Cincinnati vs Santos Laguna Prediction: FC Cincinnati is expected to secure a 3-0 victory over Santos Laguna in their Leagues Cup round of 32 match.
The Leagues Cup knockout stage kicks off with an intriguing matchup as FC Cincinnati host Santos Laguna at TQL Stadium on Friday. Both sides will be eager to progress in this cross-border competition between MLS and Liga MX clubs.
Match Details
Date: Friday, August 9, 2024
Time: 11:30 PM ET
Venue: TQL Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio
Recent Form
FC Cincinnati
Cincinnati enter this match in high spirits after a remarkable comeback victory against New York City FC in their final group stage game. Trailing 2-0 with just 11 minutes remaining, the Orange and Blue staged an epic rally, scoring four goals in quick succession to win 4-2 and top their group.
This resilience has been a hallmark of Pat Noonan’s side throughout the season. They’ve shown an ability to fight back from deficits and grind out results when needed.
Santos Laguna
Santos Laguna’s form has been less convincing. After a heavy 3-0 defeat to DC United in their opening match, they managed to scrape through to the knockout stage with a penalty shootout victory over Atlanta United following a 0-0 draw.
The Mexican side has struggled for goals recently, having scored just once in their last nine competitive matches across all competitions.
Key Players to Watch
FC Cincinnati
- Luciano Acosta: The reigning MLS MVP missed Cincinnati’s last match with a toe injury. His availability could be crucial to the home side’s chances.
- Yuya Kubo: Scored a vital goal in the comeback against NYCFC and will look to continue his good form.
Santos Laguna
- Carlos Acevedo: The goalkeeper was the hero in the penalty shootout against Atlanta and will need to be at his best to keep Cincinnati at bay.
- Harold Preciado: The Colombian striker is still suspended and his absence continues to impact Santos’ attacking potency.
Injured and Unavailable Players
FC Cincinnati
- Luciano Acosta – Toe injury (Doubtful)
- Alec Kann – Hip injury (Questionable)
- Malik Pinto – Ankle injury (Out)
- Matt Miazga – Leg injury (Out for season)
- Nick Hagglund – Leg injury (Out)
Santos Laguna
- Pedro Aquino – Knee injury (Out)
- Ronaldo Prieto – Knee injury (Out)
- Harold Preciado – Suspended (Out)
Predicted Cincinnati vs Santos Laguna Lineups
FC Cincinnati Lineup (4-3-3): Kelsy, Murphy, Nwobodo, Robinson, Kubo, Keller, Walters, Orellano, Bucha, Halsey, Baird
Santos Laguna Lineup (4-4-2): Carrillo, Naveda, Amione, Munoz, Nunez, Lozano, Medina, Fagundez, Acevedo, Santamaria, Mariscal
Head-to-Head
This will be the first-ever meeting between FC Cincinnati and Santos Laguna. However, Cincinnati boasts an impressive record against Mexican opposition in the Leagues Cup, having won all three of their previous encounters with Liga MX sides.
Where to Watch?
The match will be available to stream live on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV in the United States and internationally.
Cincinnati vs Santos Laguna Live Streaming and TV Schedule for Other Countries
- USA: MLS Season Pass
- Canada: MLS Season Pass
- Mexico: MLS Season Pass
- UK: MLS Season Pass
- Germany: MLS Season Pass
- France: MLS Season Pass
- Spain: MLS Season Pass
- Italy: MLS Season Pass
- Brazil: MLS Season Pass
- Argentina: MLS Season Pass
Prediction
Given Cincinnati’s strong home record and recent form, coupled with Santos Laguna’s goal-scoring struggles, the hosts appear to have the edge. Cincinnati’s ability to mount comebacks and score late goals could prove decisive if the match is tight.
Predicted Score: FC Cincinnati 3-0 Santos Laguna
Cincinnati’s attacking prowess and Santos’ defensive frailties suggest there could be goals in this one. The home side’s momentum and Santos’ lack of firepower point towards a comfortable win for the MLS outfit.
This Leagues Cup round of 32 clash promises to be an exciting encounter between two teams with contrasting recent fortunes. Cincinnati will be looking to continue their impressive run against Mexican opposition, while Santos Laguna aim to rediscover their scoring touch and cause an upset on American soil.
Also Read:
