Chicago Fire vs Nashville SC - Match Preview
- Chicago Fire have won four of their last five MLS matches.
- Nashville SC are currently unbeaten in five (W2, D3).
- Nashville SC have won the last three head-to-head matches, including a 7-2 victory five weeks ago in MLS.
Nashville’s momentum could see them edge a close game
Nashville SC look to have found the formula for consistent MLS success, while Chicago Fire are in the midst of a resurgence under Gregg Berhalter, whose attacking philosophy has started to bear fruit since he took charge in October 2024.
The visitors are unbeaten in their last five MLS matches, drawing the last two, while the Fire have won their most recent four of five matches, most recently hammering New England 3-0 on the road a fortnight ago.
This match, as outlined in our Chicago Fire vs Nashville SC preview, has implications in a congested Eastern Conference, with Chicago 18th on 22 points from 15 games and Nashville seventh on 29 points from 17.
Nashville are the value pick here because they are coming into this match with some momentum, a dominant head-to-head record, and a better league position. In fact, the Chicago Fire vs Nashville SC prediction for this fixture leans slightly in favor of the visitors due to their consistent performances.
Visitors are the right price at the SeatGeek Stadium
Despite Nashville’s superiority on the pitch, the bookmakers are having none of it for this fixture with Chicago priced at 3.10, Nashville at 2.20 and the draw at 3.65. In terms of the latest Chicago Fire vs Nashville SC odds, these numbers suggest a closely contested showdown.
It’s the latter that makes us sit up and take notice, but Nashville should still edge this one out in the end because their style of play is well-suited to stifling Chicago’s directness. For those looking for Chicago Fire vs Nashville SC betting tips, consider that Nashville’s defense tends to limit the impact of pacey attacking transitions.
Callaghan’s men prefer to build up in a measured fashion from the back and they are well drilled enough to maintain a compact shape when out of possession. But Chicago’s attacking intent is clear and they could be dangerous on the counter-attack, so backing ‘BTTS’ looks a good way to play this game in the alternate markets.
Surridge and Cuypers could be the difference
Sam Surridge is on a red-hot streak for Nashville, having scored 11 goals in 17 MLS appearances in 2025 and five of his team’s last eight league goals. He is a clinical finisher who has a knack of delivering when Nashville have needed it most in tight games.
This Chicago Fire vs Nashville SC prediction also suggests keeping an eye on key attackers, as Chicago have been getting more goals through the middle since Berhalter took charge and Hugo Cuypers, with ten in 15 appearances, is a consistent focal point for the team. Philip Zinckernagel has scored four of Chicago’s last 13 MLS goals and is a key playmaker.
