MLS Is Back Odds, Picks and Predictions (Saturday, July 11): How to Bet Columbus Crew vs. FC Cincinnati

MLS Is Back Odds: Columbus Crew vs. FC Cincinnati

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Only 90 minutes and a drive on Interstate 71 separate combatants in a featured Saturday match at the MLS is Back tournament.

Perennial Eastern Conference power Columbus takes on in-state rival FC Cincinnati in the Group E fixture at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando.

The clubs will kick off the latest of edition of the “Hell is Real” Derby at an extremely late 10:30 p.m. start, making this an even more intriguing showdown.

Columbus enters the match at full strength and comes off a 1-0-1 record to start its MLS campaign before the hiatus. The Crew opened its season with 1-0 victory against New York City FC at MAPFRE Stadium in Columbus before snagging a deserved point on the road in a 1-1 draw at Seattle.

On the other side, Cincinnati struggled out of the gate, albeit victim on an extremely difficult schedule to open its season. The club was handed one-goal defeats against Eastern Conference powerhouses Atlanta and the New York Red Bulls, so the side is hopeful it can build on those contests and find some positivity at this tournament.

In terms of the history between these teams, this match will mark the third time they will have faced each other, with Columbus holding a 1-0-1 edge in new series.

Columbus has always been considered a dangerous, respected club and found itself in the potential Eastern Conference champion conversation once again at the start of the season. The Crew’s savvy veteran leadership, led by Gyasi Zardes and Darlington Nagbe, give them an edge in a tournament like this against a Cincinnati side still trying to learn a system under new manager Jaap Stam.

Cincinnati seems to be much improved from last year’s dismal campaign, but I am not sure it can keep up with a deep, talented side of its Ohio foe.

That said, I am backing defensive-minded Columbus to pull out the victory in this Group E contest and pick up all three points.

If you’re looking to play the total, I would make a slight lean toward it staying under the number. There has been just one goal in the last two evening matches at this tournament, which seems to be due the late starts and the difficult hot, humid playing conditions blanketing South Florida.