preview the FC Cincinnati at Columbus Crew odds and lines, and make our best MLS bets, picks and predictions.
The matchup, dubbed the "Hell Is Real" rivalry, has typically been won by the Crew, but it's closer than most would imagine with Columbus just 3-2-3 in the eight matches.
The hatred has stemmed from FC Cincinnati's USL days in which it was garnering record-breaking attendance numbers. Since joining the MLS, its fortunes haven't been as great despite building a new stadium.
Behind star M Lucas Zelarayan, the Crew enter as favorites in their recently-built stadium. The Crew are just 4-3-3 at home while FC Cincinnati is shockingly one of the 10 best road teams in the league.
FC Cincinnati at Columbus Crew: Odds, picks and predictions
Odds via Tipico Sportsbook ; access USA TODAY Sports' betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:09 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Columbus Crew -135 (bet $135 to win $100) | FC Cincinnati +370 (bet $100 to win $370) | Draw +250
- Over/Under: 2.5 (O: -110 | U: -120)
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Prediction
Columbus Crew 1, FC Cincinnati 1
Money line (ML)
"LEAN" to the DRAW +250 as the best bet.
In the last four rivalry matches, a draw has been the result twice with the most recent one a tough blow to Cincinnati as Columbus saw a first-half red card. Up 2-0 and up a man, FCC blew the lead.
However, that was at home where Cincinnati is the only team in the MLS that's yet to win in front of its own fans. On the road is where it has managed its three wins.
Columbus is coming off a difficult home match. Having been up on the Seattle Sounders in the 80th minute, Columbus ended up losing as the Sounders scored twice in the final five minutes.
The confidence isn't there, and given the differing play of FCC while not at TQL Stadium, the price for the Draw is the one to take.
Over/Under (O/U)
BET on the UNDER 2.5 (-120) despite both team's last showing. FCC gave up four goals on the road to the New England Revolution.
However, in the four games prior, FCC allowed just one goal scored. Its goals against are the second worst in the Eastern Conference, but since the addition of D Geoff Cameron, Cincy has managed to put a competent backline together.
The Under 2.5 has hit for Columbus in four of its last eight games and should've hit against the Sounders as well. The Crew average just over a goal per game while giving up 27 in 21 matches.
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