Miami and Cincinnati can reach dangerous receivers through different routes. Miami's possession works through the spaces between midfield and defence, while Cincinnati can turn a clean central reception into an immediate forward attack. Austin and Salt Lake have a similar contest over the next pass after pressure is escaped.
Messi is expected to have a larger role than his substitute appearance in Miami's previous match. Alongside De Paul, Suárez and Berterame, he gives Miami several connected receiving movements against Cincinnati's replacement defensive group. Robinson and Malatini remain out, and neither featured in Cincinnati's latest selected group.
Cincinnati retain Bucha, Evander and their principal forward connections. Their recent goals came through both central passing and a quick escape into space, meeting a Miami side whose protection after losing possession has been exposed. I expect possession to change into dangerous attacks in both directions, which is why I'm siding with goals in Miami–Cincinnati.
Salt Lake's right-side relationship between de Fougerolles and Marczuk gives them an exit into Caliskan, Guilavogui and Solans. Their productive connections were visible before the St. Louis dismissal and also away at Kansas City.
Austin now lose Ervin Torres after he started and left the previous match. Salt Lake's Luna and Eneli absences are continuing conditions, while Glad's recent return adds an option rather than a promised starting role. As Austin advance wide, Salt Lake can keep reaching their connected receivers. That's why I'm siding with Real Salt Lake, with a level finish returning that part of the stake.
