MLS betting tips: FC Cincinnati are the best value bet in MLS this weekend
- George Dempsey
- 7 July 2023
FC Cincinnati are the side offering the most value in MLS this weekend and we’re backing them to beat Charlotte FC.
Charlotte face a quick turnaround from their midweek draw with NYCFC as they host league leaders FC Cincinnati this weekend.
MLS betting tip
Charlotte FC vs FC Cincinnati preview
Charlotte finds themselves in a tricky spot here as they return home to face the team with the best record in MLS, FC Cincinnati.
Despite their disappointment at conceding a late equaliser against New York City, Charlotte was second best and deserved to lose that game.
They worked extremely hard off of the ball and created nothing other than their goal, totalling 0.3 expected goals in the game.
FC Cincinnati were able to remain at home midweek after last weekend's 2-2 draw with New England. Prior to that, they were beaten 3-0 in DC.
That result has to be taken into account when analysing this game because no one really does that to Cincinnati.
They did lose 5-1 to St Louis in a bizarre game earlier this season and they responded with a point in New England and wins in Colorado and New York City.
Despite the hosts being favourites to win the game, our projections make Cincinnati odds on favourites with an xG of 1.67 to 1.05 in their favour.
They are a different animal at home but we've seen enough from them on their travels, particularly the win in Nashville, to know they should bounce back here.
Another factor in the price is the absence of some key players due to the Gold Cup but Dominique Badji's goals have filled the Vazquez-sized hole.
Charlotte are winless in their previous six matches and give up more chances than they create at home.
The standout result of their season was a 1-0 home win over Columbus, but they've lost three of four against teams at Cincinnati's level.
