New York Red Bulls vs FC Cincinnati Odds & Prediction – MLS Cup Playoffs Round One (Oct 15)

• New York Red Bulls host FC Cincinnati in MLS Cup playoff action on Saturday, October 15th at 12 pm ET
• It’s the fourth seed versus the fifth in the opening round of the Eastern Conference playoffs
• Read on for betting odds, a full preview and best bets for this match

As far as opening matches go, Saturday’s meeting, New York Red Bulls vs FC Cincinnati, is a picture-perfect way to launch the 2022 MLS Cup playoffs. It’s the old school versus the new order. The elder statesmen against the new kids on the block.

New York is making its 23rd appearance in the playoffs – the most in MLS history – while FC Cincinnati, in its fourth season of MLS play, is making its postseason debut.

However, none of those storylines will matter when the two teams line up at Red Bull Arena on Saturday. Neither is expected to threaten the winners’ circle at season’s end, with the Red Bulls the more likely team to hoist the MLS Cup according to the MLS Cup odds. But that doesn’t mean that we aren’t in for a fiercely contested match, one that should set the tone for the rest of the opening round.

New York Red Bulls vs FC Cincinnati Odds

Odds as of October 14th at Caesars Sportsbook. Check out these Caesars Sportsbook bonuses before betting these odds.

Over/Under and Spread

The past half-dozen contests between New York and Cincinnati have been low-scoring contests, with each team combining for two goals or fewer in all of those games. And that’s been the story throughout their rivalry, with eight of nine all-time fixtures between the sides featuring a total of two goals or under, so it’s hardly surprising to see under 2.5 goals listed at -110, versus -120 for over 2.5 goals.

With a low-scoring contest likely in the offing, there’s not much between the sides in the spread either, with New York at -0.5 listed at -105, versus -125 for Cincinnati at +0.5.

Brenner’s Time To Shine?

Arguably no player in MLS has been in better form over the past month than Cincinnati striker Brenner. The Brazilian forward was named MLS player of the week and of the month for September/October after registering nine goals in his last five games, tied for most in a five-game span in league history.

No one was stopping @09brenner at the end of the regular season! 🔥

After two hat tricks and helping @fccincinnati clinch a postseason spot, Brenner is your Player of the Month. pic.twitter.com/aoap3AHfSj

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) October 12, 2022

That streak featured two hat tricks – his second and third of the season – and powered his club to a record of three wins, one draw, and one loss, allowing Cincy to clinch a playoff spot for the first time in franchise history.

Cincy’s High-Powered Offense

But Cincinnati’s attack is far more than a one-man show. Brenner and fellow striker Brandon Vazquez each scored 18 goals this season, making them the only strike partnership in MLS history to each bag at least 18 goals.

On top of that, Argentine midfielder Luciano Acosta also chipped in with 10 goals and 19 assists, with the trio accounting for a total of 46 goals, more than the club scored in any of the team’s first three MLS seasons.

Red Bull Resilience

New York comes into this game having won three of its last four games at Red Bull Arena, culminating in last weekend’s 2-0 win over Charlotte FC on Decision Day to lock down the Eastern Conference’s fourth seed and set up the club’s first home playoff game since 2018.

Manoel's brace helps Red Bulls beat Charlotte FC, secure home playoff match.

Match Recap, pres. by @ProvidentBank I https://t.co/ZEfucYsZel pic.twitter.com/dKmncWWAFI

— New York Red Bulls (@NewYorkRedBulls) October 10, 2022

While Saturday’s match is the first playoff meeting between the two teams, the Red Bulls hold the upper hand in the regular-season meetings, holding a 4-2-3 edge in nine all-time matches. On top of that, they are unbeaten in their last four games against their Ohio-based opponent, and hold a 2-1-2 all-time record over Cincy at home, with the lone visiting win coming in 2019.

Home Sweet Home?

New York was a road team for the ages this season, becoming the second team in league history to win their first five road games in regulation, ultimately finishing behind only CF Montreal with nine away wins. However, the Red Bulls frequently stumbled at home, going just 6-6-5 at Red Bull Arena, with their .500 home win percentage tied for the second-lowest in MLS.

New York Red Bulls vs FC Cincinnati Team Lineups and Injuries

Red Bulls Projected Lineup: Coronel; Reyes, S. Nealis, Long, Duncan; D. Nealis, Edelman, Amaya, Carmona; Manoel, Morgan

Red Bulls Injuries: Clark, Ngoma, Casseres, Ryan, Harper

Cincinnati Projected Lineup: Celentano; Miazga, Murphy, Hagglund, Barreal; Nwobodo, Kubo, Moreno; Acosta, Brenner, Vazquez

Cincinnati Injuries: Sunderland, Vermeer

New York Red Bulls vs FC Cincinnati League Stats

New York Red Bulls vs FC Cincinnati Best Bet

New York’s less-than-stellar record at home, in stark contrast to Cincinnati’s scintillating offensive form in front of goal – particularly from Brenner, who is enjoying a breakout season – can lead to only one conclusion here.

Pick: FC Cincinnati (+265)