Chicago Fire will hope to continue their climb away from the foot of the table when they host Toronto FC in an MLS clash at Soldier Field. Chicago have maintained a solid record at home in recent weeks and are backed to overcome Toronto.
Chicago Fire are coming off a 2-2 draw against DC United last time out in the MLS. They raced to a two-goal lead thanks to an effort from Gaston Gimenez and an own goal from Andy Najar and looked on course to claim the win before conceding twice late in the second half.
After spending the early part of the season rooted to the bottom of the Eastern Conference, Chicago are beginning to show signs of life in recent weeks and are up to 12th on the table. That rise is driven by a solid home form as they are unbeaten in their last four matches at Soldier Field.
Among the result for Raphael Wicky's men in their recent resurgence at hone is a 3-1 victory over Eastern Conference high flyers Orlando City while they also beat Atlanta United 3-0. Defending remains a problem, however, with just one clean sheet in their last six matches at home.
Toronto also played out a draw in their previous MLS fixture as they were held 1-1 by New York Red Bulls. They fell behind just after the restart but struck back midway through the second half through Ralph Priso-Mbongue.
It has been a disappointing campaign for Toronto as they have claimed just two wins all season. They are currently sitting second from bottom in the East with eight points, just two above basement boys Inter Miami.
Chris Armas' men have been poor travellers this season and travel to Soldier Field with four defeats from their last five away matches. A 7-1 loss at DC United in early July highlights how much they struggle on the road.
How the bookies view it
The bookies have installed Chicago Fire as favourites with bet365 offering 11/10 for a home win. A victory for Toronto is priced at 23/10 by SBK while a draw Is set at odds of 29/10 by betfair.
Given Chicago Fire's recent resurgence at home and with Toronto often struggling on the road, I am tempted to back the hosts to claim the win.
Head to head
There have been 33 previous matches between Chicago Fire and Toronto FC with both teams claiming 11 wins each. The most recent meeting was a friendly in 2020 which ended 2-0 in favour of Chicago.
Players to watch
Chicago Fire spread their goals across the team but Ignacio Aliseda has been the man in form in recent weeks with three goals in his last four matches. The striker is priced at 7/2 by bet365 to score anytime while the first goal is valued at 12/1 by the same firm.
Jozy Altidore often leads the line for Toronto and will be the one to watch on Sunday. Bet365 has the striker at odds of 13/8 in the anytime goalscorer market while also offering 6/1 for the first goal.
Anything else catch the eye?
Chicago Fire have seen over 3.5 goals in three of their last four home matches and a similar outcome is priced at 31/20 by betfair. Over 2.5 goals is valued at 10/17 by SBK while William Hill is offering 8/15 on both teams to score.
Chicago Fire often take the lead in their home matches and could be backed to score first at 3/4 with BoyleSport. Both teams are also likely to score in the second half at 7/4 with Paddy Power.
This MLS match between Chicago Fire and Toronto FC will be played on Jul 25, 2021 and kick off at 01:00. Check below for our tipsters best Chicago Fire vs Toronto FC prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
