The Chicago Fire return to MLS action after the international break when they host DC United at Soldier Field on Saturday with kickoff at 3 am.
The Chicago Fire have not fared well in the past few matches, dropping a 3-2 decision to Toronto FC in a match they had seemingly under control for much of the second half.
Their defeat came on the heels of two consecutive victories, and Fire head coach Ezra Hendrickson was at a loss for words after the loss to Toronto, referring to it as his team’s best performance of the year.
The Fire currently stands at the bottom of the MLS table with 11 points, but they have been playing better recently, and there are some positives to take away from their recent performances.
In the US capital, DC United’s manager Chad Ashton has failed to provide stability and consistency within the squad. After replacing Hernan Losada as a coach, Ashton aimed to bring the fun back to the game for his players, and even though the results have been mixed so far, they seem to be playing with a little more freedom going forward.
The Black and Red are without a win in their previous four MLS road fixtures, looking poor defensively away from home, allowing 11 goals over that stretch.
Chicago Fire vs DC United Head to Head
Both sides have 36 games against each other, with hosts taking 10 wins while visitors with 14 wins. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
- Toronto 3-2 Chicago
- NY Red Bulls 1-0 Chicago
- NY Red Bulls 3-3 Chicago
- Chicago 1-2 C Cincinnati
Away
- DC United 1-0 CSD Xelaju
- NY Red Bulls 4-1 DC United
- DC United 2-2 Toronto
- DC United 0-2 New York City
Chicago Fire Team News
Kacper Przybylko and Carlos Teran scored in their previous encounter with Chicago. At the same time, Gabriel Slonina’s chances of making the US World Cup squad have taken a hit, with the Chicago keeper conceding 10 times in his last three road games.
DC United Team News
The Black and Red won in their previous MLS match against Toronto FC on April 16. Nigel Robertha made his first start on April 16. Russell Canouse returned to the lineup after missing their previous fixture against the Reds, while Kimarni Smith recorded his first MLS assist.
Prediction and Odds
The Fire has been stingier defensively at home, and even with their potent attack, we expect D.C. United is more vulnerable in the attacking third than in the back.
- Home Win
- Goals Over 1.5
- Both Teams to Score
