In a cross-conference meeting in Major League Soccer, second-placed Eastern outfit FC Cincinnati welcome Western Conference strugglers FC Dallas to TQL Stadium, with both sides eager to halt their respective winless runs.
Cincinnati come into the contest without a victory in their last two league games (D1, L1), while the visitors are enduring a four-match drought (D1, L3).
Read our MLS predictions for the clash below.
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FC Cincinnati vs FC Dallas prediction: Another difficult night for the visitors
Key Stats
- Cincinnati have scored exactly two goals in four of their last five home fixtures.
- There has been at least one first-half goal in each of Cincinnati’s last seven games.
- Dallas have failed to score in five of their last seven league outings.
- Kevin Denkey has netted four goals across Cincinnati’s six home matches in MLS this season.
Correct score prediction: FC Cincinnati 2-0 FC Dallas
Despite suffering a 4-2 defeat away to Atlanta United in their last outing, Cincinnati have been a force on home soil, winning five of their six matches at TQL Stadium this season. Their most recent home success came in a 2-1 victory over Austin FC.
In contrast, Dallas were edged 1-0 by the Seattle Sounders last time out, continuing their troubles on the road. They have now lost back-to-back away games without scoring, and confidence is clearly in short supply.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Cincinnati tipped as firm favourites
- HOME: 4/7 (1.57) – 63.6%
- DRAW: 14/5 (3.80) – 26.3%
- AWAY: 3/1 (4.00) – 25.0%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
Given their formidable home form, it’s little surprise to see Cincinnati handed a 63.6% win probability. Their strength at TQL Stadium contrasts sharply with Dallas’ away struggles, and the visitors’ 25% chance reflects their recent slump on the road.
Visit our football betting tips page for more free predictions.
Most recent H2Hs: Little history, but edge to Cincinnati
These sides have met just twice before. Dallas claimed a 3-1 win in the first clash back in 2019, but Cincinnati came out on top in the most recent meeting with a 1-0 victory in June last year. This will be the first time FC Cincinnati host this fixture at TQL Stadium.
USA MLS 30/06/24
FC Dallas
FC Cincinnati
USA MLS 01/09/19
FC Dallas
FC Cincinnati
Cincinnati preview: Injury blow to Hagglund forces reshuffle
The Orange and Blue have picked up 29 points from 15 matches this season (W9, D2, L4), sitting second in the Eastern Conference and third in the Supporters’ Shield standings. However, their last defeat was a bruising one, conceding four goals in a match for the second time this campaign.
Two of Atlanta’s goals came moments after defender Nick Hagglund was forced off inside the opening 15 minutes. It was later confirmed he had suffered two broken ribs and will be sidelined for several weeks.
Teenage Hadebe, who replaced Hagglund against Atlanta, is expected to start this time. Elsewhere, Yuya Kubo remains a doubt after missing the previous game.
Predicted lineup: Celentano (GK), Hadebe, Miazga, Robinson, Orellano, Bucha, Nwobodo, Engel, Valenzuela, Evander & Denkey
USA MLS 10/05/25
W
Austin FC
1
FC Cincinnati
2
USA MLS 04/05/25
L
New York City FC
1
FC Cincinnati
0
USA MLS 26/04/25
W
Sporting Kansas City
1
FC Cincinnati
2
USA MLS 20/04/25
W
Chicago Fire
2
FC Cincinnati
3
USA MLS 12/04/25
W
DC United
0
FC Cincinnati
1
Dallas preview: Kamungo pushing for start as winless run drags on
Dallas haven’t won a league game since their thrilling 4-3 triumph away to Inter Miami on 27 April. Since then, they’ve lost three of four matches, scoring just once — during a 1-1 draw with Real Salt Lake — and conceding nine times.
A once-promising six-match unbeaten away run has now turned into consecutive defeats, leaving Eric Quill’s side in 11th place in the West and 22nd overall with 16 points.
Leo Chu and Sebastian Lletget remain sidelined with knee and leg injuries, respectively. Meanwhile, Bernard Kamungo could be handed a start on the flank after Anderson Julio offered little against the Sounders and was withdrawn at half-time.
Predicted lineup: Paes (GK), Abubakar, Ibeagha, Urhoghide, Farfan, Show, Ramiro, Pedrinho, Delgado, Kamungo & Farrington
USA MLS 11/05/25
D
Real Salt Lake
1
FC Dallas
1
USA US Open Cup 08/05/25
W
Antelope Valley Alta
1
FC Dallas
3
USA MLS 04/05/25
L
San Diego FC
5
FC Dallas
0
USA MLS 27/04/25
W
Inter Miami CF
3
FC Dallas
4
USA MLS 20/04/25
D
Minnesota United
0
FC Dallas
0
Player to watch: Kevin Denkey
The Togolese forward has already bagged eight MLS goals this season and has scored in half of Cincinnati’s home games. Notably, five of those goals have been match openers, making him a real threat from the first whistle.
