Major League Soccer is nearing its final stages, and on Saturday, December 2, 2023, FC Cincinnati and Columbus Crew will be competing in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. The match is scheduled to kick off at 6:00 pm (ET) at the TQL Stadium, the home of FC Cincinnati. You can follow the game on the MLS on Pass streaming service. On this page, you'll find betting tips and predictions for the MLS.
Cincinnati vs. Columbus Crew: News
Let's recap how FC Cincinnati and Columbus Crew reached the Eastern Conference Finals. The hosts secured the Eastern Conference title and continued their strong performance in the playoffs. Being the regular-season champions gives them the advantage of deciding the title at home.
Cincinnati's journey began in the MLS playoffs Round 1 on October 29, facing New York Red Bull in a best-of-three series. Cincinnati won both games, 3-0 at home and a tougher match at New York Red Bull's stadium, which went to penalties after a 1-1 draw.
Advancing to the MLS Round 1, Cincinnati faced the Philadelphia Union in a single decisive game in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. It was a hard-fought match, with Cincinnati securing the victory with a late goal from defender Yerson Mosquera.
In the 2023 MLS season, Cincinnati has scored 62 goals and conceded 40 in 37 matches.
On the other hand, Columbus Crew, the opponents in this final, finished third in the Eastern regular season and had an impressive attack, scoring 67 goals—the best in the conference. In the Round 1 playoffs, they faced Atlanta United in a best-of-three series, winning the first leg 2-0 and eventually securing the series with a 4-2 victory.
In the Eastern Semifinals, Columbus Crew faced Orlando City, the defending Eastern Conference runners-up, and advanced to the finals after a penalty shootout following a 0-0 draw in regular time.
For the 2023 MLS season, Columbus Crew has played 38 matches, scoring 77 goals and conceding 52.
The winner of this clash will play against the Western Conference champion, to be decided between Los Angeles FC and Houston Dynamo.
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FC Cincinnati vs. Columbus Crew: Betting Tips and Predictions
Analyzing the odds and betting market, FC Cincinnati is slightly favored with odds of +120 at the Fanduel Sportsbook. The underdogs, Columbus Crew, have odds of +210 for the main moneyline line.
While it's a conference final, and one might typically favor the home team, Columbus Crew's status as the best-attacking team and third in the East adds complexity. Additionally, with Matt Miazga suspended, my betting advice would be to back the underdogs. Consider betting on the Asian Handicap +0.5 or (Double Chance - Columbus Crew or Draw), with odds at -165. Exclusive Bet with Fanduel, Secure a Bonus with ThePicks.
- Prediction: Double Chance - Columbus Crew and Draw odds -165
