FC Cincinnati vs Monterrey FC Prediction: Clash of the Titans.

MLS champions breezed past Cavalier in the previous round, scoring 6 goals and conceding none across 2 legs. They have placed themselves in the discussion for the CONCACAF title and they are surely a team to take seriously.

The CONCACAF is in the round of 16 stage and FC Cincinnati face Monterrey. 

Monterrey FC are back in the CONCACAF Champions League after lifting the Liga MX Clausura title at the end of last season. They are back in the tournament for the first time since the 2016/17 edition. 

Monterrey clashing against FC Cincinnati can be regarded as the clash of the titans because of the current status of both clubs in the Liga MX and MLS.

FC Cincinnati

FC Cincinnati cemented their status at the end of last season after picking up America’s most prestigious soccer trophy. And from the looks of it, they might be around the same boundaries at the end of the season. But in this game, their focus is turned to the CONCACAF Champions League and they are serious about getting very far in the tournament.

FC Cincinnati had 2 very excellent games in the previous round when they breezed past the Jamaican club Cavalier. First ended in a 2-0 win for FC Cincinnati over at the Stadium East Field, and the return leg was even more interesting. FC Cincinnati won 4-0 in the return leg at the TQL Stadium. 

FC Cincinnati coach Pat Noonan saw his side enjoy dominance with the 3-4-1-2 formation against Cavalier in both legs. But he is aware that FC Monterrey is a bigger threat than the Jamaican club and it therefore calls for a more decisive approach. Aaron-Salem Boupendza and strike partner Gerardo Valenzuela looked absolutely unstoppable in the Cavalier game, with both attackers scoring a goal each in the 4-0 win. As tempting as the double attack system appears, it comes with its own downside especially against an unfamiliar opponent such as Monterrey who are currently top of the Liga MX table. So, Pat Noonan will have a big decision to make whether to keep the team on the offensive or revert to a safer style and shape

Monterrey

Monterrey's first instincts against FC Cincinnati will be to accord them huge respects and treat this game with utmost care. They don't want to start on the wrong side of the scoreline if they hope to progress in the second game. FC Cincinnati are a top team, and so is Monterrey.

Monterrey's heroics are not spoken of enough. They won the Liga MX trophy last season with 6 points ahead of second place Club America and they are currently top of the table this season, although only just by goal difference, but there's a big chance their name will be on the trophy at the end of the season.

In the CONCACAF Champions League, they had a fantastic opening game against Guatemalan club Comunicaciones. They defeated Comunicaciones 4-1 in the first leg and 3-0 in the second leg. Surely that's an indication they are a force to be reckoned with in the tournament.

Monterrey manager Fernando Ortiz will most likely play his style and damn the risks. He favors the flat 4-4-2 formation. He maintained both in the last round and it yielded positive results. So, we are expecting a full attacking style of play regardless of the quality with the FC Cincinnati team. However, Ortiz will be spoilt for choice between Rodrigo Aguirre, Arturo Gonzalez, German Berterame and Brandon Vasquez for the strike role. 

Head to Head

There's no h2h record between both clubs.

Analysis and Predictions

The big boys are clashing for the first time in this prestigious tournament and what could probably be season-definning. Both clubs look evenly matched in quality and they both want to win. 

FC Cincinnati have not lost their last 7 games in a row and Monterrey have not lost their last 15. Monterrey have seen more than 2.5 goals scored in 5 of their last 7 matches and they scored first in 5 of their last 7 matches. And FC Cincinnati have seen more than 10.5 corners played in 5 of their last 6 matches. 

• More than 2.5 Goals at 1.88 Odds
• More than 2.5 Goals at 1.88 Odds
• More than 2.5 Goals at 1.90 Odds