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Match Preview: FC Cincinnati vs. Chicago Fire FC - prediction, team news and lineup
FC Cincinnati head into this encounter in confident form, riding a three-match winning streak in MLS following a gritty 1–0 victory on the road over D.C. United, secured by a clean sheet and strong defensive discipline. Sitting second in the Eastern Conference, they’ll aim to extend that momentum. Chicago Fire FC, meanwhile, remain inconsistent. Despite a recent clean-sheet draw at home against Inter Miami, their inability to convert draws into wins has kept them midtable . Expect an intense midfield battle, with Cincinnati’s resilience pitted against Chicago’s offensive flair.
Head to Head
History favours FC Cincinnati: in 13 competitive MLS meetings, they’ve edged Chicago with 6 wins, while the Fire have won 4, and 3 have ended in draws. Recent encounters have seen a healthy goals-per-game average of 2.71, and both clubs have tallied 19 goals each across those matches. In their latest clash on April 20, Cincinnati won away 3–2, reinforcing their current dominance
Team News
FC Cincinnati have bolstered their lineup with the recent arrival of veteran striker Kei Kamara, a lethal finisher second all-time in MLS scoring, joining to provide experience and depth. No major injuries have been reported ahead of the match, and coach Pat Noonan is expected to field a full-strength squad
Chicago have a handful of concerns. Midfielder Patrick Nyarko recently underwent ankle surgery, ruling him out, while Gonzalo Segares remains sidelined with an ankle problem. Dilly Duka returns to the squad, but questions remain regarding defensive cohesion. Key players include leading scorer Hugo Cuypers (10 goals in league and cup), and dynamic creator Brian Gutiérrez, who netted in the April loss to Cincinnati
Cincinnati’s current form and psychological edge in head‑to‑head data position them as favourites, especially with their back‑line in shape and a fresh attacking option in Kamara. Chicago must lean on Cuypers’s finishing and hope Duka’s return sparks creativity. Expect a competitive game with goals on both ends—a tight, entertaining showdown that could hinge on details.
FC Cincinnati
First XI
Chicago Fire FC
First XI
Player Name | Position | Shirt No |
---|---|---|
Pat Noonan | Coach | |
Corey Baird | Substitute player | 11 |
Evan Louro | Substitute player | 13 |
Brad Smith | Substitute player | 14 |
Teenage Lingani Hadebe | Substitute player | 16 |
Stefan Chirila | Substitute player | 19 |
Gerardo Valenzuela | Substitute player | 22 |
Paul Walters | Substitute player | 25 |
Stiven Jimenez | Substitute player | 37 |
Kenji Mboma Dem | Substitute player | 35 |
Player Name | Position | Shirt No |
---|---|---|
Gregg Berhalter | Coach | |
Bryan Dowd | Substitute player | 31 |
Tom Barlow | Substitute player | 12 |
Jonathan Dean | Substitute player | 24 |
Dje D'Avilla | Substitute player | 42 |
Omari Glasgow | Substitute player | 26 |
Omar Gonzalez | Substitute player | 34 |
Maren Haile-Selassie | Substitute player | 7 |
Samuel Williams | Substitute player | 47 |
Chase Gasper | Substitute player | 77 |