Prediction: Chicago Fire vs Atlanta United

Prediction: Draw

Best Odds: 49/20

Bookmaker: 888sport

While the attention of the football world is currently on Euro 2020 and Copa America, there are many looking ahead to the start of the new domestic season and what that’ll entail. However, as Europe looks ahead to an August start date, there are other parts of the globe already embroiled in a new league campaign – including the United States. Today, we’re going to take a look at what should be an intriguing Major League Soccer clash between Chicago Fire and Atlanta United.

Chicago Fire

Chicago is a city full of sporting champions and yet while the Fire have been around since the good old days, they’ve only won one MLS Cup – and that was in 1998. They need to start thinking differently because the only piece of silverware they’re looking at right now is the Wooden Spoon, which is pretty much all they deserve at this stage in proceedings. They need to start thinking outside the box because otherwise the distinct lack of interest in this franchise will continue to grow.

Team News

Kronholm and Ivanov are both out of action for this one with knee injury issues. Teran is set to be unavailable as a result of a shin problem whereas Omsberg has a damaged hip that will prevent him from taking part.

Atlanta United

Atlanta United may still be considered newbies in the MLS by many but they’ve already established themselves as one of the most fearsome names in the entire league. Sure, they aren’t doing as well as they probably should this season, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re heading on a downward spiral – because one strong run of results and a positive transfer window could flip the whole thing on its head.

Team News

Atlanta are set to have most of their primary first teamers available for the trip to Chicago but there are still a few absentees worth talking about. Those players are Rossetto and Hyndman, with hamstring and muscle injuries keeping them on the sidelines for now.

Factors to Consider

• Atlanta are 10th in the Eastern Conference whereas Chicago are 14th.
• Chicago have won one, drawn one and lost four of their last six games.
• Atlanta have won one, drawn four and lost one of their last six games.
• Chicago have scored four goals and conceded eight in their last six games.
• Atlanta have scored six goals and conceded six in their last six games.

Conclusion

There’s a real battle for playoff contention going on in the East but right now, neither of these teams are doing a particularly good job of putting themselves in the running. We’d love to say this has the potential to be a barnburner but we just don’t see it happening and instead, we’re expecting a fairly placid draw. We do think both sides will get on the scoresheet, but that isn’t much to write home about given the strength of the rest of the sides in their conference.

Prediction: Draw

Best Odds: 49/20

Bookmaker: 888sport