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Charlotte have the opportunity to secure a fourth win in five matches as they travel to Soldier Field on Sunday to face Chicago Fire.
Midway through the campaign, both teams currently occupy automatic play-off spots in the Eastern Conference and will be eager to showcase their postseason credentials.
Read our prediction, preview and betting tips for the game below, and make sure to check out our today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions.
Chicago Fire vs Charlotte key stats
- Charlotte are unbeaten in their last four matches, winning three and drawing one.
- The away side have scored first in four of their last five encounters.
- Chicago Fire, meanwhile, have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last three outings.
- They are also on a two-game losing streak.
Chicago Fire vs Charlotte preview: Start of another century for Dean Smith
Chicago Fire vs Charlotte — Tale of the Tape
| Chicago Fire | vs | Charlotte |
|---|---|---|
| 4th (MLS Eastern Conference) | Position | 6th (MLS Western Conference) |
| 26 | Points | 25 |
| 30 | Goals For | 28 |
| 22 | Goals Against | 25 |
| 6 | Clean Sheets | 3 |
| 5th | Home / Away Rank | 7th |
For the second game running, Chicago Fire conceded three goals – this time in a 3-1 defeat to New York City FC, marking their fourth loss in seven league matches either side of the World Cup hiatus.
Robert Lewandowski's arrival has yet to have the desired impact for Gregg Berhalter's side, who have failed to win either of their two matches since signing the legendary Polish striker.
Chicago's recent dip in form has seen them lose ground on rivals, and a defeat in their upcoming fixture could see them slip out of the top seven depending on other results.
Having not lost three consecutive league games since May 2024, the Men in Red have history on their side, as well as the psychological boost of winning each of the last two meetings with Charlotte.
With their participation in the Leagues Cup fast approaching, Sunday's hosts could use a positive display this weekend to set the tone ahead of their continental campaign.
After going six matches without a win between April 23 and May 14, Charlotte's season looked to be unravelling. However, consecutive victories over Toronto FC and the New England Revolution breathed new life into their campaign.
Dean Smith's men appeared poised for a third straight win after taking a two-goal lead against Atlanta United, only to be pegged back. However, they made light work of the New York Red Bulls en route to a 2-0 triumph last time out, marking Smith's 100th game in style.
Among Eastern Conference teams, only Inter Miami and Nashville SC have collected more points over the last five gameweeks than Charlotte's 10. The Crown have now leapfrogged FC Cincinnati into sixth place.
Sunday's visitors have picked up just seven of their 25 points this season away from home, but now have the chance to record back-to-back league wins on the road for the first time in nearly a year.
Chicago Fire vs Charlotte form guide & betting tips
| Chicago Fire | vs | Charlotte |
|---|---|---|
W
W
W
L
L
|
Form |
L
W
W
D
W
|
| 9 | Points | 10 |
| 6th (MLS Eastern Conference) | Form Table | 3rd (MLS Western Conference) |
| 10 | Goals For | 8 |
| 8 | Goals Against | 4 |
W
W
W
L
L
|
Form (All Comps) |
L
W
W
D
W
|
Whispers predicts: Chicago Fire 2-1 Charlotte
Chicago Fire have started to turn a corner in this fixture, recording wins in each of the last two meetings after previously losing five in a row. Another home victory at 1/2 (1.50) looks the most likely outcome.
That said, Chicago have never kept a clean sheet against Charlotte, so BTTS – Yes at 13/25 (1.52) stands out as a smart selection.
Despite missing a big chance to open his Chicago Fire account last time out, Robert Lewandowski remains a major threat. Backing him to score anytime here at 2/3 (1.67) could prove shrewd.
> Chicago Fire to win at 1/2 (1.50) | Likelihood: Probable
> BTTS – Yes at 13/25 (1.52) | Likelihood: Probable
> Robert Lewandowski to score anytime at 2/3 (1.67) | Likelihood: Possible