New York City vs Cincinnati FC Prediction: High-Stakes Showdown as NYCFC Seeks Redemption on Home Ground Against Cincinnati

New York City FC looks to complete its comeback in the Best-of-3 MLS Playoffs series with FC Cincinnati as they host the visitors at Yankee Stadium. NYCFC now tries to play through a narrow 1-0 deficit after an 'uphill' first-leg experience on the attack situations and receiving a crucial setback due to the red card to Tayvon Gray. Under the strategic guidance of Pat Noonan, Cincinnati showed their teeth in offense, with their star playmaker important in the first win. This game will carry great importance, as NYCFC needs a win to push for a deciding third game, while Cincinnati looks to seal their place into the next round with another victory.

NYCFC is desperate for a comeback from their first loss, Coach Nicholas Cushing will most definitely ring in tactical changes, especially as his side's struggles in the first leg exposed problems in attack and discipline. Without one of his key defensive players, NYCFC needs to balance aggression with composure as a way of trying to solidify their attack while containing Cincinnati's free-flowing, attack-minded system.

Coach Cushing's 4-3-3 NYCFC lineup is going to have to be far more aggressive in attack than in the first leg. Failing to create a single big chance in that match, NYCFC will more than likely aim at direct attacks and pressure on Cincinnati's midfield in an attempt to break up their playmaking. NYCFC will need to be more conservative in defense, and without the suspended Tayvon Gray, the need for shape will be highly important as NYCFC attempts to hold the attacking midfielders of Cincinnati. The shot conversion also needs fixing for NYCFC, as does work in creating scoring chances if they are to get a degree of consistency on par with the offensive threat of Cincinnati.

Cincinnati, on the other hand, was quite all-rounded in their game in the first leg, as Noonan's dynamic 3-4-1-2 formation allowed them to keep in control of the attacking flow, generating six big chances, keeping high intensive pressure. Such a task is to remain organized at the back while capitalizing on any defensive gaps NYCFC may leave as they push forward.

Cincinnati's good form in a 3-4-1-2 provides width and attacking depth that NYCFC struggled to cope with in the first leg. This is a formation Coach Pat Noonan can continue to retain, as it allows him to flow up and down the pitch, exploiting space left open by NYCFC's advancing lines. Away from home, they'll try to exploit their midfield dominance and push their wing backs up to support the attack. Solid at the back, press high to avoid getting NYCFC into the game, especially in midfield.

The matchup between these sides historically is remarkably even, with seven wins apiece and only two draws. Of late, Cincinnati has had the edge, much to do with scoring first in eight of the last ten between these teams. Indeed, under 10.5 corners have been recorded in five of the last seven matches between these sides. This tight series would suggest that both teams will again be cagey, each waiting for the other to make the first mistake. NYCFC does, though, have added pressure on them since a failure to win at home would see them eliminated from the playoffs.

NYCFC created zero big chances and had just two shots on target in the first leg. Perhaps this is slightly different when they are at home, but without a consistent run of form in finding the net, they are up against a formidable defensive structure in Cincinnati's organized 3-4-1-2.

In recent matches between the sides, corners have often been low, with under 10.5 corners in five of their last seven matches. Given the tactical structure that is likely to be in place from both teams - NYCFC needing to stay disciplined and Cincinnati focusing on containment - this should continue.

Both teams have scored in eight of Cincinnati's last 10 and eight of NYCFC's last 10, with recent matches seeing frequent scoring from both sides. Cincinnati's tendency to concede first in five of their last six also leaves them vulnerable to an early strike by NYCFC, while NYCFC's defensive frailties suggest Cincinnati will find the net as well.

• 3 Way Total Over 2 Goals @ 1.60 Odds
• GG & Over 2.5 Goals @ 1.68 Odds
• Under 10 Corners @ 1.83 Odds