MLS: Cincinnati vs. Chicago Picks — Hosts to Storm to the Top of the Eastern Standings? (Jul 5)

It has been an excellent start to the 2025 MLS season for FC Cincinnati. One of the newest franchises in the competition have been in strong form, and they already appear to be a leading contender for a playoff spot.

The hosts come into this round after winning each of their previous three, and suffering just a single defeat in their last five.

Chicago are in a race for playoff points themselves, and they bounced back to winning ways last weekend with a battling display against Charlotte to record a 3-2 home success.

Cincinnati vs. Chicago Overview

Odds

Cincinnati vs. Chicago Head-to-Head Record

FC Cincinnati recorded a dramatic 3-2 win in the previous meeting between these sides earlier this season. That victory marked their third win in four against this weekend’s opponents.

Cincinnati Team News

Nick Hagglund is a notable player missing for the home team this weekend. The defender has been ruled out for a couple of weeks due to an unknown issue.

Possible Lineup

R. Celentano (GK); G. Flores, M. Miazka, T. Hadebe, D. Yedlin, P. Bucha, B. Anunga, L. Engel, G. Valenzuela, Evander, A. Denkey

Chicago Team News

The visitors will still be without Chris Mueller, who has ruled himself out of action for the foreseeable future due to personal reasons.

Possible Lineup

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

Cincinnati vs. Chicago Picks

Cincinnati have been one of the most reliable teams in the MLS this season after winning 12 of their 20 matches, and suffering just five defeats.

Their attacking prowess could be too hot for Chicago to handle this weekend, meaning that a home win looks like the best pick.