Cincinnati vs Columbus
MLS, Sunday, 5pm ET
Play: Cincinnati 0.0 (same bet as Draw no Bet)
Odds at Time of Release: -122
Line Parameters: Odds good to -140
Cincinnati lost at home to New England and are now in trouble regarding the playoffs, but still having their fate in their own hands, as they are sitting 9th, in the last playi-in spot, with 36 points (and a match in hand). However, after Wednesday's loss, there's now 3 teams just 3 points behind them, and Columbus are 4 points behind them.
Columbus won on Wednesday and moved closer to the play-in spots, but the BIG caveat here is that they are through to the US Open Cup Final, which is played on Wednesday the 21st, just 3 days after their match against Cincinnati. Sunday's game will be their 3rd in a week, the Cup Final will be their 4th in 10 days, and next weekend is going to be their 5th match in 2 weeks, so fatigue is creeping up.
I would be surprised to see Columbus risking all their starters right before the US Open Cup Final, which is played on home ground. They have a chance for a title after winning the MLS back in 2023, and it will be just their 4th title in their history, also their first US Open Cup.
On the other hand, Cincinnati saw star Evander returning to training, he got some minutes mid-week vs New England but, barring any aggravations, should be ready to start on Sunday.
This is still a fierce local derby, and one that will shape the playoffs, but Cincinnati being quite hard to beat at home (W7 D3 L3) and now hosting a Columbus side that might have won 4 of L/5 but remain weak on the road (W2 D3 L9). And with a huge match coming up in just 3 days, I'd be surprised to see Columbus win this one. This is still soccer, and a big rivalry, but Cincinnati do have what it takes to at least avoid the loss here.
Take 2* on Cincinnati 0.0 (-122), line good to -140. This is the same bet as Cincinnati Draw no Bet (or PK), so make sure to check your books and get the best odds.
