FC Cincinnati vs DC United Lineups, Prediction, Betting Picks & Odds
FC Cincinnati vs DC United lineups, prediction and betting odds, plus Same Game Parlay picks for Wednesday's MLS game. Team news and probable starters.
Cody Moore - October 21, 2026, 3:07 PM EDT
7 minutesFC Cincinnati vs DC United Game Preview
Competition | Major League Soccer |
|---|---|
Game Date | Wednesday, October 21, 2026 |
Game Time | 7:00 PM ET / 4:00 PM PT |
Venue (City, Stadium) | Cincinnati, TQL Stadium |
FC Cincinnati and DC United finally meet at TQL Stadium on Wednesday night. Severe weather postponed this game in September, and it now opens a rare back-to-back MLS double-header.
Cincinnati sit ninth in the Eastern Conference and need points to keep their run of playoff appearances going. Three losses in their last four MLS games have turned this into a must-win night.
DC United, coached by René Weiler, sit 26th of 30 teams in the standings. They need a much better showing away from home in their late push for an Eastern Conference playoff berth.
Cincinnati have the edge in previous meetings, with three wins to DC United's two and one tie. The rematch at Audi Field comes this weekend, so a statement win here counts double.
FC Cincinnati vs DC United Recent Results
FC Cincinnati's MLS slump got worse on Sunday. Columbus Crew struck early and held on for a 2-0 win at TQL Stadium, which leaves the hosts with one win in their last nine league outings. The attack is still the selling point. Cincinnati finish well, create plenty, and Denkey and Barlow up top keep the shot volume high.
DC United came crashing back to earth after their heroics against New York Red Bulls. An Antoine Griezmann-inspired Orlando City beat them 4-1 at Inter&Co Stadium, and one win in their last six MLS games tells you where they are. Jackson Hopkins could return up front, and this team still generates looks from long balls and crosses.
FC Cincinnati vs DC United Lineups & Team News
Injuries & Suspensions
FC Cincinnati: Jose Martínez (Injured/out), Miles Robinson (Injured/out), Julián Malatini (Injured/doubtful)
DC United: L. Munteanu (Injured/out), G. Segal (Injured/out), H. Kijima (Injured/out)
FC Cincinnati
The biggest change to the FC Cincinnati vs DC United lineups is on the home side. Julián Malatini is listed as doubtful and is set to miss out after picking up an injury against Columbus Crew at the weekend. Ender Echenique and Nick Hagglund are expected to step into the starting XI, while Jose Martínez and Miles Robinson are confirmed absentees.
DC United
Lucas Bartlett has served his suspension and is available again, which is a welcome boost. René Weiler could also recall Jackson Hopkins and Matti Peltola for the trip to TQL Stadium. L. Munteanu, G. Segal and H. Kijima are all sidelined with injuries.
FC Cincinnati vs DC United Predicted Lineup
FC Cincinnati
Formation: 3-5-2 (probable)
Predicted Starting Lineup: R. Celentano; T. Hadebe, N. Hagglund, S. Gidi; T. Malacia, P. Bucha, O. Nwobodo, Evander, E. Echenique; T. Barlow, K. Denkey
DC United
Formation: 4-4-2 (probable)
Predicted Starting Lineup: S. Johnson; S. Hefti, L. Bartlett, S. Nealis, K. Kurokawa; K. Nono, M. Peltola, A. Dozzell, Peglow; J. Hopkins, T. Baribo
FC Cincinnati vs DC United Key Stats & Game Facts
- There have been 9+ shots on target in 8 of the last 9 meetings between DC United and FC Cincinnati in Major League Soccer.
- There have been 28+ shots taken in 5 of DC United's last 5 games in Major League Soccer.
- There have been 4+ goals scored in 7 of FC Cincinnati's last 8 games in Major League Soccer.
- DC United have received 2+ cards in 4 of their last 4 games vs FC Cincinnati in Major League Soccer.
FC Cincinnati vs DC United Prediction & Best Picks
Our Prediction
This one points to a home win, slump and all. The projections have Cincinnati on 2.37 goals to DC United's 1.28, which is a clear margin and nowhere near a coin flip. The hosts are -163 (Polymarket) on the moneyline. They bring the sharper attack against a DC United side that creates plenty but struggles to finish what it creates.
Best Picks
FC Cincinnati to win in the Moneyline market, backed at home against a struggling DC United. This selection sits in the Moneyline market and tops our list of picks for this one. The projections give Cincinnati a 61.53% win probability, and a DC United team that can't finish its opportunities is just the opponent a slumping side needs.
Yes in the Both Teams To Score market, with both sides expected to find the net. The market here is Both Teams To Score, and the projections rate a yes at 65.43%. FC Cincinnati have conceded at least 2 goals in 7 of their last 8 games in Major League Soccer, so look for DC United to get on the board even in defeat.
FC Cincinnati vs DC United Same Game Parlay
This Same Game Parlay takes the messy route: Cincinnati to score twice, DC United or a tie, and both teams to score.
Over 1.5 in the Total Home Goals market has hit in 4 of Cincinnati's last 6. Their attack is the strongest part of this team, and it carries this leg.
DC United-Draw in the Double Chance market is the contrarian leg, and it goes against our main pick. Cincinnati are poor at protecting leads, and DC United create a lot of looks.
Yes in the Both Teams To Score market has landed in 4 of DC United's last 5 games, and Cincinnati are weak at stopping opponents from creating opportunities.
Put together, these three legs need goals at both ends and DC United to stay level or better. That is a messier, longer-priced script than our straight call.
Make sure to get the best odds on your Same Game Parlay with Oddschecker's Exclusive Same Game Parlay Comparison Tool.
Same Game Parlay odds correct at time of publishing.
FC Cincinnati vs DC United Talking Points
Fatigue is the first storyline. Cincinnati are on a three-day turnaround after Sunday's Hell is Real derby loss to Columbus Crew, and this is a team that rotates its first eleven, so changes would not be a surprise. Head coach Pat Noonan has made it clear that results matter more than numbers in this playoff push. The tactical matchup gives DC United one clear route in. They play direct, with long balls and frequent crosses, and Cincinnati are vulnerable to attacks down the wings. DC United's last 5 games in Major League Soccer have all gone over 2.5 goals, so a scoreless night looks far-fetched. The FC Cincinnati vs DC United betting odds have the hosts as clear favorites, but nobody should expect a quiet game.
FC Cincinnati vs DC United Predictions FAQs
When is the FC Cincinnati vs DC United US MLS game?
The game kicks off at 7:00 PM ET / 4:00 PM PT on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, in Major League Soccer's 2026 season.
Where is FC Cincinnati vs DC United being played?
The game is being played at TQL Stadium.
What formations and absentees are expected for FC Cincinnati vs DC United?
FC Cincinnati are expected to line up in a 3-5-2 and DC United in a 4-4-2. Listed as injured for FC Cincinnati are J. Martínez and M. Robinson, while L. Munteanu, G. Segal and H. Kijima are listed as injured for DC United.
What is the head-to-head record between FC Cincinnati and DC United?
In previous meetings, FC Cincinnati have won 3 games, 1 has ended in a tie and DC United have won 2.
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