On Saturday, September 28, 2024, TQL Stadium in Cincinnati will be the venue for an exciting matchup between third-place FC Cincinnati and seventh-place Los Angeles FC in the Major League Soccer (MLS) season. This encounter pits two of the top half teams in the league against each other, promising an intense and competitive game.
Team Form and Recent Performance
FC Cincinnati is on an unbeaten run of four matches, showcasing their strong form in recent games. In contrast, Los Angeles FC has not secured a win in their last five league matches, although they have performed well in cup competitions, recently winning the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup for the first time. Despite their recent league struggles, LAFC's attacking prowess has been a highlight, with players like Denis Bouanga and Mateusz Bogusz leading the charge.
Key Players and Injuries
For FC Cincinnati, Luciano Acosta has been a standout performer, contributing 13 goals and 17 assists this season. Other key players include Luca Orellano and Yuya Kubo. However, the team will be without Alec Kamm, Matt Miazga, and Nick Hagglund due to injuries, and Pavel Bucha's participation is also in doubt for personal reasons.
Los Angeles FC, meanwhile, will be missing Jesus Murillo and Lorenzo Dellavalle due to knee injuries, and Cristian Olivera is out with a leg injury. Despite these absences, the team can rely on the experience of Olivier Giroud, who has been impactful in cup competitions and is looking to score his first MLS goal for LAFC.
Predicted Lineups and Odds
FC Cincinnati is predicted to line up in a 3-4-1-2 formation with Calentano in goal, supported by defenders Awaziem, Robinson, and Murphy. The attacking duo is likely to feature Gioacchini and Santos, with Luciano Acosta playing a crucial creative role. For LAFC, a 4-3-3 formation is expected, with Lloris in goal and a front three of Bogusz, Giroud, and Bouanga.
The odds favor FC Cincinnati, with a moneyline of -111, while LAFC is at +266, and the draw is at +264. Predictions suggest a high-scoring game, with some tipping FC Cincinnati to win 3-2.
Head-to-Head and Match Facts
Historically, LAFC has the upper hand, having won the last two matches against FC Cincinnati. However, given the current form and home advantage, FC Cincinnati is poised to break this streak. The match kicks off at 23:30 UTC on September 28, 2024, at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati.
