CHICAGO FIRE are aiming to end a run of two straight defeats as they host fellow strugglers Philadelphia Union in an Eastern Conference MLS clash. Both teams have found things difficult lately and as they look particularly poor at the back, goals could be expected here.
It has been a difficult campaign so far for Chicago Fire, who have spent a lot of time rooted to the foot of the Eastern Conference. They have lost their last two matches and were beaten 2-1 at Seattle Sounders in their previous fixture.
A bit of positive for Chicago Fire is that they claimed a 2-1 victory over LA Galaxy in their previous fixture at Soldier Field. However, that was only the first win for Frank Klopas’ men in the last seven matches.
Philadelphia Union were also beaten in their previous MLS fixture as they fell 4-2 at Montreal. They took an early lead through Quinn Sullivan but ultimately suffered a defensive capitulation.
That defeat means Philadelphia Union have picked up just one win from their last 14 matches. The result also highlights a poor defensive record as Jim Curtin’s men have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last five matches, conceding four goals twice in that run.
How the bookies view it: Leaning slightly Chicago
Chicago Fire have the upper hand among the bookies and are priced at 6/5 by Betfred to claim the win. A victory for Philadelphia Union is valued at 15/8 while a draw is set at odds of 23/10.
Head to head: History favours Philadelphia
Philadelphia have a 17-11 advantage with 10 draws from 38 previous matches against Chicago Fire. However, the last two meetings have ended in 2-2 draws, with the most recent one coming in February.
Players to watch: Cuypers to stay hot
Hugo Cuypers has been the man in form for Chicago Fire and has found the net in four of the last five matches. The striker has also found the net in the last two matches at Soldier Field and is priced at 6/4 by Betfred to maintain his scoring run.
Daniel Gazdag is the leading scorer for Philadelphia Union with 10 goals and will be the one to watch on Thursday. The attacker has also scored in the last two meetings with Chicago Fire and is priced at 15/8 by Betfred to find the net once again.
Probable line-ups
Chicago Fire are still without Xherdan Shaqiri, who is with Switzerland at Euro 2024. Carlos Teran was taken off in the first half at Seattle and is doubtful for Thursday’s clash.
Alejandro Bedoya and Andre Blake remain sidelined for Philadelphia Union and will miss Thursday’s clash. However Daniel Gazdag could be handed a start after coming off the bench at Montreal.
Chicago Fire: Brady, Souquet, Pineda, Czichos, Arigoni, Herbers, Gimenez, Guttierez, Dean, Haile-Selassie, Cuypers
Philadelphia Union: Rick, Harriel, Glesnes, Elliott, Wagner, Sullivan, Flach, Bueno, McGlynn, Gazdag, Baribo
Anything else catch the eye?
Three of the last four matches between Chicago Fire and Philadelphia Union have produced over 3.5 goals, which is priced at 13/8 with Betfred. There have been more goals after the break in the last four meetings and a repeat is priced at 21/20 by Betfred.
Chicago Fire have opened the scoring in the last two meetings and could be backed to grab the first goal on Thursday at 4/5 with Betfred.
This MLS match between Chicago Fire and Philadelphia Union will be played on Jul 4, 2024 and kick off at 01:30. Check below for our tipsters best Chicago Fire vs Philadelphia Union prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
