- Chicago standing: Chicago Red Stars (W) are 15th in the 2026 NWSL with 9 points from 12 games.
- Utah standing: Utah Royals (W) are 2nd in the 2026 NWSL with 24 points from 12 matches.
- Chicago recent form: Chicago Red Stars (W) have won only one of their last five matches, losing four.
Sjögren’s Stars have been sinking
Tactical setup
Martin Sjögren has done a good job to keep Chicago Red Stars (W) competitive in the 2026 NWSL since he was appointed to lead them on 1 January 2026. The Stars have stayed relatively compact in a 4-2-3-1 that focuses on getting the ball into the thirds with the full-backs offering width while a single central striker looks to get on the end of things.
Recent form and vulnerabilities
There is an obvious structure to their play, but when the gaps between the lines have been exposed, which has happened with increasing frequency in recent weeks, they have been vulnerable when the press gets turned up. Sjögren's side have lacked the ability to hit opponents on the break and have struggled to play through the thirds at pace, although they have been able to control the pace of the game.
The last three games have seen a 4-0 defeat at North Carolina Courage, a 1-0 win at struggling Bay FC and a 2-0 home defeat to San Diego Wave FC. The Stars have lost their last two home games so haven't been holding their own on their home turf lately.
Coenraets’ Royals have been soaring
Tactical approach
Jimmy Coenraets has had a similarly impressive effect on Utah Royals (W) since taking over on 3 July 2024. His 4-2-3-1 formation is a more compact, trigger-based pressing unit that looks to win the ball back quickly and get into transition before the opposition can re-organise.
Form and away record
Coenraets' team will have more than enough to win on Sunday if they win the midfield battles and make Chicago clear the ball in a hurry.
- The Royals have three wins and two draws from their last five games and the two most recent, a 2-1 home win over Denver Summit FC and a 2-2 draw away at Portland Thorns, have shown that they can hold their own on the road.
- Utah have three wins, three draws and one loss from their seven away games in the 2026 NWSL and have scored ten times on the road, which is a good away record for any team.
Royals to squeeze out a victory
Backing the Utah Royals (W) to squeeze out a win at 1.41 is the way to go on Sunday as Chicago Red Stars (W) are 6.68 and the draw 4.3 in a game that is likely to be tight. The Under 2.5 goals bet is favored at 2.02 while Both Teams to Score – No at 1.82 will also get support.
This has the feel of a typical press-versus-build matchup with the Royals' high-tempo game looking to make life difficult for the Stars' more methodical approach.
