Chicago Fire vs FC Cincinnati Prediction, lineups, betting tips & odds | MLS 2025

The Fire will take on the Orange and Blues on matchday nine in the Eastern Conference in the MLS.

Chicago Fire will host FC Cincinnati in an exciting Major League Soccer fixture on Sunday. Fire started their season well, but they have dropped points in their last few matches. Till now, they have played eight games, out of which they have won three, drawn three and lost two games.

With 12 points on the table, they are sitting in the eighth position in the Eastern Conference table. Orlando City, Chicago Fire and NY Red Bulls have the same number of points after eight games. Fire will be looking to use their home advantage to the fullest as they will hope to get three points at home on Sunday.

The home team will have to be at their best to get a positive result. On the other hand, FC Cincinnati will be very satisfied with their start as they have performed really well till now. They are looking very balanced this season, and the coaching staff is doing a great job.

They do have quality players on their side and will hope to have a good season. They have played eight games, in which they won five, drew once and lost two games. With 16 points on the table, they are third in the Eastern Conference.

Despite being the away team, they will be confident going into the fixture. Cincinnati have performed well in away games and will surely aim to get three points against Chicago. This will be a mouthwatering clash.

Kick-Off:

• Location: Chicago, USA
• Stadium: Soldier Field
• Date: Sunday, 20 April
• Kick-Off Time: 06:00 AM IST
• Referee: NA
• VAR: In Use

pic.twitter.com/yBHmWisu2W

— Chicago Fire FC (@ChicagoFire) April 17, 2025

Form

Chicago Fire (in all competitions): D-L-D-W-W

FC Cincinnati (in all competitions): W-W-W-D-L

Players to Watch

Jonathan Bamba (Chicago Fire)

This is Bamba’s first season in the MLS. He has played in Europe for some time for teams like Lille and Celta Vigo. The Ivory Coast international brings a lot of experience with his inclusion in the squad.

He is a versatile player who can play at various positions on the field. Bamba can play on the left wing, as well as an attacking midfielder. He is not very tall, but his core strength makes him special.

Bamba is good on the ball and likes to play a lot of through balls to the striker. Bama is good with both of his feet and can score from both of his feet. He will be a big threat to the away team in the upcoming fixture for sure.

He has played eight games till now, in which he scored once and provided three assists.

Gerardo Dado (FC Cincinnati)

He is technically gifted and especially creative with his first touch. When receiving the ball, he often does something unexpected that throws defenders off guard. Dado also has a very good first step when attacking players 1v1.

Dado delivered. 🔥 #AllForCincy pic.twitter.com/oqAFnfCaXa

— FC Cincinnati (@fccincinnati) April 14, 2025

After a stepover or drop of the shoulder, he can explode into space with his first step, creating some space to pass or shoot. His physicality is noticeable on the defensive side of the ball as well. Though not much of a defensive presence, when he does land a tackle, the opponent feels it.

He’s also not afraid to body up opponents to try to knock them off the ball. This season, he has played four games and has scored one goal so far.

Match Facts

• When Chicago Fire lead 1-0 at home, they win in 66% of their matches
• The average number of goals in meetings between the Chicago Fire and FC Cincinnati is 3.2
• Chicago Fire’s last home win against FC Cincinnati was in 2020.

Chicago Fire vs FC Cincinnati: Betting Tips & Odds

• Tip 1 – This fixture to end in a draw
• Tip 2 – Both teams to score
• Tip 3 – Goals scored under 2.5

Injury and Team News

Chase Gasper and David Poreba are both injured for the home side and will not be available for the upcoming fixture.

Teenage Hadebe, Yuya Kubo, Evander and Obinna Nwobodo are all injured and will miss the match against Chicago Fire on Sunday. The rest of the players are fit to play.

Head-to-Head

Matches: 15

Chicago Fire: 4

FC Cincinnati: 6

Draws: 5

Predicted Lineups

Chicago Fire Predicted Lineup (4-3-3):

Brady (GK); Glasgow, Elliott, Teran, Gutman; Gutierrez, Pineda, Oregel; Zinckemagel, Cuypers, Bamba

FC Cincinnati Predicted Lineup (3-4-2-1):

Celetano (GK); Robinson, Hagglund, Flores; Yedlin, Bucha, Anunga, Engel; Orellano, Valenzuela; Denkey

Match Prediction

Both teams are very similar quality-wise. Both teams like to play attacking football, and this fixture will be an exciting one for sure. Both sides have players who can make the difference on the field. Most probably, this match will end in a draw.

Prediction: Chicago Fire 1-1 FC Cincinnati

Telecast

All MLS 2025 matches are telecasted on Apple TV worldwide.

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