FC Cincinnati Vs Atlanta United
FC Cincinnati Vs Atlanta United Thursday 22 July, 2021 – 01:00
US Major League Soccer
Pick: Atlanta or Draw
Odds: 7/10
Bookmaker: Betway
(All betting odds correct at time of writing: 21 July 2021)
Preview: Rob Valentino will take charge of his first competitive fixture as Atlanta United manager for the visit to TQL Stadium, the home of an FC Cincinnati outfit which had been enjoying an upturn in results until they were knocked off their stride last time around.
US Major League Soccer Betting at Betfair
Table of Contents
FC Cincinnati – On the up but not at home?
Two separate two goal leads. A first MLS brace for big money signing Brenner. The first time ever managing four goals in league play. Zero points. If ever a result was designed to knock the stuffing out of a side, it was the dramatic, nine goal classic that ensued inside Saputo Stadium last Saturday as CF Montreal fought back from 2-0 and 4-2 down to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat against FC Cincinnati.
That marked an end to an impressive stretch for Jaap Stam’s team, which had been unbeaten in four. Winning ‘to nil’ against Chicago Fire and Toronto before successive scoring draws with Houston Dynamo and Columbus Crew. The Dutchman now has a task on his hands preventing a valiant defeat from having a demoralising impact on a group that, until then, had enjoyed easily their most productive period.
Said recent resurgence catapulted Cincy into play-off contention when earlier, after one win and five defeats in their first seven games, avoiding a third consecutive Wooden Spoon seemed the limit of their ambitions. It has to be duly noted, however, that much of this improved form was delivered on the road. At home they remain one of two teams, Inter Miami being the other, yet to bank three points (D1 L3).
Atlanta United – Heinze departure catalyst for mid-season resurgence?
And so the rot continues. A club record eighth consecutive MLS game without a win was set after the 1-0 loss to New England Revolution seven days ago. A result that was met with a chorus of boos from the faithful inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Their displeasure seemingly two-fold: they demanded their talismanic forward be reintegrated back into the side, and they wanted to see progress out on the pitch.
The first part of that plea bargain appears to have been granted. The impasse between the club’s poster boy and its underachieving manager broken following the dismissal of Gabriel Heinze from the Atlanta hot seat. Rob Valentino, previously an assistant manager with the club during the Frank de Boer era, takes over an interim basis. His first port of call, presumably, to welcome Josef Martinez in from the cold.
Whether it is a fired up Martinez determined to turn some negative media speculation into positive feedback on the pitch, or new manager bounce, the Five Stripes urgently an injection of something. More than two months have passed since they last won a league game, collecting a scarcely believable three of 24 points thereafter. Scoring only twice – in the 2-2 draw with Nashville – in their previous five.
Don’t miss out on other Betting Tips & Predictions
Click here for more Betting Tips
FC Cincinnati Vs Atlanta United Betting Advice
Both teams come into the contest at TQL Stadium having lost last time out. Cincinnati losing a classic away to CF Montreal as Atlanta extended their worst-ever MLS run with defeat at home to New England Revolution. Both will therefore harbour genuine aspirations of bouncing back in this fixture. The former posting some encouraging recent form whereas the latter boast a positive head-to-head record.
FC Cincinnati Vs Atlanta United – Key Facts:
- Perched side by side in 10th and 11th in the Eastern Conference respectively, FC Cincinnati host Atlanta United having won one of the club’s five previous duels (W1 D1 L3).
- Before losing 5-4 on the road at CF Montreal, FC Cincinnati had been enjoying their best run of form of 2021, recording two wins and two draws.
- A recent 1-0 loss at home to East Conference leaders New England Revolution extended the longest winless run in Atlanta United‘s MLS history to eight games (D3 L5).
Atlanta have lost just one of five meetings between the clubs, winning three. This includes a 2-0 victory in the only encounter staged here in Cincinnati. There is also the possibility of a double bounce for the visits, who welcome not only a new manager but Josef Martinez back into the fray. That, coupled with the hosts being three for four in home losses for the season, makes me think the Five Stripes can salvage something from this trip north.
Best Betting Odds – FC Cincinnati Vs Atlanta United
FC Cincinnati – 6/5 (PaddyPower)
Draw – 12/5 (BetVictor)
Atlanta United – 23/10 (Betfair)
