- Chicago form: Chicago Fire have won 3 of their last 5 matches, losing the other two.
- Necaxa form: Necaxa have won 4 of their last 10, losing 3 and drawing 3.
Control vs Transition
Match odds and recent form
Chicago Fire come into this game as the slight favorite, priced at 1.9, with Necaxa at 3.85 and the draw at 3.6. The Chicagoans have won 3 of their last 5, with two defeats, while Necaxa have been steady, but feisty, winning 4 of their last 10, and losing only 3.
Chicago are coming into the game on a two-match losing streak, following back-to-back defeats away to Inter Miami CF and New York City FC. Prior to that, Chicago picked up an important 2-1 win over Toronto FC at Soldier Field, where they will play again on Friday.
Gregg Berhalter has set them up to play structured soccer where they dictate tempo by controlling possession and being selective with their press.
Key players and tactical setup
Philip Zinckernagel is Chicago's key playmaker, he has 3 assists in Fire's 9 goals across their last 5 games. This season, Chicago have been flexible, at times playing with a back-four and at others with a 3-4-2-1, which should help them overpower Necaxa on the wings, but they are susceptible when they lose the ball in dangerous areas.
Necaxa won’t be easy to unlock
Tactical approach
Necaxa have a steady, feisty style. Martin Varini has set them up to be compact and balance first, hitting the channels early and looking to spring vertical attacks. Julian Carranza has been a good outlet up top, with 2 goals in their 6 goals across the last 5 games. Necaxa come into this off of two wins, following a 2-1 win at home over CF Atlante and another 2-1 win at home over Monterrey.
Away form and vulnerabilities
Necaxa have 1 draw and 2 defeats from their last 3 away games, scoring 0.67 goals per game in all competitions away from home this term. Their form has been solid, but the 4-1 defeat away to Cruz Azul showed that they can be picked apart if they are pinned back.
Looking for value
Chicago are the favorites, but the odds hint at a tight, cagey game. We see this as a tight, cagey game for the CONCACAF Leagues Cup, and we're getting Chicago at a fair price to win.
