New York Red Bulls are already waiting to see who their opponents will be in the semi-final after easing past Columbus with a game to spare, and FC Cincinnati will fancy their chances thanks to their recent home record against New York City FC.
Alonso Martinez might have something to say about that as he looks to add to his impressive tally of 16 goals in the current campaign, and although the visitors have failed to score in two of their last three MLS games, they have managed to find the net at least three times in four of their last six.
The hosts defense will need to be fully focused from the get-go in this one too, as they’ve kept a clean sheet in only two of the last 14 matches in all competitions
Recent History Favors Hosts
Although New York City FC hold the overall record of wins in this fixture, FC Cincinnati have won their last five at home against this opponent. September 2019 was the last time the visitors emerged victorious at TQL Stadium.
| FC Cincinnati | Draw | New York City FC |
|---|---|---|
| -119 | +304 | +286 |
Head-to-Head: FC Cincinnati Have Dominated Recent Encounters
| Total | FC Cincinnati | New York City FC | Draws | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Games | 16 | 6 | 8 | 2 |
| MLS Games | 14 | 4 | 8 | 2 |
| Goals | 62 | 26 | 36 |
Key Stats
- The home side has been victorious in the past six fixtures between the two teams.
- FC Cincinnati has only scored one goal in three of the past five matches against this opponent, but two of those games have been wins.
- This fixture has produced three or more goals on 12 separate occasions.
- There has never been a goalless draw in this fixture.
FC Cincinnati Team News
Chris Albright’s team are still without a number of key players for this one. Isaiah Foster and Matt Miazga have knee concerns, whilst Alec Kann (hip) and Nick Hagglund (leg) also remain on the sidelines.
Possible Lineup:
Roman Celentano (GK); Teenage Hadebe, Miles Robinson, Chidozie Awaziem, Yamil Asad, Obinna Nwobodo, Pavel Bucha, DeAndre Yedlin, Luciano Acosta, Yuya Kubo, Luca Orellano.
New York City FC Team News
Malachi Jones won’t make this one as his leg injury hasn’t healed in time, though the visitors head to TQL Stadium in good shape.
Possible Lineup:
Matt Freese (GK); Kevin O’Toole, Justin Haak, Thiago Martins, Mitja Ilenič, James Sands, Keaton Parks, Santiago Rodriguez, Maximiliano Moralez, Hannes Wolf, Alonso Martinez.
FC Cincinnati vs. New York City FC Prediction
In a fixture that’s always produced goals, expect more of the same particularly given what’s at stake.
Both sides will play on the front foot, with FC Cincinnati looking to take advantage of a raucous home support.
Their recent record vs New York City FC is good, especially at TQL Stadium, and as long as the hosts ensure that complacency doesn’t creep into their play, they will progress.
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