FC Cincinnati vs Los Angeles FC Prediction: Both teams to find the back of the net

FC Cincinnati will welcome Los Angeles FC to the City in a captivating MLS match as both teams look to seal their statuses in their conferences with the regular season coming to a close on September 29, 2024. Cincinnati is 2nd in the Eastern Conference on 17W-5D-8L while LAFC is 4th in the Western Conference on 14W-7D-8L. The matchup could have major playoff implications for positioning between the two sides and both look to regain momentum after some spotty form as of late.

FC Cincinnati enters this match in good form, currently unbeaten in their last four matches. The last outing away to Nashville was very telling about them, as they fought out a 2-2 draw to again prove just how hard it will be to beat them this season on the road. They dominated possession with 67% but created only one big chance, showing that despite controlling large portions of the game, they may lack a real cutting edge in the final third. Key statistics in winning 59% of duels and 67% of defending tackles underline physical presence and defensive solidity. They will be disappointed, though, that such possession has translated to just four shots on target.

That they have not lost any of their last four games could mean they are in the stable phase of the season, having won two and drawn two in the process. Their strong backline has also been indicative in the tackles won, at 67%, and duels, at 59%, which will be important in nullifying the attacking force of LAFC. Cincinnati's possession-based approach, as witnessed by their 67% possession against Nashville, has indeed been one of the hallmarks of their success this season. However, they will need to be much more clinical in front of the goal, for turning possession into opportunities to score is important against a team carrying LAFC's firepower. In this match, the 3-4-1-2 shape will look to dominate midfield as Cincinnati presses high for maintaining possession of the ball. This will probably look to stretch LAFC's backline, using wing-backs to overload the flanks. Defensively, their back three would look to contain LAFC's wide attackers, while midfielders dropped back crowding the middle of the pitch, preventing LAFC from creating through central areas.

Cincinnati will be banking on quick transitions after winning possession in their defensive third, attempting to catch LAFC out of shape with the tendency of leaving gaps when pushing forward.

Meanwhile, LAFC have been in miserable form because they have not won in the last five matches. In the latest defeat-a 3-1 loss to FC Dallas-their defensive frailty was exposed to the world as they conceded three goals despite holding 53% of possession. Though LAFC managed 4 shots on target, they were poor creatively, with no big chances in the game. Along with their tendency to concede multiple goals-formerly conceding 3 in each of their last three matches, this loss of form brings into question their ability to cope with the pressure, particularly away from home.

Recently, LAFC have not looked too impressive. Seriously, with three losses and two draws in the last five games, this team often shows up to be in a slump at this moment, especially in defense, having conceded three goals in each of their last three matches. Normally strong midfield was very weak to create at least an advantage for the opponent - there were no big chances in the loss against Dallas. This is something that will need to change if they hope to break down Cincinnati's organized defense.

But compared to that, the LAFC 4-3-3 system will be more oriented towards an offensive press and wide game, though the press hasn't been very consistent of late. Should they overcommit to it, Cincinnati might get through them by playing through the press. The wide attackers need to make runs behind Cincinnati's wing-backs to stretch the backline, while the midfield needs to offer the chance of creation from deeper positions, though the lack of recent creativity is a worry.

Defensively, LAFC needs to tidy up and not give away poor goals, as frailties at the back have been fairly obvious in recent games. They will need to stay compact and not leave open gaps between the lines.

Historically, Cincinnati and LAFC have played each other twice, with LAFC winning both matches. The most recent fixture was in April 2022, which LAFC won 2-1 away from home. This head-to-head dominance is somewhat of a psychological advantage for LAFC, and it must be said that Cincinnati has greatly improved since the last meeting between the sides.

This makes the coming fixture an opportunity for Cincinnati to break that trend, more so considering their good home form and the current dip in performance from LAFC. However, considering how LAFC was able to win on the road against them in their last matchup, one would have to think that Cincinnati will need to be at the top of their game if they wish to buck the historical trend.

With both teams in their current form, Cincinnati goes into this fixture with a slight advantage. The possession-based game, combined with stability in defense, will make it hard for LAFC to break them down, while LAFC's defensive struggles and lack of creativity on the pitch will make it tough for them to leave town with a result. An unbeaten run for Cincinnati in recent weeks, combined with home advantage, should be enough to edge this contest.

Even accounting for LAFC's misfortunes, they would have ample attacking threat to find the back of the net, while Cincinnati is expected to be just as likely to score with LAFC's defensive vulnerabilities.

Recent matches from both teams have shown fewer corners, something likely to be replicated with their tactical setups.

• Under 11.5 Corners @ 1.6 Odds
• Home/Draw & Under 4.5 Goals @ 1.66 Odds
• Correct Score 2:1 @ 9.00 Odds