- Chicago Fire beat D.C. United 7-1 in the corresponding game in MLS 2025
- Chicago Fire are unbeaten in their last two MLS games (W1, D1), drawing 0-0 at Columbus Crew last time out
- D.C. United have lost two in a row and won just one of their last five games
Berhalter’s Fire can produce another result
Chicago Fire are the favourites at 1.66 to beat D.C. United on Sunday and with good reason. The Fire have only won one, drawn one and lost three in their last five matches but that victory came at home against CF Montreal, where they are yet to concede a goal.
D.C. United have one win and two defeats in their three games, meaning Chicago Fire sit higher in the table (12th) and have one more point (4).
United have lost their only away game so far.
D.C. United could struggle to create
The Fire are a possession-first team with fluid structures and a pressing style that is calculated and methodical. Gregg Berhalter’s men can keep the ball on the ground and create chances in tight areas, but they will need to do a better job defensively on Sunday.
D.C. United play a different brand of soccer to most teams in this league, employing a high-intensity press that forces teams into turnovers and then transitioning quickly to play fast football. Rene Weiler’s men are better suited to the counterattack than being on the ball, so they will have to play well to impose their style on this game.
Tai Baribo leads the line for United with two goals in three MLS 2026 appearances. Chicago Fire’s key man is Hugo Cuypers, who has two goals in two MLS 2026 appearances, while Jonathan Bamba has scored two in the last five and looks sharp in front of goal.
Chicago Fire can dominate possession and win
Peglow has been a creative spark for the visitors with 1 assist in 3 MLS 2026 games, but this game is likely to be won by whoever can get their gameplan onto the field. The odds for Chicago Fire to win are fair enough, but I’m backing ‘No’ in the BTTS market at 2.04 because at least one of these teams will keep a clean sheet on Sunday.
The head-to-head record is even with one win apiece and a draw in the last three games, but Fire have not won their last two at home to the Black-and-Red and I think that will change on Sunday.
