With the race for a MLS Eastern Conference playoff spot heating up, Atlanta United and Chicago Fire battle it out for all three points at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Thursday, 17 July.
View more MLS predictions after analysing our Atlanta United vs Chicago Fire predictions below.
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Atlanta vs Chicago Fire prediction: Chicago Fire to take home three points
Key Stats
- Atlanta are winless in five straight league games (D2, L3).
- The Five Stripes have won back-to-back away league games.
- Chicago Fire have won once in five MLS games (L4).
- The Fire have lost back-to-back away competitive matches.
Correct score prediction: Atlanta United 1-2 Chicago Fire
Atlanta’s defensive struggles persist – 38 conceded in 21 matches makes them the joint second-worst defence this term so far in the Eastern Conference. Emmanuel Latte Lath’s stoppage time penalty saved their skin in the 1-1 result with Toronto FC, marking successive draws, before which they lost three on the trot. By the look of things, the hosts are anything but prepared to face the side that beat them 2-1 in the reverse fixture back in May.
However, Gregg Berhalter’s men are on a two-game losing streak in the league themselves, but their recent victory over Charlotte proves they could very well spring an away upset against 12th-placed Atlanta.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Five Stripes with the figures
- HOME: 21/20 (2.05) – 48.7%
- DRAW: 27/10 (3.70) – 27%
- AWAY: 15/8 (2.87) – 34.8%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
Although Atlanta enter this clash in poor form following a fifth straight winless outing, they are favourites to beat the visitors. Home advantage perhaps speaks volumes, as they are favoured with 21/20 (2.05) odds, suggesting a 48.7% chance of success at home.
Chicago are clearly the underdogs in this matchup, with their recent streak of three losses offering no inspiration. With odds of 15/8 (2.87), they have a 34.8% probability of victory at the Mercedes-Benz Arena.
All predictions for today’s games can be found in a comprehensive manner on our football betting tips page.
Most recent H2Hs: Can Atlanta extinguish the Fire?
Chicago Fire have won three of their previous 10 H2Hs, while Atlanta hold the edge with four in that duration.
USA MLS 10/05/25
Chicago Fire
Atlanta United
USA MLS 28/04/24
Chicago Fire
Atlanta United
USA MLS 31/03/24
Atlanta United
Chicago Fire
USA MLS 21/05/23
Chicago Fire
Atlanta United
USA MLS 23/04/23
Atlanta United
Chicago Fire
Atlanta preview: Time to capitalise on home advantage
The Five Stripes have few concerns on their hands, with Ronny Deila missing Derrick Williams, Ajani Fortune, Josh Cohen and Stian Gregersen.
Predicted lineup:Hibbert (GK), Lennon, Morales, Abram, Amador, Miranchuk, Thiare, Slisz, Brennan, Lath & Almiron
USA MLS 10/05/25
L
Chicago Fire
2
Atlanta United
1
USA MLS 03/05/25
D
Nashville SC
1
Atlanta United
1
USA MLS 26/04/25
L
Orlando City SC
3
Atlanta United
0
USA MLS 19/04/25
L
Philadelphia Union
3
Atlanta United
0
USA MLS 12/04/25
L
New England Revolution
1
Atlanta United
0
Chicago preview: Can they spring an upset?
Chris Mueller, Christopher Cupps, David Poreba, Justin Reynolds and Carlos Teron are all unavailable for this encounter.
Predicted lineup: Brady (GK), Gutman, Rogers, Elliott, Barroso, Oregel, Gutierrez, Pineda, Bamba, Cuypers & Zinckernagel.
USA MLS 10/05/25
W
Atlanta United
1
Chicago Fire
2
USA US Open Cup 08/05/25
W
Detroit City FC
0
Chicago Fire
4
USA MLS 04/05/25
D
Orlando City SC
0
Chicago Fire
0
USA MLS 27/04/25
L
Nashville SC
7
Chicago Fire
2
USA MLS 20/04/25
L
FC Cincinnati
3
Chicago Fire
2
Player to watch: Hugo Cuypers
With 12 goals and two assists, Hugo Cuypers is Chicago Fire’s top scorer in the league this term. His presence is bound to cause Atlanta’s backline real problems, especially by combining with Zinckernagel in the final-third.
He netted his side's only consolation in the 2-1 loss last matchday to San Diego.