FC Cincinnati and Pachuca meet for the first time to kick off their Leagues Cup campaign at TQL Stadium.
Cincy failed to make it out of the group stage last season after a mixed set of results against their trio of Liga MX opponents.
Pachuca did at least make the knockouts only to lose 2-1 at LA Galaxy in the quarter-finals.
FC Cincinnati vs Pachuca betting picks and predictions
FC Cincinnati to Win (+100)
FC Cincinnati are ready to take on Liga MX adversaries Pachuca after a thrilling victory at the weekend lifted spirits.
A disappointing 2-1 loss at Columbus Crew at the end of July was roundly criticised by head coach Pat Noonan, especially coming off the back of a pair of riotous wins, 6-2 over Orlando and 4-2 over Vancouver.
They had to come from behind in both those matches and did it again on Sunday, coming from 1-0 and 2-1 down to see off San Jose with a sensational late charge in grim conditions.
That's 19 points gained from losing positions for Cincy, which says something about their resolve.
And that's 40 goals scored in 11 home games which says even more about an offense which can look insanely good when the mood suits.
They have already beaten Liga MX opponents in Cincinnati this season - a 3-0 win over Tigres in the Champions League in the spring - and can now pick off Pachuca, who look exposed.
Pachuca are just three games into the apertura and have lost their last two, 2-1 at home to Queretaro and 1-0 at Leon.
Cincy messed up last year after beating Monterrey in their opener, losing to Juarez on penalties and then 2-1 to Guadalajara.
They are acutely aware goal difference could well be critical in determining qualification and are blessed with frontmen in the likes of Evander, Kevin Dankey and Kenji Mboma Dem to turn on the scoring taps in a flash.
Over 3.5 Goals (-110)
Two of Cincinnati's three group-stage games last season produced over 3.5 goals. Thirteen of their last 16 games have produced over 3.5 goals.
This might be a cup tie with all the tension that goes with it, but don't go expecting Cincy to back off in a game that promises plenty of goals.
Salomon Rondon has scored three goals in Pachuca's three games since the restart and there is plenty of experienced firepower in Benjamin Mora'a group..
Pavel Bucha To Score or Assist (+200)
All the gems in Pat Noonan's frontline are going to be tightly priced in any scorer market.
So have a look instead at midfielder Pavel Bucha to score or assist at +200.
The Czech star did not score against San Jose despite firing off three efforts and he does get shots away.
Bucha has four goals to his name in the MLS this season plus another four assists and can be a threat to Pachuca.
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FC Cincinnati vs Pachuca odds
FC Cincinnati | +100 |
Tie | +270 |
Pachuca | +210 |
FC Cincinnati vs Pachuca player props
Anytime goalscorer
Ahoueke Denkey (Cin) | -110 |
Evander Ferreira (Cin) | +100 |
Ayoub Jabbari (Cin) | +160 |
Salomon Rondon (Pac) | +130 |
Enner Valencia (Pac) | +140 |
Adrian Alcaraz (Pac) | +160 |
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
