New York City FC vs Chicago Fire Best odds and tips

Pascal Jansen’s New York City FC have a solid home record to defend when Chicago visit in the early-season MLS clash on Sunday. NYCFC have won 5 and lost only 2 of their 7 MLS home games in 2025. They currently sit 12th in the MLS 2025 table with 21 points from 14 games, but there are signs that this club is on the right trajectory under Jansen. Last weekend’s Hudson River Derby win over New York Red Bulls was a classic example of how the coach can take the bull by the horns and his side play in an attacking, possession-based system. Santiago Rodríguez provides a spark in attack, able to dribble at defenders and pick out clever passes, while Xherdan Shaqiri provides a clinical edge to Chicago’s game, especially on the break. In our New York City FC vs Chicago Fire prediction, both teams’ attacking potential could play a decisive role in this eagerly anticipated matchup.

Alonso Martinez tops the scoring charts for NYCFC with seven goals in 13 MLS appearances so far, while Maxi Moralez’s creativity is the engine of the side when he is fit. Chicago are just below them in the table in 15th with 19 points from 13 matches and will make this a very close affair in the east coast table. Gregg Berhalter’s side play a balanced, technical system with an emphasis on developing young talent and building up from the back. Pascal Jansen’s men have won two, drawn one and lost two of their last five MLS games and the bookmakers make them favourites at 1.75 to beat Chicago, which is fair enough given the New York City FC vs Chicago Fire odds and their home record and head-to-head edge over Fire. This New York City FC vs Chicago Fire preview suggests a tight encounter with both teams poised for a strong performance.

However, Chicago come into this fixture on the back of a three-game win streak in all competitions and a run of three wins in their previous five MLS matches, so the form guide points to a tight game. Brian Gutiérrez has been a revelation for Fire this season, operating as the creative hub of the team at only 21 years old. Veteran Shaqiri provides some experience and a goal threat, while Belgian striker Hugo Cuypers has 8 MLS goals already this season – more than any other Fire player. The Over 2.5 goals market at 1.90 is worth a small wager in this match as it should be a lively affair, with Chicago having scored 17 goals away from home in the MLS 2025. In this New York City FC vs Chicago Fire prediction, fans should expect attacking play from both sides. The clash of styles between NYCFC’s veteran creativity and Chicago’s youthful, technical side that is gradually improving is a microcosm of the evolution of the MLS in recent years and should be a tight affair. Fire have won four of their previous seven away matches, but they have failed to win in either of their two previous MLS trips to NYCFC, so the hosts are taken to have enough quality to nick this one. For those considering New York City FC vs Chicago Fire betting tips, remember that current form and head-to-head history slightly favor the hosts. Our final New York City FC vs Chicago Fire prediction remains a home win, but expect a close contest.