FC Cincinnati will play host to Inter Miami on Sunday, May 16 at the new TQL Stadium. After a poor start of the season (0-1-2), Cincinnati decided to bolster their squad with two big signings, but will that be enough to stop the win-hungry Inter?
FC Cincinnati vs Inter Miami
When: Sunday, May 16 – 16:00 EDT
Where: TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio
Weather: Cloudy, 23°C
Referee: Ramy Touchan
FC Cincinnati have yet to win a single match this season. They have managed a draw in the season opener, but lost the next two, conceding eight goals in the process.
Inter have had a slightly better journey into the 2021 Major League Soccer (MLS) season with a win, two draws, and two losses. That said, they haven’t won a match in their last three.
Last time out, these sides parted ways with a narrow 2-1 victory for Inter. Will the visitors be able to repeat that success on Sunday, or will the new signings help Cincinnati to their first three points of the season?
FC Cincinnati Searching for Their First Win
Two weeks ago we predicted three goals between New York City and Cincinnati FC, which has happened, but not exactly how we expected. New York won that match 5-0, handing Cincinnati their second loss of the season.
Jaap Stam’s men have since added another loss against Orlando City (0-3) and are now winless in three. Having forced a draw in their season opener against Nashville SC, Cincinnati enters their fourth match of the season with only one point to their name.
In three games played, FC Cincinnati managed to score only twice but conceded 10. Those numbers are not exactly what you would want to see with a team you consider betting on.
That said, we have a reason to be optimistic about Cincinnati. They have recently signed a Dutch goalkeeper Kenneth Vermeer, as well as an experienced defender Geoff Cameron who arrives from Queens Park Rangers.
What’s more, Cincinnati will also play tonight’s game at home. That might not seem like a big deal considering they have lost all of their last five home games across all competitions.
However, Cincinnati are known for their supporters, who always to create the right atmosphere. Despite the reduced attendance due to COVID-19, the tickets sold out in minutes, so you can be sure FC Cincinnati will have the support needed to lock in their first win of the season.
Inter Miami’s Slow Start
Inter Miami enter this match with a 1-2-2 record and are winless in their last three. Phil Neville’s side started the season with a loss to Los Angeles Galaxy (2-3), to which they added a hard-fought 2-1 victory against Philadelphia Union.
In their next three, Inter drew with Nashville SC (0-0), Atlanta Utd (1-1), and lost their last outing against the current frontrunners in the Eastern Conference Club de Foot Montreal (0-2).
This isn’t the start of the season Inter had hoped for and it definitely doesn’t help that they have conceded seven goals and scored five in five games played. On a more positive note, four out of five of Inter’s points this season came in away games.
Inter Miami will enter this match without defenders Jorge Figal and Robbie Robinson, who will remain sidelined with an injury. Missing Robinson shouldn’t be a big issue as Gonzalo Higuain and his brother Federico are both ready to play, however, neither proved very efficient with the ball in Miami’s last two.
FC Cincinnati vs Inter Miami Betting Picks
FC Cincinnati and Inter Miami last met in November 2020, when Inter edged out a 2-1 win with goals via Michael Ambrose and Leandro Gonzalez. Despite what the final score would suggest, there are arguments to be made Cincinnati were the more deserving of a win.
They had 63% ball possession and shot the ball 4/12. They were also far more efficient with their passes but were unable to find the back of the net more than once.
A lot has changed since then and based on the teams’ form it might seem fair to expect a clean victory for the visitors. That said, we are not too high on Inter and particularly with their lack of goals recently.
Inter managed only one goal in their last three, which won’t do them any favors against the new and improved Cincinnati. Even though Cincinnati conceded eight in their last two, the addition of Vermeer and Cameron should make them much sturdier in the back.
This is a winnable match for the hosts, who should walk away with at least a point.
Prediction: FC Cincinnati +0.00 Asian Handicap
