Major League Soccer match prediction: Little separates Chicago Fire and New York City in quality

It's quite the trip for New York City when visiting Chicago Fire as the cities are 1200 kilometers apart.

New York City could be less fresh than the hosts in this fixture, as they played a Major League Soccer game only four sleeps ago.

Chicago Fire form and stats

5 victories, 4 draws and 3 defeats. That’s what Chicago Fire, who have the fewest scored goals (12) at home in Major League Soccer, have to build on here at SeatGeek Stadium in the Major League Soccer. When Chicago Fire hosts teams that live on the top of the table (like Philadelphia Union, Montreal Impact and New York RB), they have won 1 of 2 matches!

In their previous game, the manager Hendrickson led his Chicago to a defeat away at Philadelphia Union. The manager is hoping to put things right immediately here at SeatGeek Stadium. The first setback in the shape of a loss after going unbeaten in five league fixtures. Midfielder Mueller was the best player on the team with a rating of 8.14 (out of ten) in that game. Mueller scored one goal, hit four key passes, dribled past the opponent 2 of 3 times and had 37 successful passes (of 45 total).

This is expected to be a close game, with Chicago Fire perhaps considered small favourites due to their home advantage. Looking back at earlier matches similar to this one (expected to be close with Chicago Fire as a small favourite), we find 14 games. Chicago Fire has won 3 of these, drawn 6 and lost 5.

Chicago are not conceding a lot of goals here at SeatGeek Stadium in the league, averaging less than one per game. The total is 8 from 12 matches. There's been improvement defensively lately, as only 0 of these goals has been conceded in their last three home matches.

New York City form and stats

4 wins, 3 draws and 5 losses. That’s the product of New York City, who have the most scored goals (46) in Major League Soccer, playing as the away team in the Major League Soccer this season. Recent form does not give New York City much hope, as the visitors have lost three games in a row. Chicago Fire will be a tough nut to crack.

New York City have lots to to set right after their out-of-character defeat (1-3) to Charlotte in their previous match, played at home. Midfield player Morales was the top player of the team with a match rating of 7.42/10. Morales served one assist, hit two key passes, dribled past the opponent 1 of 1 times and had 46 successful passes (of 48 total).

So, this is expected to be a close game, an even contest. Looking at earlier matches with New York City playing away and similar expectations, we found 21 relevant matches. Results were 6 New York City wins, 4 draws and 11 defeats.

York have a decent goal production going in their away games, although not fantastic. In 12 league away games 15 goals have been scored. New York City have conceded 15 goals in these away matches.

Head 2 Head

These two sides played each other earlier this campaign: New York City - Chicago 1-0. Head-2-head stats last ten meetings: two - two - six (Chicago Fire wins - draws - New York City wins). As for goals, three matches ended with three or more goals (over 2,5), seven had two or less.

Top Goalscorers

V. Castellanos Giménez 13 goals

H. Araujo dos Santos 6 goals

T. Bacelar Martins 6 goals

Chicago Fire missing players

New York City missing players