Cincinnati look to extend good form
FC Cincinnati are third in the MLS 2025 table on 39 points from 20 matches, while Chicago Fire are 13th, having accrued 28 points from 19.
This FC Cincinnati vs Chicago Fire prediction is not a heated rivalry, but there’s some big league significance to the encounter this Saturday as Cincinnati’s silverware push goes head-to-head with the Fire’s bid for consistency and a run for the playoffs.
Pat Noonan has been in charge of the hosts since December 2021, masterminding a system that has been described as a “structured” approach that allows players to be aggressive in their pressing and run through the pitch quickly. It has not worked perfectly for the club this season, but the collective pressing has been on point during their current three-match winning streak, each of which has come on the road.
Chicago Fire, by contrast, are a reactive team, highly reliant on individual creativity for their best moments and vulnerable to being undone when they aren’t well-organized defensively. Gregg Berhalter has been at the helm since October 2024 and is still trying to get the squad to gel tactically, with some success in the recent past, but no consistency overall.
Fire’s firepower can hit back
Cincinnati are clear favourites to win this game at 1.67, which is a fair reflection of form, while Chicago Fire are 4.40, which is a tad generous according to the latest FC Cincinnati vs Chicago Fire odds.
Cincinnati’s form has been a little better than Chicago Fire’s and they have the edge in the head-to-head, having won three, drawn one and lost once to the Fire.
For this FC Cincinnati vs Chicago Fire prediction, the most recent clash was a 3-2 victory for Cincinnati away from home in MLS 2025 two months ago, which means Cincinnati are likely to take the spoils again this week.
However, we should not discount the fact that Chicago have won six of 10 MLS 2025 away games – albeit with four losses and no draws.
There is enough of a chance that the Fire’s frontmen can fire them to a result, especially with Cincinnati’s home form less convincing of late.
Noonan’s men have failed to win their last two at TQL Stadium.
So, backing both teams to score could be highlighted in our FC Cincinnati vs Chicago Fire betting tips, given the way Chicago Fire play and the low-scoring trend in five meetings between the clubs in Cincinnati.
Back Both to Bore Noonan
Chicago Fire’s away form in MLS 2025 has seen them concede an average of 2.20 goals, totaling 22 from ten away trips, so this could be a high-scoring game if Cincinnati can play at their usual level.
Cincinnati have averaged 1.75 scored and 1.12 conceded at home in MLS 2025, suggesting they are balanced in terms of attacking potency and defensive solidity. But the Fire’s lack of tempo and Cincinnati’s full-blooded pressing could make this swing in favour of the home side, who will look to continue their winning momentum.
Evander Ferreira is Cincinnati’s main man with 11 goals in 18 MLS appearances, four of which have come in the club’s last 10. Hugo Cuypers, meanwhile, has also scored 11 goals in 18 MLS appearances for Chicago Fire.
For a comprehensive look at the match, this FC Cincinnati vs Chicago Fire preview offers valuable insight into team strengths and key players.
Finally, our third FC Cincinnati vs Chicago Fire prediction is that the contest could provide plenty of drama as both sides target their season goals.
