Chicago Fire vs. Columbus Crew Match Analysis and Prediction

Two sides at the bottom half in the MLS Eastern Conference will lock horns this weekend when Chicago Fire welcomes Columbus Crew to Soldier Field on Sunday. Kickoffs on July 10 at 03:00 EAT.

The hosts are rooted at the rock bottom of the Eastern Conference; the playoff ambitions continue to fade away as Chicago chase an upturn in form. Chicago Fire has picked up just four wins against nine loses and five draws to accumulate to 17 points same as DC United in 13th. They are also the team with the least goals scored at home however they won their last two games at there.

Chicago Fire prepare for this encounter hoping for better results after 2-1 MLS defeat to San Jose Earthquakes in their last outing. In that game, Chicago Fire managed 44% possession, 18 shot with six of them on target and a goal scored by Brian Gutierrez (95′). San Jose Earthquakes got 22 shots with eight of them on target and goals by Benji Kikanovic (47′, 87′).

Meanwhile, Columbus is experiencing a difficult run this season, as they head into the weekend fixture in 10th place with 22 points, level with Inter Miami in ninth. Draws have been the issue for the Crew this season, as only Philadelphia Union has more stalemates than the side from Columbus. Four of their last eight meetings have finished in draws, something Columbus may want to avoid this weekend.

Columbus Crew heads into this fixture off the back off 0-0 MLS stalemate with Philadelphia Union in their previous match. In that game, Columbus Crew had 65% possession and 16 shots with five of them on target. Philadelphia Union got four shots with two of them on target.

Chicago Fire vs. Columbus Crew head to head

There have been 61 head to head encounters between these two sides since 2003. Chicago Fire won 20 times, Columbus Crew 19 times while draws have been recorded 22 times.

• Columbus 2-0 Chicago 07/11/21                
• Chicago 1-0 Columbus 16/08/21                
• Columbus 2-0 Chicago 20/06/21                
• Chicago 2-2 Columbus 12/09/20               
• Columbus 3-0 Chicago 21/08/20

Home

• San Jose 2-1 Chicago
• Chicago 1-0 Philadelphia
• Houston 2-0 Chicago
• Chicago 1-0 DC United
• Toronto 3-2 Chicago

Away

• Columbus 0-0 Philadelphia
• Toronto 1-2 Columbus
• Salt Lake 0-0 Columbus
• Columbus 1-1 Charlotte
• Atlanta 1-2 Columbus

Chicago Fire team news

Manager Ezra Hendrickson will be without the services of Miguel Ángel and Mauricio Pineda Navarro due to Covid-19 while Wyatt Omsberg and Kendall Burks will miss out through injuries.

Columbus Crew

Yeboah and Artur are the only injury concerns for the visitors.

Prediction and odds

Columbus Crew is not the best in the Eastern Conference table, but they are five points ahead of this opponent however Chicago Fire are so desperate for points and they will do anything to spoil the win here.

• Columbus Crew Win
• Draw
• Both teams to score