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Vancouver Whitecaps will resume their MLS campaign with a trip to Soldier Field for an encounter with Chicago Fire on Friday.
The visitors are unbeaten in three consecutive matches and will look to maintain their place at the top of the Western Conference.
Chicago Fire, on the other hand, are eyeing their fourth win in a row.
Read our Chicago Fire vs Vancouver Whitecaps prediction, preview and betting tips below, and make sure to check out our today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions.
Chicago Fire vs Vancouver Whitecaps key stats
- Five or more cards were awarded in five of Vancouver's last seven fixtures.
- At least three goals were scored in eight of Chicago Fire's last nine matches.
- Seven of Vancouver's last eight games and five of Chicago's last six outings produced goals at both ends.
Chicago Fire vs Vancouver Whitecaps preview: Visitors to improve their fortunes on the road?
Chicago Fire vs Vancouver Whitecaps — Tale of the Tape
| Chicago Fire | vs | Vancouver Whitecaps |
|---|---|---|
| 3rd (Eastern Conference) | Position | 1st (Western Conference) |
| 26 | Points | 32 |
| 27 | Goals For | 34 |
| 16 | Goals Against | 12 |
| 6 | Clean Sheets | 5 |
| 4th | Home / Away Rank | 4th |
*These figures were accurate at the time of publishing.
Chicago Fire extended their winning run to three games with a 2-1 victory over Toronto just before the World Cup-enforced break.
The hosts are now third in the Eastern Conference, five points behind leaders Nashville SC.
Andre Franco is the only injury concern for Chicago Fire ahead of this encounter, with the former FC Porto midfielder expected to miss a few more months due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury sustained last October.
Belgian forward Hugo Cuypers has scored 13 goals in just 11 league games for Chicago this season. Supported in attack by Philip Zinckernagel, who has five goals and six assists to his name, Gregg Berhalter’s troops will look to halt their run of back-to-back defeats to Vancouver at this stadium.
On the other hand, Vancouver Whitecaps defeated Cavalry FC on penalties in the Canadian Championship on Tuesday. They have been a tough team to beat, losing only once in their last 11 matches across all competitions.
Ahead of this skirmish, the visitors are leading the Western Conference standings with a 10-2-2 win-draw-loss record. However, seven of those wins came at home, and Vancouver have won only two of their last seven away matches in regulation time.
The Canadian outfit will remain without several key players due to injury, and head coach Jasper Sorensen will need to manage his squad carefully as he looks to field a competitive side for this skirmish.
Oliver Larraz (hip), Emmanuel Sabbi (groin), Belal Halbouni (knee), and Sam Adekugbe (Achilles tendon) are out with injuries, while Yohei Takaoka is suspended following his sending off in the defeat to Houston Dynamo in May.
Chicago Fire vs Vancouver Whitecaps form guide & betting tips
| Chicago Fire | vs | Vancouver Whitecaps |
|---|---|---|
L
L
W
W
W
|
Form |
D
D
W
L
W
|
| 9 | Points | 8 |
| 4th (Eastern Conference) | Form Table | 5th (Western Conference) |
| 10 | Goals For | 9 |
| 8 | Goals Against | 7 |
L
L
W
W
W
|
Form (All Comps) |
W
L
W
W
D
|
Whispers Predicts: Chicago Fire 1-2 Vancouver Whitecaps
At 27/20 (2.35), Vancouver Whitecaps are considered favourites by the bookmakers.
Interestingly, the visitors won their last two trips to this stadium, and considering that Chicago Fire have lost three of their last four home games across all competitions, we are leaning toward Vancouver for the win.
Moreover, three or more goals were scored in eight of Chicago's last nine outings, and this can be backed at 11/20 (1.55).
Keeping in mind that both teams were on the scoresheet in five of the last seven H2Hs, we also fancy Vancouver Whitecaps & BTTS – Yes at 27/10 (3.70).
> Over 2.5 total goals at 11/20 (1.55) | Likelihood: Probable
> BTTS – Yes at 1/2 (1.50) | Likelihood: Probable
> Match result: Vancouver Whitecaps at 27/20 (2.35) | Likelihood: Probable
> Vancouver Whitecaps & BTTS – Yes at 27/10 (3.70) | Likelihood: Possible
> Correct Score: 1-2 at 17/2 (9.50) | Likelihood: Outsider