NYCFC vs Cincinnati Prediction, Picks & Best Bets

As we’ve reached the all-important play-offs in Major League Soccer, it’s do or die for the NYCFC boys on Saturday evening as they play host to Cincinnati at Yankee Stadium.

After losing the first in this best-of-three series, the hosts need to win to force a decider, but can they do it? Read on for our NYCFC vs Cincinnati predictions and picks.

NYCFC vs Cincinnati prediction

For the NYCFC vs Cincinnati match prediction, we believe the final score will be a 2-2 tie based on our analysis.

Having already met four times during the current calendar year, it’s fair to say that the pair have often been quite closely matched, while they played out a closely-run and high-scoring game at this venue not that long ago.

Our NYCFC vs Cincinnati predictions and picks:

• Alonso Martinez to Score @ +175 with BetMGM Sportsbook

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NYCFC vs Cincinnati betting odds

The table below shows the implied probabilities behind the Moneyline odds for this MLS fixture, as well as our adjusted probabilities and the differences.

NYCFC vs Cincinnati head-to-head statistics

This will be the fifth time that the pair have faced off in 2024. In two regular-season games, they each picked up a win on home soil, while Cincinnati also picked up home wins against the NYCFC boys in the Leagues Cup, as well as in the first of this best-of-three series.

NYCFC vs Cincinnati preview

This game will take place on 02/11/2024 at Yankee Stadium. Kick off will be at 17:00 local time.

Having built momentum by winning the final regular-season game, the Cincinnati boys shifted through the gears to secure what was a huge win in the first game of this best-of-three series.

Despite winning by just a single goal, Saturday’s visitors were firmly on top in the first game, dominating throughout. Off the back of that performance, they should fancy themselves to get a result here, though picking up a win at Yankee Stadium won't be the most straightforward task.

As far as the hosts are concerned, the return to the Bronx needs to spark an improved performance. Let’s face it, the NYCFC players weren’t quite up to the task at TQL Stadium.

Fortunately, we all know how strong this NYCFC team can be at home, while they have the recent experience of scoring three goals against Cincinnati at this venue to draw upon.

NYCFC vs Cincinnati picks

Just one bet appeals at the early odds, and that bet is:

Alonso Martinez to Score

For NYCFC this season, there have been a few shining lights, though few have shined brighter than Alonso Martinez, who has become the key man from a goal-scoring point of view.

The Costa Rican forward, who made just three appearances last season having signed from Belgian side Lommel SK, has scored 16 goals this time around, which is impressive given that he didn’t start the season as one of the first choice forwards.

In terms of goals per 90 minutes, Martinez is averaging 0.97, which is incredibly difficult to ignore. If the hosts are going to have a say offensively here, the main main is likely to be involved.

It’s also worth noting that Martinez comes into this game registered at least one shot on target in each of his last five games, while during the regular season, this is a player that produced an average of 3.33 shots per 90 minutes, registering an average of 1.63 shots on target per 90 minutes.

Throw into the mix that Martinez found the net when his side hosted Cincinnati recently and he goes down as a solid bet to score here at odds of +175.

Recap - NYCFC vs Cincinnati best bets

To recap, here’s our NYCFC vs Cincinnati best bet:

Alonso Martinez to Score @ +175 with BetMGM Sportsbook

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