Chicago Fire FC vs. New York City FC Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 14 September 2025

Chicago Fire FC is set to host New York City FC in an exciting MLS clash on 14 September 2025 at Soldier Field. With only a narrow two-point gap separating both teams in the league standings, this bout is critical as they battle for playoff positions.

Chicago Fire FC, coached by Gregg Berhalter, currently sits in 13th place with 42 points and comes off a mixed form of WDWLW. The bookmakers have tipped them as slight favorites, reflecting their decent recent home form. However, key players like Rominigue Kouame and David Poreba remain sidelined due to injuries.

New York City FC, under the guidance of Pascal Jansen, is in 11th place with 44 points. Their form (WLWWL) shows promise, especially heading into this match without the suspended Andrés Perea. Alonso Martinez, their top scorer with 14 goals, will be crucial in their attacking play.

Given the significance of this match for both teams, expect a closely contested affair with a strong emphasis on defense. Our match tips suggest a low-scoring game, predicting under 2.5 goals.

Don’t miss this crucial fixture; it could significantly impact the playoff race!

Chicago Fire FC vs New York City FC Prediction & Betting tip

For the upcoming match between Chicago Fire FC and New York City FC, our recommended betting tip is to wager on "Under 2.5 goals."

Chicago Fire FC vs New York City FC Prediction
Betting tip	Odds
Under 2.5 goals	1.90

• Recent Tight Matches: Both Chicago and NYCFC have had close contests recently, emphasizing defensive strategies, which suggest a low-scoring game.
• Playoff Battle: With both teams fighting for playoff spots, expect a cautious approach, focusing on minimizing mistakes and conceding fewer goals.
• Defensive Records: Chicago averages only 1.80 goals per game in their last five matches, while NYCFC averages 1.40, indicating a likely defensive battle.

This crucial clash could play a significant role in determining playoff positions, making every goal and defensive play count. Bet wisely!

Chicago Fire FC vs New York City FC Odds

The odds for the anticipated match between Chicago Fire FC and New York City FC are out, giving insight into what the bookmakers foresee for this exciting contest.

Chicago Fire FC vs New York City FC Betting Odds
Bet	Odds
Chicago Fire FC win	2.04
Draw	3.71
New York City FC win	3.18

The bookmakers tip Chicago Fire FC as the slight favourites with odds of 2.04 for a home win. A draw is considered less likely, with odds placed at 3.71, while a win for New York City FC stands at 3.18.

Considering both teams’ recent form and defensive strategies, the betting markets might reflect a tight contest. With only two points separating them in the standings and both gunning for playoff spots, these odds suggest a closely fought battle at Soldier Field.

Chicago Fire FC Team Analysis

Chicago Fire FC Recent Performance

Recent Form: WDWLW
Chicago Fire FC have had a mixed bag of results in their last five matches, showcasing their fighting spirit. Their recent form includes:

• 3-2 vs New England Revolution (Win)
• 0-4 vs Philadelphia Union (Loss)
• 3-2 vs St. Louis City (Win)
• 2-2 vs Los Angeles FC (Draw)
• 1-0 vs New York Red Bulls (Win)

On average, they have scored 1.80 goals per game in their recent fixtures, while defensively, they’ve managed just one clean sheet in their last five matches. With key players like Hugo Cuypers leading the attack, Gregg Berhalter’s side will look to capitalise on their home advantage at Soldier Field. However, injuries to David Poreba and Rominigue Kouame may affect their squad depth and defensive solidity.

Chicago Fire FC Key Players

Chicago Fire FC will heavily rely on their top scorer, Hugo Cuypers, who has netted 16 goals this season. His ability to find the back of the net makes him a constant danger to any defence he faces. Alongside him, the creative flair of Brian Gutierrez in midfield will be key in unlocking New York City FC’s defence. Gutierrez’s vision and passing ability can create numerous scoring opportunities for Cuypers and other forwards.

In defence, Jack Elliott and Samuel Rogers will be crucial in keeping NYCFC’s attackers, particularly Alonso Martinez, at bay. With NYCFC’s top scorer on the prowl, Elliott and Rogers’ defensive partnership will be a battle to watch.

Expected lineup for Chicago Fire FC:

• Goalkeeper: Chris Brady
• Defenders: Jonathan Dean, Jack Elliott, Samuel Rogers, Andrew Gutman
• Midfielders: André Franco, Brian Gutierrez, Djé D’Avilla
• Forwards: Philip Zinckernagel, Hugo Cuypers, Jonathan Bamba

Chicago Fire FC Suspensions & Injuries

Chicago Fire FC will face some challenges with their squad depth due to key injuries. David Poreba and Rominigue Kouame are both out with muscle injuries, with potential returns in late and mid-September, respectively. Additionally, Chris Mueller is unavailable due to personal reasons, and Chase Gasper is also sidelined with a muscle injury until late September.

These absences could impact Chicago Fire’s defensive solidity and midfield strength. Poreba and Kouame’s absence might force coach Gregg Berhalter to tweak his tactics, potentially affecting their overall game plan. The return timeline remains uncertain for some players, adding to the uncertainty around squad selection.

Despite these setbacks, Chicago Fire will rely on their remaining squad members to step up and fill the gaps.

