Prediction: Orlando win
Best Odds: 9/5
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 Orlando City.
Chicago Fire
In the eyes of many, Chicago Fire is best known for being a TV show as opposed to a football club – which goes to show you just how far they’ve fallen over the course of the last few decades. They need something that’s going to inject some fire back into the franchise because right now, all they’re doing is competing for the wooden spoon. They need to start thinking differently, which they’ve proven they are capable of doing as recently as just a few days ago.
Team News
Kronholm is still out with a knee injury as Ivanov prepares to hopefully make his debut for the club, although he may need a week longer to recover from his own injury concern. Calvo is out due to international duty with Gimenez being tipped to return.
Orlando City
Orlando City has always had a pretty strong fanbase but now they’ve finally got the consistency in results to go alongside it. They have a few superstar players to go alongside some intriguing youngsters and when you’ve got a combination like that, it’s hard to lose at the elite level. Orlando still needs to work on defensive mishaps which have cost them dearly in the past, but they’re on the right track, and that’s all their supporters can ask for.
Team News
Nani is expected to lead from the front but one man who won’t is Pato, who will continue his recovery from knee injury. Elsewhere, Mueller is expected to start with Gallese away on international duty.
Factors to Consider
- Orlando are in 2nd place in the Eastern Conference whereas Chicago are in 12th.
- Chicago have won two, drawn one and lost three of their last six games.
- Orlando have won four and lost two of their last six games.
- Chicago have scored seven goals and conceded seven in their last six games.
- Orlando have scored 13 goals and conceded seven in their last six games.
Conclusion
Chicago were able to surprise a lot of people by picking up a big win over Atlanta but this is where we think their brief window of luck is going to run out. Orlando will be eager to bounce back from their most recent loss and they’ll want to confirm their status as one of the best teams in the MLS this season. Therefore, we’re backing them to get over the finish line with a calm and efficient 2-0 win that puts the pressure back on New England.
Prediction: Orlando win
Best Odds: 9/5
Bookmaker: 888sport
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