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Cincinnati aiming to clinch playoff berth with win over Nashville
FC Cincinnati (16-9-4, 52 points) host Nashville SC on Saturday with a chance to secure an MLS Cup playoff berth. Despite back-to-back 1-0 home defeats and a four-week scoring drought, Cincinnati sit second in the Eastern Conference. A victory here would end that slump and guarantee postseason soccer.
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Nashville (15-9-5, 50 points) are right behind them in the table. Led by Sam Surridge (20 goals) and Hany Mukhtar (14 goals), they boast one of the league’s most dangerous attacking duos — and still have eyes on climbing into a top-three seed.
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FC Cincinnati Can Win If…
- They break the scoring drought. Cincinnati haven’t scored at home in MLS play since July 16.
- Pat Noonan’s attack clicks again. The team’s pace-setting attack from August must reappear.
- Defense holds firm. With a +23 goal differential, FCC remain one of the toughest teams to break down.
“If we’re not in positions to score goals … concern is going to be there,” coach Pat Noonan admitted of the dry spell.
Nashville SC Can Win If…
- Surridge & Mukhtar deliver again. They are the top-scoring duo in MLS with 34 combined goals.
- They recover from poor form. Despite four losses in their last five, they remain a major threat.
- They stay disciplined ahead of Open Cup. With a semifinal Tuesday, focus will be key.
“We know there are some things we need to improve on … this week is two awesome opportunities,” defender Dan Lovitz said.
Key MLS Betting Trends
| Category | FC Cincinnati | Nashville SC |
|---|---|---|
| Record | 16-9-4 (2nd East) | 15-9-5 (3rd East, tied) |
| Last 5 Matches | 2-3-0 | 1-4-0 |
| Goal Differential | +23 | +16 |
| Last Meeting 2025 | Won 2-1 @ Nashville (Mar 29) | Lost 2-1 at home vs Cincinnati |
The Leans
Main Pick: FC Cincinnati Moneyline (+115)
Projected Final Score: Cincinnati 2, Nashville 1
- Moneyline Angle: Cincinnati’s playoff berth motivation and strong defense give them the edge at home.
- Total Goals Angle: Over 2.5 (-110) — Nashville’s front duo always threatens goals, and Cincinnati will be desperate to end their drought.
Check more MLS projections at our Soccer Predictions Hub.
Best Bet Box
Best Bet: Over 2.5 Goals (-110)
Confidence: ★★★★☆
The Eastern Conference race is heating up — bet smarter with data-driven picks. See today’s sharp MLS betting insights →