Chicago Fire FC Tactics and Formation

Chicago Fire FC Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-3-3
• Key Forward: Hugo Cuypers, who has netted 16 goals this season
• Midfield Trio: André Franco, Brian Gutierrez, Djé D’Avilla
• Defensive Strength: One clean sheet in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Strong attacking play in the second half, particularly between the 61-75-minute interval

Chicago Fire FC under Gregg Berhalter typically deploys a 4-3-3 formation. Hugo Cuypers spearheads the attack, supported by Philip Zinckernagel and Jonathan Bamba. In midfield, Brian Gutierrez is crucial for creative play, often setting up scoring opportunities for the forwards. The defence, led by Jack Elliott and Samuel Rogers, aims to maintain solidity, though the team has lacked consistent clean sheets.

This formation allows Chicago to press their opponents high up the pitch and maintain possession. Expect them to push harder in the second half, especially if they’re trailing, as they often create more scoring chances during that period.

New York City FC Team Analysis

New York City FC Recent Performance

Recent Form: WLWWL
New York City FC has shown a strong performance in their last five matches, bringing momentum into this fixture. Their recent results are:

• 1-2 vs DC United (Loss)
• 1-0 vs FC Cincinnati (Win)
• 2-1 vs Nashville SC (Win)
• 1-2 vs Toluca (Loss) [Leagues Cup]
• 2-0 vs Leon (Win) [Leagues Cup]

NYCFC’s solid form includes averaging 1.40 goals per game and securing two clean sheets in their last five encounters. With Alonso Martinez leading their attack, consistently finding the net, they pose a significant threat going forward.

Their resolute backline, averaging just 1.1 goals conceded per match this season, will look to maintain its form against Chicago Fire FC. Coach Pascal Jansen’s tactical prowess has New York City FC primed for a strong showing as they battle for a playoff spot.

New York City FC Key Players

New York City FC’s main attacking threat comes from Alonso Martinez, their top scorer this season with 14 goals. His ability to break through defences and finish clinically will be crucial for NYCFC’s ambitions in this match. Complementing Martinez is Maxi Moralez in midfield, whose vision and playmaking skills can unlock defences and create scoring opportunities.

Defensively, Thiago Martins and Justin Haak form a strong central pairing. Their performance will be pivotal in containing Hugo Cuypers, Chicago Fire’s leading goal scorer.

Expected lineup for New York City FC:

• Goalkeeper: Matt Freese
• Defenders: Tayvon Gray, Justin Haak, Thiago Martins, Kevin O’Toole
• Midfielders: Hannes Wolf, Aiden O’Neill, Nicolas Fernandez Mercau, Maxi Moralez
• Forwards: Jonathan Shore, Alonso Martinez

Key battles to watch include Alonso Martinez versus Jack Elliott, and Maxi Moralez against Brian Gutierrez in midfield.

New York City FC Suspensions & Injuries

New York City FC will head into this match without Andrés Perea, who is suspended due to an accumulation of yellow cards, missing one crucial game. His absence in midfield may impact NYCFC’s ability to control the game’s tempo and disrupt Chicago Fire’s play.

On the injury front, the team will be missing Malachi Jones and Keaton Parks, both out with leg injuries, potentially returning in mid-September 2025. These injuries could affect their squad rotation and depth, especially in the midfield, where Parks has been instrumental.

Despite these setbacks, manager Pascal Jansen will rely on his remaining key players to maintain their competitive edge and push for a playoff spot.

New York City FC Tactics and Formation

New York City FC Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-3-3
• Key Forward: Alonso Martinez, their leading goal scorer with 14 goals
• Midfield Trio: Hannes Wolf, Aiden O’Neill, and Nicolas Fernandez Mercau
• Defensive Strength: Two clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Focus on controlling possession and creating opportunities through quick counter-attacks

NYCFC under Pascal Jansen often employs a 4-3-3 formation, emphasizing both possession and quick transitions. Martinez spearheads the attack, supported by Jonathan Shore and Maxi Moralez, who offers creativity in deep-lying roles. The midfield trio of Wolf, O’Neill, and Fernandez Mercau focuses on ball retention and linking play between the defence and the forwards.

Defensively, Thiago Martins and Justin Haak anchor the backline, which has been relatively solid, conceding just 1.1 goals per match this season. NYCFC tends to engage in strong counters, especially in the second half, aiming to capitalize on any defensive lapses by their opponents.

Chicago Fire FC vs New York City FC Head-to-Head Statistics

In their last five meetings, New York City FC holds a distinct edge over Chicago Fire FC, with three wins and two draws. The recent encounters are:

• 2025-05-25: New York City FC 3-1 Chicago Fire FC
• 2024-08-24: New York City FC 2-2 Chicago Fire FC
• 2024-07-14: Chicago Fire FC 0-0 New York City FC
• 2023-10-21: New York City FC 1-0 Chicago Fire FC
• 2023-03-05: Chicago Fire FC 1-1 New York City FC

NYCFC has managed to win the home fixtures while the away matches have often ended in draws. This trend shows their ability to perform under pressure against Chicago.

Considering the tight contests and low-scoring history, both teams seem evenly matched. Chicago Fire, keen to improve their head-to-head record, will look to leverage their home advantage at Soldier Field in this upcoming pivotal playoff-race encounter.

Odds accurate as of 09.12.2025 01:31, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.