MLS: Chicago Fire vs. New York City FC Preview, Odds, Predictions

Chicago Fire opens the MLS season against New York City FC at home. In this clash, neither side has an edge, according to the bookmakers, and the odds are more or less even. The Fire wants to make this season better than the previous one when they missed the playoffs for six points. Even though they improved in the latter part of the year, Fire still couldn’t end up in the postseason. As for NYCFC, the former MLS Cup winners opened this season with a routine loss in Nashville against SC. 

Chicago Fire vs. New York City FC Preview

Chicago Fire (+145) had more or less mixed results during the preseason. They won three games and posted two draws and one defeat against Real Salt Lake. All but one of those six games saw under 2.5 goals. Also, one saw both teams netting, which is interesting, given the high efficiency.

Chicago’s offense was decent, even though their rivals hadn’t been some high-class clubs. The Fire netted three or more goals on four occasions, and it seems that Jhon Duran’s departure to Aston Villa might be covered up without too many problems. Goalkeeper Gabriel Slonina ended up in Chelsea, and these two transfers brought almost $30 million combined to Fire. 

We’ll see if veteran forward Kei Kamara, who came from Montreal, brings some spark. Even though he has 38 years, Kamara can be an excellent role player with specific assignments.

New York City FC (+175) is in a rebuild. Only a handful of players who were on the team when FC won the MLS Cup in 2021 are present. With Maxi Morales’ and Sean Johnson’s departure, this team is entering a new era, especially when they move to the new stadium in Queens when it’s done.

About the game in Nashville, FC couldn’t do much. The hosts allowed them to take possession but cut out the attack from New York’s defense. In the end, Nashville had more shots on target and was more effective. 

Regarding the transfers, many players left NYCFC, while on the other side, we saw six arrivals, four of them from overseas. One of the latest has been James Sands, the defender who played for the Scottish powerhouse, Rangers. The Argentinian Brian Cufre came from Mallorca, and he’s expected to become a regular contributor. 

Chicago Fire vs. New York City FC Latest News

Fabian Herbers and Gaston Gimenez are both out for this event. 

Tayvon Gray is doubtful after receiving a knock that set him apart from the field for a few days. 

Chicago Fire vs. New York City FC Head to Head Games

The 2022 campaign saw these units meeting twice. On both occasions, the FC won 1-0 in the first meeting at a Big Apple and 0-2 in Chicago in late August. The past five direct encounters all ended with under 2.5 goals.

Chicago Fire vs. New York City FC Prediction

The Fire showed solid efficiency throughout the preseason, while on the other side, FC’s defense wasn’t confident at all during the same period. Still, Fire doesn’t have enough power to crush the rivals, and that’s why betting on low efficiency, meaning under 2.5 scores, is the best pick for this contest.

Pick: Under 2.5 goals -110

More US Soccer previews are available here.