Chicago Fire and Philadelphia Union are set to clash in a crucial Major League Soccer match at Soldier Field.
Both teams are desperate to end their current losing streaks and climb up the Eastern Conference standings. Here’s a detailed look at the match, including team news, form, and predictions.
Match Preview
Chicago Fire
Chicago Fire returns to Soldier Field with hopes of bouncing back from consecutive defeats. Currently at the bottom of the Eastern Conference, the team has only managed 18 points from 20 outings.
After a dismal start to the season, Chicago showed signs of improvement with wins against Los Angeles Galaxy and Toronto but failed to maintain their momentum, losing to Orlando City and Seattle Sounders in recent matches.
Key players like Hugo Cuypers and Maren Haile-Selassie, who have been crucial in the recent matches, will be instrumental in their quest to move up the table.
However, the absence of Xherdan Shaqiri, away on international duty, and several injured players will be a significant challenge.
Philadelphia Union
Philadelphia Union is also struggling, currently placed 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 been unable to secure a win, with their latest defeat against CF Montreal adding to their woes.
Injuries have plagued the team, with key players like Julian Carranza and Mikael Uhre sidelined.
The Union will rely heavily on Daniel Gazdag, their top scorer, to lead the 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
Given both teams' struggles, this match is likely to be a close contest. Chicago Fire has the home advantage but both teams lack momentum. A low-scoring draw seems the most probable outcome.
Our Prediction: Chicago Fire 1-1 Philadelphia Union
Chicago Fire 
Philadelphia 
