- Recent away form: Orlando City have lost two and drawn one of their last three away MLS 2026 games.
- Recent home form: Chicago Fire are 2-1 in their last three home games (W2, L1).
- Home scoring: The Men in Red have scored 1.87 and conceded 1.27 goals per game at home this season.
Firestarter or Lionhearted?
Two teams that have largely underachieved in MLS 2026 come together in a game where both teams to score will be a solid bet on Thursday. The hosts are seventh with 48 points from 30 games while their guests are 14th with 41 points from the same number of matches. Chicago Fire arrive here after a two-game losing streak, following home defeats to Philadelphia Union and New England Revolution.
The Lions have two wins, one draw and two defeats from their last five, drawing 3-3 away at Toronto FC before beating DC United 4-1 at home. Orlando's attacking play has been boosted by the form of Antoine Griezmann, who has four goals in his last five and generally provides the Lions with a creative spark.
Gregg Berhalter’s men look up for the game
Berhalter's approach
Chicago Fire are probably the better team overall and we're taking them to take the three points here at 1.63. Gregg Berhalter is getting the best out of this squad now and his possession-first approach has the Fire playing with a solid structure to their press and they're capable of some seriously high-tempo play once the ball is won back.
Head-to-head and prediction
It should suit the clash of styles in this one if Berhalter's team can pin Orlando back early and force them into chasing the game.
The head-to-head record also supports the Men in Red as they've beaten Orlando in three of the last five meetings, with the visitors taking one and one draw. Orlando are winless in two on the road against Chicago Fire and we'll take the home side to continue that streak.
Goals likely at Soldier Field
Orlando City have had a mixed away record in MLS 2026 with three wins, three draws and nine losses from 15 trips. They have shipped 50 goals in that time, which doesn't bode well for the hosts.
Both Teams to Score - Yes is listed at a very short 1.3 price and we're adding it to the Chicago Fire win selection, but backing Over 2.5 goals at 1.28 also looks a safe play for another open game.
They've hit seven goals in total during that time and should be able to make the most of the space that Orlando City give them at Soldier Field.
- Maren Haile-Selassie has injected some life into Chicago Fire's attack with three goals in his last five appearances.
- Hugo Cuypers is the main man for Chicago Fire with 13 MLS 2026 goals in 11 games.
- Martin Ojeda remains Orlando City's best bet to get on the scoreboard with 13 goals in 21 league games, so we're going for both players to find the net alongside our main pick and the Fire to take the win.
