Western Conference leaders San Diego travel north to face Chicago Fire, who are ninth in the Eastern Conference, in a crucial MLS clash at Soldier Field on Sunday, 13 July.
Keep close tabs on MLS predictions after viewing our Chicago Fire vs San Diego predictions below.
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Chicago Fire vs San Diego prediction: Away win on the cards
Key Stats
- Chicago Fire have failed to score in two of their last three home league games.
- The Fire have lost four of their last five competitive fixtures (W1).
- San Diego are the highest scoring team this MLS season, with 44 strikes in 21 games.
- SDFC have lost just twice in their previous 10 outings (W7, D1).
Correct score prediction: Chicago Fire 1-3 San Diego
Chicago Fire’s brief revival – a 3-2 win over Charlotte following successive defeats – evaporated with back-to-back losses to FC Cincinnati and Minnesota United, leaving Gregg Berhalter scrambling for relevance in the Eastern Conference standings as they sit six points from sixth-placed Orlando City.
Their task grows dire against surging San Diego, who are still one of MLS’s in-form teams despite a last-gasp loss to Houston Dynamo, where Ezequiel Ponce’s stoppage time heroics inflicted their first loss in five games. With midweek US Open Cup fatigue compounding Chicago’s struggles, expect Mikey Varas’ men to exploit weary legs at Soldier Field with a convincing road victory.
Pre-game odds and win probability: San Diego for the victory
- HOME: 29/20 (2.45) – 40.8%
- DRAW: 12/5 (3.40) – 29.4%
- AWAY: 11/8 (2.37) – 42.1%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
Back-to-back defeats have left Chicago picking up pieces, but they still carry favourable odds to steal a fourth home victory in five league games. Priced at 29/20 (2.45), the Fire have a 40.8% chance of ousting the visitors who arrive in impressive away form.
San Diego have claimed three successive away wins in the league, and they are undoubtedly the favourites to grab all three points at Soldier Field. Bookmakers offer slightly better odds of 11/8 (2.37) in favour of the visitors – indicating a 42.1% win probability rate.
All predictions for today’s games can be found in a comprehensive manner on our football betting tips page.
Most recent H2Hs: First meeting
Chicago Fire and San Diego have never met before in the MLS, adding a layer of uncertainty to this clash.
Chicago preview: Long list of absentees
Belhalter has several absentees to deal with: Chris Mueller, Christopher Cupps, Kellyn Acosta, David Poreba and Carlos Teran are ruled out with injuries, while Rominigue Kouame and Justin Reynolds are questionable for the encounter.
Predicted lineup: Gal (GK), Gutman, Elliott, Rogers, Barroso, Oregel, Pinada, Guttierrez, 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
San Diego preview: A handful of absentees
Varas will arrive with his squad without the likes of Hamady Diop, Marcus Ingvartsen, William Kumado and Anise Saidi.
Predicted lineup: dos Santos (GK), Verghoeven, McVey, Pilcher, Bombino, Tverskov, Alvarado, Valakari, Dreyer, Iloski & Mighten
USA MLS 18/05/25
D
Sporting Kansas City
0
San Diego FC
0
USA MLS 15/05/25
W
Colorado Rapids
0
San Diego FC
2
USA MLS 11/05/25
W
St. Louis City SC
1
San Diego FC
2
USA MLS 04/05/25
W
FC Dallas
0
San Diego FC
5
USA MLS 26/04/25
L
Real Salt Lake
3
San Diego FC
1
Player to watch: Milan Iloski
Since scoring in the first minute against Austin FC at the start of June, Iloski has bloomed into a goalscoring machine for San Diego. The USA marksman has netted in four of his last five appearances, including a terrific four-goal match-winning display in the 5-3 victory over Vancouver Whitecaps.
Across those five games, he has eight goals and one assist, making him a viable asset to dismantle Chicago’s defence.