Prediction: DC United vs Cincinnati

Verdict: Cincinnati double chance

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: Luckster

Looking to extend on their remarkable MLS flurry, a high-flying Cincinnati will travel to DC United in the early hours of Sunday.

DC United

Starting with the hosts, while DC United might have claimed a much-needed boost against Inter Miami earlier in the month, Wayne Rooney’s men have come crashing back down to earth in a worrying fashion. Last seen marking their return from the international break with a downbeat display on home soil as they slumped to a 2-1 loss at the hands of Real Salt Lake, the former Derby boss has seen his struggling squad muster just a pair of wins from any of their last 10 straight domestic appearances across all competitions – a run that stems all the way back to April 30th. Knowing that they’re in a real scrap to punch a play-off ticket in 2023, the Washington-based outfit should also be worried by their continued issues at Audi Field. In fact, including that 2-1 loss against RSL in midweek, DC United have won just one of their previous five showdowns in front of their own supporters.

Team News

Dealing with a mounting injury list, DC United will once again be without the likes of Mohanad Jeahze, Martin Rodriguez and Nigel Robertha. However, Rooney will be able to call upon Victor Palsson and Taxiarchis Fountas after both were away with Iceland and Greece respectively on international duties.

Shown a first-half red card against Real Salt Lake earlier in the week, 32-year-old Steven Birnbaum will miss out through suspension on Sunday.

Cincinnati

As for the visitors, marking their return from the international break as they stormed their way to a stellar 3-0 romp at home against Toronto, Cincinnati are enjoying what has been a remarkable purple patch. Only continuing to gain a string of plaudits since opening the 2023 campaign, Pat Noonan’s men should find the mood in their camp at a real high. Storming their way to the top of the Eastern Conference table and holding a commanding eight-point buffer over the chasing pack, the Garys will be looking to make another statement here. Along with extending on their US Open Cup adventure on June 7th following a routine 3-1 win against Pittsburgh, Noonan’s high-flying squad are unbeaten in each of their last 14 straight domestic appearances across all formats. With that rampant run of form stemming all the way back to April 16th, Cincinnati have also quickly gained a reputation for their free-scoring displays in the final third.

Team News

Dealing with respective long-term injury issues, Cincinnati will once again be without the duo of Kenneth Vermeer and Brenner this weekend. However, after serving a one-match suspension earlier in the week, Wolves-loanee Yerson Mosquera will return to the Garys’ squad on Sunday.

Once again finding the net against Toronto in midweek and now notching nine MLS strikes this season, the red-hot Luciano Acosta will spearhead Noonan’s attack here.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two sides met for their reverse MLS meeting on May 7th, Cincinnati picked up a 2-1 win at the TQL Stadium.
• Likewise, on their most recent MLS trip to Audi Field back in October, the Garys picked up an action-packed 5-2 romp.
• Sunday’s guests are unbeaten in each of their last 14 straight domestic appearances across all formats – a run that stems back to April 16th.
• DC United have recorded just a pair of wins from any of their last 10 domestic appearances.
• Rooney’s side have also mustered just a single win from their previous five showdowns at Audi Field.

Conclusion

Marking their return from the international break with a routine 3-0 romp at home against Toronto, Cincinnati will be looking to lay down another marker this weekend. Holding a remarkable eight-point buffer at the top of the Eastern Conference table, the Garys are also in the midst of a famous 14-match unbeaten charge. With that extended purple patch stemming all the way back to the middle of April, Noonan’s men should be relishing a trip to Audi Field on Sunday. With DC United recording just a pair of wins from any of their last 10 domestic showdowns, Cincinnati will also be excited by an eye-catching record against their Eastern Conference rivals. Clinching back-to-back MLS victories in their last two meetings, an away double chance can be found at appealing odds here.

Verdict: Cincinnati double chance

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: Luckster