Cincinnati v Charlotte

Cincinnati vs Charlotte Preview

Cincinnati not only recorded a comprehensive 6-1 thrashing of their Eastern Conference rivals, Inter Miami, in last weekend's MLS clash but the hosts also picked up a third league win on the bounce, while Charlotte by contrast slipped to a second defeat on the trot, leaving the visitors sitting in sixth place in the Eastern Conference ladder and a significant 16 points behind their upcoming hosts.

Cincinnati had previously racked up wins against the likes of Dallas and DC United in 1-0 and 3-2 victories respectively and both of these wins were also achieved on their travels, so this upcoming return to their TQL Stadium will find Pat Noonan's side brimming with confidence.

Indeed, Cincinnati have been handed just two losses in their last 14 games overall in the MLS which came in the form of losses at the hands of Nashville and New England, but also includes plundering an impressive total of 12 wins within this period as well.

The bigger picture shows Cincinnati have been dealt just four defeats in their previous 22 games overall in the MLS, making them a formidable looking prospect for the upcoming visitors, Charlotte.

Onto Charlotte and they slipped to a second defeat on the trot last time out when Dean Smith's side suffered a 2-1 defeat at home to Inter Miami which followed a previous 1-0 defeat away from home at Houston Dynamo, but at least the visitors still possess a useful looking six-point cushion above eighth placed Nashville ahead of this weekend's action.

Prior to these two recent losses, Charlotte had put together a promising looking four-game unbeaten run which included picking up wins against Atlanta United, DC United and Philadelphia Union, while the bigger picture showed Dean Smith's side had suffered just the single loss in their preceding 10 games beforehand.

However, although the visitors have managed to claim wins on the road at Chicago Fire, Atlanta United and Philadelphia Union, these three victories have been Charlotte's only highlights in their last 12 outings on the road.

In addition, Charlotte have also slumped to seven defeats within this 12 away-game sequence which includes keeping just two clean sheets in the process, which does not bode well for this upcoming trip to the TQL Stadium to take on a Cincinnati outfit who are currently enjoying a purple patch of form.

Cincinnati v Charlotte Verdict

There have been only five previous meetings between Cincinnati and Charlotte in the MLS but each of Cincinnati's two home games against their upcoming opponents have resulted in wins for Pat Noonan's side who have claimed 3-0 and 2-0 wins respectively, and the home side look the more likely to take the spoils in this encounter as well.

Therefore, our main bet will be Cincinnati win @ 1.70

Other side bets worth considering:

Cincinnati win & Under 2.5 goals @ 4.75

Correct Score: Cincinnati 2-0 @ 9.00