Charlotte FC vs. Cincinnati FC Prediction: Can Charlotte Defeat the League Leaders?

Saturday evening at Bank of America Stadium will see Charlotte FC host the current top club in MLS, FC Cincinnati. In their four previous meetings, both sides weren’t shy about finding the score sheet as no match finished with under two goals. FC Cincinnati does own the edge overall in the head-to-head department winning twice and splitting the points once on one occasion.

Charlotte FC is coming off a grueling 2-0 win against the defending MLS champions, the Columbus Crew last weekend. The Crowns didn’t break the deadlock until the 83rd minute with a laser of a shot from Ashley Westwood. Five minutes later the home side added another one, Patrick Agyemang bagging his first in the 2024 MLS campaign.

Last year's Supporters' Shield winners are off to another convincing start to their season. FC Cincinnati along with four other clubs, remain unbeaten in the competition. Thanks to their stable backline, they’re tied with Toronto FC for the lowest goals-against average in MLS with 0.4.

Charlotte FC vs. FC Cincinnati Betting Odds for Saturday, Mar. 30

The books do feel strongly about the home club in this clash to earn a result. The problem is Charlotte FC is priced too high around the -300 mark on the double chance. Since history tends to repeat itself from time to time, with the way these matchups produce goals we dive into the same game parlay market. For Charlotte to win or draw and over 1.5 goals both teams combined is listed at -127. For Cincinnati to win or draw and over 1.5 goals combined is +120. For either side to snatch all three points and over 1.5 goals, is listed at -133.

Odds via BetMGM Sportsbook. Click the odd in the table below to place your bets at BetMGM. Get Up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets.*
*Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days. One New Customer Offer Only. Add’l terms.

Charlotte FC vs. FC Cincinnati Prediction

Charlotte

Charlotte FC got back to winning ways after enduring a tough three-game road trip. The victory last weekend extended the club's unbeaten run at home to 14 games. In 180 minutes of play, the Crowns have yet to concede a goal on their home pitch. Charlotte's sturdy defense has held the opposition the only two shots total on target through two contests at Bank of America Stadium.

Putting in a man-of-a-match performance last weekend was the versatile center-back and defensive midfielder Djibril Diani. Last weekend's performance saw him finish the match with the most tackles won with four and also had the highest amount of duels won with eight. In 90 minutes of play, he capped off a passing completion rate of 90 percent, going 36-for-40.

FC Cincinnati

After the departure of Brandon Vázquez, Cincinnati will lean upon Luciano Acosta to fill the void. The 29-year-old is off to a satisfying start through five matches in domestic play, finding the back of the net twice, and tallying two assists. In all competitions, the attacking midfielder is riding a three-game scoring streak. Discipline will be key for the Argentine, picking up a yellow card in his last three MLS matches.

Miles Robinson was a key addition in the winter transfer window, fitting in nicely with his new squad. The 27-year-old has appeared twice on the MLS Best Eleven in 2019 and 2021. The 29-time American international capped player was also an MLS Defender of the Year finalist in both those seasons.

Get Up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets at BetMGM when using our exclusive link.*
*Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days. One New Customer Offer Only. Add’l terms.

Charlotte FC vs. FC Cincinnati - My Pick

For the Orange and Blue in their last two MLS away contests, Not only did both games go over the 2.5 goal total, but their rock-solid defense also conceded both times. The defense tends to open up when Cincinnati plays on the road, not only an anomaly this season but in previous campaigns also.

On the other hand, for the Crowns, they have had Cincinnati’s number when they perform at home grabbing a result in their two previous encounters. CLTFC has more than what it takes to grab a result here in a match that should see at least a pair or more goals scored combined by these two contestants. When these two sides link up the stout defenses tend to show cracks.

• Charlotte FC vs. FC Cincinnati pick: Charlotte FC double chance and over 1.5 goals (-127) at BetMGM

How to Watch Charlotte FC vs. FC Cincinnati

• When: Saturday, March 30, 7.30 p.m ET

• Where: Bank of America Stadium

• TV: Apple TV