MLS: Chicago Fire vs. San Diego Picks — Hosts to Cause an Upset Against Western Conference Leaders? (Jul 12)

A fascinating clash in the MLS is set for Saturday, as Eastern Conference playoff hopefuls Chicago Fire welcome the Western Conference leaders, San Diego.

The Fire come into this round of matches in indifferent form after winning just one of their last five matches across all competitions. They were also dumped out of the U.S. Open Cup in midweek by Minnesota.

San Diego FC have been one of the most entertaining teams in the MLS this season, with each of their last four matches seeing over 4.5 goals being scored. However, defensive lapses ultimately caught up to them last weekend after losing 4-3 against the Houston Dynamo.

Chicago Fire vs. San Diego Overview

Odds

Chicago Fire vs. San Diego Head-to-Head Record

This will be San Diego’s first clash with the Chicago Fire after being established as an MLS team earlier this year.

Chicago Fire Team News

The Fire will still be without Chris Mueller, who has ruled himself out of action due to personal reasons. Omar Gonzalez will be suspended this weekend.

Possible Lineup

J. Gal (GK); L. Barroso, S. Rogers, J. Elliott, A. Gutman, B. Gutierrez, M. Pineda, S. Oregel, P. Zinckemagel, H. Cuypers, J. Bamba

San Diego Team News

San Diego will be without two regular first-teamers this weekend, as William Kumado and Hamady Diop are missing due to hip and leg injuries, respectively.

Possible Lineup

C. dos Santos (GK); O. Verhoeven, C. McVey, P. McNair, L. Bombino, A. Godoy, J. Tverskov, O. Valakari, A. Dreyer, M. Iloski, A. Mighten

Chicago Fire vs. San Diego Picks

San Diego’s chaotic style of play is constantly a concern when assessing their chances. However, their attacking threat could be a positive angle this weekend.

Chicago Fire have allowed an average of 1.8 goals per 90 so far this season, and have lost 33% of their home matches. Meanwhile, San Diego have won 67% of their matches on the road, and have scored a remarkably high average of 2.17 per match.