Cincinnati FC vs New York City FC Prediction: Cincinnati FC and New York City FC Face Decisive Clash in MLS Playoffs: Can Cincinnati Secure a Spot in the Next Round?

In a closely-fought playoff series, Cincinnati FC hosts New York City FC in the third and deciding leg of the MLS Playoffs, Best of 3 format. Both teams have managed to win a game each to set up an exciting encounter at TQL Stadium. Cincinnati took the first leg with a slender margin of 1-0, while NYCFC managed to come back hard with a convincing 3-1 win in the second leg. The match now has assumed greater importance and will serve as a series decider. Both teams were even on possession and most stats over two legs, so this encounter promises much to be on offer.

This has been a formation for Pat Noonan's 3-4-1-2, which has suited Cincinnati fine in the series thus far, especially that first leg win. At the heart of Cincinnati's setup will be how well they can control the midfield and support such a dual striker system with effective wing-back play. Lucho Orellano has been outstanding and an ever-present threat in attack because of his great vision and precision, as stated with the fact that through this season he contributed one goal, three shots on target, and three key passes. With all that said, though, Cincinnati's physicality does bring about a high foul count-21 fouls in the last game-which could be precarious if they concede free kicks around the box.

Nicholas Cushing's 4-2-3-1 puts a strong emphasis on midfield control and transitional moments. NYCFC will look to the second leg, where Alonso Martinez, Thiago Martins, and Santiago Rodriguez all found the net, for momentum. The boys in blue made more big chances-4-and managed to draw fewer fouls, showing discipline and tactical awareness in doing so. With Santiago Rodriguez playing creative in attacking midfield, NYCFC will look to expose any gaps that Cincinnati might leave in their backline. NYCFC must be solid defensively, most of all in terms of keeping possession under pressure, to bypass the press

NYCFC leads the competitive history 8-7, with two draws to Cincinnati. This third leg is the 18th time the sides will meet, continuing a history of tight, often unpredictable matchups. Both teams have obtained results at home, but NYCFC's ability to score freely in that last win seems to put them at a greater advantage with this deciding leg.

The third leg promises to be a tight affair, as both teams know what's on the line. With this advantage for Cincinnati, plus their flowing style under Noonan, they may have an edge, but improved performance in the second leg saw NYCFC with a shot accuracy advantage and more big chances, showing they can break through against Cincinnati.

Key players to watch will include Luca Orellano for Cincinnati and Santiago Rodriguez for NYCFC, as both have influential performances in previous games. This looks a real battle, with the attacking play of Rodriguez complemented by the chance creation of Orellano. Both sides have shown tactical discipline in recent matches, and with the propensity for either side to punish defensive lapses, errors will be crucial.

Given the high stakes, this has to be a closely-fought game with goals at a premium. Still, given NYCFC's form of late up front, they should hold an advantage if they keep their heads and capitalize on the defensive holes Cincinnati will inevitably open up.

• 3 Way Total Under 3 Goals @ 2.209 Odds
• Multi Goals 1-2 @ 1.96 Odds
• Draw Full Time @ 3.75 Odds