FC Cincinnati Vs. Philadelphia Union: MLS Odds & Best Bets
One of the most anticipated matchups of MLS Week 7 is the blazing first-place FC Cincinnati versus the former Eastern Conference champions in Philadelphia Union.
This weekend’s matchup sets the bar for the Eastern Conference. FC Cincinnati hasn’t played its best soccer yet but is still off to a blistering start, taking control of first place with 14 points. The Philadelphia Union seeks to get on track with just 7 points currently to its name.
Neither team playing this Saturday is an original founding club of MLS, but that doesn’t stop them from being example clubs for the rest of the league.
Since Union has been in the league, it’s been a model for teams trying to keep a modest payroll. FC Cincinnati played its first match in 2019 but has already had big international transfers in its short history. Two opposites when it comes to building a roster; Cincy is the flashy-signing type of club, while Philly is likelier to snag under-the-radar players.
The Queen City will open the doors to TQL Stadium for about 25,000 fans this weekend. Everyone in the stands will be waiting on the highly skilled offense of Luciano Acosta, Brenner and Brandon Vazquez to turn the game on its head.
An Eastern Conference Final Preview?
FC Cincinnati was the surprise team of the 2022 season, finishing the year as the fourth-highest-scoring team in MLS. Cincinnati made the playoffs and upset the New York Red Bulls in the first round before losing in the conference semis to Philadelphia Union.
Under coach Pat Noonan, Cincinnati likes to play direct with two bruising strikers. With them up top, Cincy can score in seconds with a cross whipped in from anywhere on the pitch. This tactic makes Cincinnati hard to beat. Cincy also plays with an actual “10” (central attacking midfielder) in Acosta, who orchestrates the offense and creates more chances for the two prolific strikers up top.
With head coach Jim Curtin at the helm, Philadelphia prioritizes defensive play. However, the team has been emphasizing defense a little too much lately, sitting back too deep to try to get the clean sheet (0 goals conceded). With Andre Blake returning from injury, Union has obtained two clean sheets in its last two competitive matches. However, with Philly’s offense not firing on all cylinders, winning matches has been tough.
FC Cincinnati vs. Philadelphia Union Prediction
Both teams won’t miss any key contributors for this matchup, but Philadelphia Union has also been playing in the CONCACAF Champions League. Look for Philly to rotate some guys earlier in the second half, as they will most likely be tired from playing extra games.
These two teams played in the playoffs last season, and Philly eliminated Cincy 1-0. This is the first time these two Eastern Conference teams have squared off this season.
Cincinnati has not lost a game this year, and that will most likely continue against Union. FC Cincy wants revenge after losing to Union in the playoffs last year. Even with Philadelphia now healthier, it will be exhausted from all the extra games it’s been playing. Cincy’s offense will be too much for a good Philadelphia defense.
Philly tends to get a lot of penalties called on its opponents, so look out for Daniel Gazdag to put one of those opportunities in the back of the net. The Hungarian striker already has a pair of goals in five games for Philadelphia.
Even though Cincinnati only scored one goal in its last match, look for this matchup to be a win for the highly talented offense from Ohio.
Final Score Prediction: FC Cincinnati 2 – Philadelphia Union 1
Betting Matchup Overview
Game Details
- Who: Philadelphia Union at FC Cincinnati
- When: Saturday, April 8, 2023
- Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
- Where: TQL Stadium (Cincinnati, OH)
Betting Odds Summary
- Match Result Regular Time: Cincinnati +115, Tie +240, Philadelphia +210
- Both Teams to Score: Yes -160, No +110
- Total: Over/Under 2.5 Goals in Regular Time (-135/+100)
Player Props: Anytime Goalscorer
- Brandon Vazquez: +188
- Brenner: +188
- Daniel Gazdag: +230
- Mikael Uhre: +230
- Luciano Acosta: +240
Prop Bets: FC Cincinnati vs. Philadelphia Union
Vazquez and Brenner (both +188 anytime goalscorer) are the players everyone wants to see score. Both had 18 last year. Brenner scored versus the Seattle Sounders three weeks ago. Great strikers don’t go on prolonged droughts and tend to score in bunches.
With Vazquez being snubbed on the last USMNT roster, look for him to make a statement in this match. He’s in a slump, so a goal in a big match is what he needs now. Both strikers can easily find themselves on the scoresheet after 90 minutes.
Acosta (+240 to score) is also a playable prop bet, as he always finds himself in places to make a difference. Acosta has missed several one-on-one chances this season but will not make the same mistake in a statement match.
Best Bets: FC Cincinnati vs. Philadelphia Union
- Match Result: FC Cincinnati +115, Tie +240, Philadelphia Union +210
If we had to bet, we’d prefer FC Cincinnati (+115) on the moneyline, as Cincinnati has won seven of its last 10 regular season matches.
- Total: Over/Under 2.5 Goals in Regular Time (-135/+100)
The Over (-135) is the better play. Cincinnati has some of the most exciting players in MLS who are destined to have a moment of brilliance and end up on the scoresheet in this match.
That said, Major League Soccer matches are highly unpredictable. Bet responsibly.
