Monterrey vs FC Cincinnati Prediction & Picks - Leagues Cup

Prediction published on 7/31/25, 3:54 PM  by Erik Gibbs in Leagues Cup Picks

Monterrey and FC Cincinnati clash in a massive Leagues Cup game between two of Liga MX and MLS's top sides. Cincinnati come into this match with solid domestic form. They are just behind the MLS leaders and have lost only once from their last five league games.

Recent form has included a home win against Real Salt Lake and a gritty away draw with Inter Miami. Defensively, they’ve been very solid, having taken three clean sheets from their last five games. Home games, however, have seen Cincinnati make TQL Stadium a fortress, where they’ve lost points very sparingly so far during the season.

The Orange and Blue have a personal vendetta angle going with motivation, as Monterrey defeated them from the Concacaf Champions Cup way back in February. That two-legged loss still hurts and gives Cincinnati a little bit more bite heading into their re-match.

Cincinnati's offense hasn't been quite so potent with injury, but their defensive structure hasn't been rocked, and their possession-control side has been improved. Manager Pat Noonan has given them balance and solidity, and they are difficult to break. They seem very well-positioned to have a respectable Leagues Cup campaign, especially at home.

Monterrey, however, come with world-class credentials and a very experienced team. They have already tested their mettle against world-class opponents during their summer campaign so far in the FIFA Club World Cup, holding Inter Milan to a draw and comfortably beating Urawa Reds.

They have also recovered from a shocking opening-day defeat in Liga MX, with consecutive wins against San Luis and Atlas. Both domestically and globally, Monterrey have proved they belong with the very finest. They have a wonderful mix between experienced old heads, astute tactics, and frontline firepower.