Cincinnati will host Chicago Fire in an Eastern Conference MLS clash at TQL Stadium in Ohio. The hosts are aiming to climb to the top of the table but face a Chicago team who have done some good work on their recent travels.
Cincinnati come into this clash in good form having won their last three MLS matches. They claimed a 2-1 victory at Orlando City in their previous fixture, with Evander scoring a brace.
Sitting just one point off top spot in the Eastern Conference, Cincinnati will be looking to leapfrog leaders Philadelphia Eagles. Pat Noonan’s men have been solid at home and are unbeaten in nine of their last 10 matches across all competitions. However, they suffered a 2-1 defeat to DC United in their previous fixture in their previous home matches.
Chicago Fire are eighth in the table and have also been in good form lately, winning seven of their last 10 matches across all competitions. They picked up a 3-2 home victory over Charlotte in their previous fixture.
Greg Berhalter’s team appear to fare better on their travels, winning four of their last five away matches in all competitions. They have picked up some one-sided results in that run like the 7-1 victory at DC United in their previous fixture on the road.
How the bookies view it: Bookies backing Cincinnati
Cincinnati have been installed as overwhelming favourites among the bookies and are priced at 3/4 by BoyleSports to claim the win. A victory for Chicago Fire is valued at 9/4 while a draw is set at odds of 3/1.
Head to head: Cincinnati on top
Cincinnati have a 7-4 advantage with five draws from 16 previous matches against Chicago Fire. The hosts also claimed a 3-2 away victory in the reverse fixture.
Players to watch: Eyes on Evander
Evander will be the one to watch for Cincinnati as he looks to add to his 11 MLS goals this season. The striker has four goals in the last two matches and will be keen to maintain his scoring run (Evander Anytime Goalscorer – 11/8 with BoyleSports).
Chicago Fire also have a prolific forward of their own, with Hugo Cuypers scoring 11 league goals this season. He was in target last time out against Charlotte and could be worth keeping an eye on (Hugo Cuypers Anytime Goalscorer available at 7/5).
Probable line-ups
Obinna Nwobodo, Yuya Kubo, Luca Orellano and Sergio Santos are all sidelined for Cincinnati through injury. Kevin Denkey should feature in attack, with Evander expected to provide support.
Rominigue Kouame is sidelined with injury and will miss out for Chicago Fire. Cuypers should lead the line once again while Samuel Rogers is set to continue at the heart of the defence.
Cincinnati: Celentano, Yedlin, Miazga, Flores, Hadebe, Engel, Bucha, Anunga, Evander, Valenzuela, Denkey
Chicago Fire: Gal, Dean, Rogers, Elliot, Gutman, Oregel, Pineda, Zinckernagel, Gutierrez, Bamba, Cuypers
Anything else catch the eye?
Three of the last five matches between Cincinnati and Chicago Fire have produced over 2.5 goals – priced at 11/10 with BoyleSports. Their last four matches have also produced over 1.5 goals in the first half (First Half over 1.5 goals priced at 11/10).
Four of Cincinnati’s last five home matches have produced more goals after the break (Second Half most goals – 20/23).
Cincinnati vs Chicago Fire Betting Tips & Predictions
Further Reading
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