Chicago Fire and Philadelphia Union are gearing up for a critical Major League Soccer showdown at Soldier Field. Both teams are eager to break their current losing streaks and make a push up the Eastern Conference rankings. Here’s a comprehensive look at the upcoming match, featuring team updates, recent form, and match predictions.
Match Preview
Chicago Fire
Chicago Fire is returning to Soldier Field hoping to bounce back from back-to-back losses. Currently sitting at the bottom of the Eastern Conference, the team has only secured 18 points from 20 games. Despite a shaky start to the season, Chicago showed signs of improvement with victories over Los Angeles Galaxy and Toronto, but failed to maintain their momentum in defeats against Orlando City and Seattle Sounders in their recent outings.
Key players like Hugo Cuypers and Maren Haile-Selassie, who have been pivotal in their recent matches, will be crucial in their quest to climb the standings. However, missing Xherdan Shaqiri due to international duty and several injured players will pose significant challenges.
Philadelphia Union
Philadelphia Union is also struggling, currently positioned 12th in the standings. With only four wins this season, their last victory came in mid-May against New England Revolution. Since then, they have struggled to secure a win, with their most recent defeat against CF Montreal adding to their woes.
Injuries have been a concern for the team, with key players like Julian Carranza and Mikael Uhre sidelined. The Union will heavily rely on Daniel Gazdag, their leading scorer, to spearhead their attack.
Team News
Chicago Fire
Out: Xherdan Shaqiri (international duty), Andrew Gutman, Chase Gasper, Tobias Salquist, Federico Navarro (injuries).
Key Players: Hugo Cuypers (7 goals this season), Maren Haile-Selassie (scored in three consecutive games).
Philadelphia Union
Out: Julian Carranza (transferred to Feyenoord), Mikael Uhre, Andre Blake, Alejandro Bedoya, Markus Anderson (injuries).
Key Players: Daniel Gazdag (10 goals in 16 MLS appearances), Quinn Sullivan, Jesus Bueno.
Predicted Lineups
Chicago Fire
Formation: 3-5-2
Brady; Souquet, Pineda, Czichos; Arigoni, Herbers, Acosta, Gutierrez, Dean; Cuypers, Haile-Selassie
Philadelphia Union
Formation: 4-4-2
Rick; Harriel, Glesnes, Elliott, Wagner; Sullivan, Flach, Bueno, McGlynn; Baribo, Glesnes
Prediction
Considering both teams’ struggles, this match is expected to be a tight battle. Chicago Fire has the advantage of playing at home, but both teams lack momentum. A low-scoring draw appears to be the most likely outcome.
Our Prediction: Chicago Fire 1-1 Philadelphia Union
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