- Chicago Fire have won 4 and lost only 1 of their last 5 matches and are on a 4-game winning streak.
- New York Red Bulls have won 2 of their last 5 games, drawn once and lost twice.
Contrast in styles should provide plenty of goal-mouth action
A contrast in both styles and recent results will greet Chicago Fire and New York Red Bulls when they face off at Sports Illustrated Stadium on Saturday.
Ibrahim Sekagya has maintained the high-energy, high-pressing, high-tempo approach since taking over as manager in July 2022. RBNY line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, press with high numbers and try to play vertically and break with speed when they win the ball back.
Gregg Berhalter's men are a completely different kettle of fish, however, and the Men in Red have been a lot better than RBNY this year. The former US Men's National Team manager has brought structure, control and tactical flexibility to a team that previously resembled a rudderless ship adrift at sea. Chicago Fire's 4-3-3 system is possession-based with patient build-up and a selective press.
Chicago to nick it
Chicago Fire are the slight favourites at 101/100 with RBNY listed at 251/100 and the draw at 301/100. We think the visitors can nick it and will back them in the Double Chance market at a good price, but there is enough evidence of both teams being vulnerable at the back to suggest this could be a tight matchup that is ultimately decided by the flow of the game.
RBNY have been a mixed bag in their last 5, losing 3-0 away to Philadelphia Union, 2-0 at home to Charlotte FC and then beating Orlando City 2-0 at home. Chicago Fire, on the other hand, have won 4 of their last 5 and are on a 4-game win streak. Their two most recent games were a 3-1 home victory over Santos Laguna in the CONCACAF Leagues Cup 2026/2027 and a 2-1 away win at Cruz Azul in the same competition.
An open game at Sports Illustraded Stadium
Chicago Fire's 4-3-3 formation allows them to flood the box with bodies when required. They have the more potent front line with Robert Lewandowski chipping in 3 of Chicago's 10 goals over the past 5 games and the pacey and clever Hugo Cuypers on fire with 13 in 11 MLS 2026 games.
RBNY, who have won 2, drawn 1 and lost 3 of their 6 home games in all-competitions this year, score an average of 1.33 goals per game and concede 2.00, which is not a good ratio for a side that must win at home. We expect an open contest with plenty of chances created by both teams, but Chicago Fire's composure on the ball and ability to press when required could be the difference if RBNY's high press doesn't click on Saturday.
