FC Cincinnati vs. Columbus Crew odds, picks and predictions
FC Cincinnati welcome the Columbus Crew to TQL Stadium for the Eastern Conference Finals Saturday. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. ET (Apple TV). Below, we preview BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the FC Cincinnati vs. Columbus Crew odds, and make our best expert MLS picks and predictions.
FC Cincinnati earned the Supporters’ Shield during the regular season, so they have home-field advantage. They beat the New York Red Bulls 3-0 then 1-1 (8-7 penalties) to advance to the semifinals where they took down the Philadelphia Union 1-0 on Nov. 25. Cincinnati will be without starting D Matt Miazga but does have the recently-named league MVP M Lucho Acosta active.
The Crew finished in 3rd place on the Eastern Conference table. They beat Atlanta 2-0 and 4-2 in Round One, losing on the road 4-2 as well. Columbus then beat Orlando City on the road 2-0. The Crew have 1 of the best attacks in the MLS, averaging 1.97 goals per game. F Cucho Hernández led the way, notching 16 in 27 regular-season appearances.
World class soccer coverage all in one place: Get ESPN+
FC Cincinnati vs. Columbus Crew odds
BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:27 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline:
- Over/Under: 2.5 (O: -145 | U: +100)
FC Cincinnati vs. Columbus Crew picks and predictions
Prediction
Columbus Crew 2, FC Cincinnati 2 (Columbus advances in penalty kicks)
BET TIE OR COLUMBUS CREW (-160).
The Crew have the tools to crack an FCC defense that has allowed just 1 goal through 3 playoff games. The combination of Cucho with M Diego Rossi should give a powerful punch up the middle of the field, where the absence of Miazga will sting Cincinnati. Columbus has scored 2 or more goals in 5 straight games. The Crew have won or drawn 9 of their last 10.
FCC’s offense has stalled lately, scoring just 1 goal in 2 straight games. They have scored 2 or more in 2 of their last 6. The Crew’s potent, capable offense should break through enough. I’d lay the juice here and take TIE OR COLUMBUS CREW (-160).
LEAN OVER 2.5 (-145).
FCC has scored in 10 straight games. They have scored 7 goals in their last 4. The offensive capabilities are there as they averaged 1.68 GPG during the regular season.
The Crew have gone Over this total in 4 of their last 7. They allowed 1.35 GPG. Both regular-season matches between these teams went Over with a combined 8 goals. Expect numerous goals in this one.
Take OVER 2.5 (-145).
: For the American soccer fan, USA TODAY Sports Media Group’s website provides a fresh look at the beautiful game.
