MLS preview and tips: In-form Cincinnati ready to cement top spot against Philadelphia Union
- George Dempsey
- 7 April 2023
For the first time in history, FC Cincinnati sit on top of the MLS table. Late on Saturday night UK Time (00:30 BST) they’ll face the 2022 runner-up Philadelphia Union in the game of the weekend.
Predicted score
Key Stats
- Cincinnati FC are unbeaten this season, winning four and keeping four clean sheets
- Philadelphia have lost their first two away games this season
- This game is sandwiched between Champions League games for Philadelphia
Suggested Bets
Over 2.5 goals
Team News
Yuya Kubo remains out for Cincinnati FC. Philadelphia will be without key players in goalkeeper Andre Blake and European-bound fullback Kai Wagner.
Verdict
It's been a tough start to the season for Philadelphia. Despite winning their first two home games, they're winless in four of five. Their Champions League campaign seems to be hindering them.
Things have gone better for their opponents here, Cincinnati FC, who find themselves top of the Eastern Conference after six games. It's the first time in club history they've topped the table.
Since the start of the 2022 season, we've become accustomed to seeing Cincinnati playing free-flowing, attacking football at home, racking up 41 goals in just 20 games.
Having won just half of those games, their next mission is to tighten up the defence, but four clean sheets in their first six games would suggest they're doing just that.
Despite their new-found steel, even an out-of-form Philadelphia is a dangerous proposition. They've won four games so far this season but they've saved their best for the CONCACAF Champions League
A midweek 1-0 win over Atlas wasn't as taxing as it could have been, as the visitors spent 45 minutes playing with 10 men, but there is the small matter of the return leg just four days after this.
If Jim Curtin opts to rotate his players here, which seems a certainty, it'll only serve to weaken an already stretched Union backline.
Sergio Santos, Brandon Vazquez, Junior Moreno and Brenner have all already found the back of the net, whilst Luciano Acosta remains the chief creator. All that remains now is for Cincinnati to put it all together.
It's been a while since Cincinnati hit a team for six but it feels like a high-scoring home victory could be on the cards here.
