Chicago Fire FC vs. Charlotte FC Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 29 June 2025

On 29 June 2025, Soldier Field will host an intriguing Major League Soccer clash as Chicago Fire FC take on Charlotte FC in Round 20 of the competition. Both teams are currently sitting mid-table, tied on points with 25 each, occupying the 17th and 18th positions respectively.

Chicago Fire FC, managed by Gregg Berhalter, are looking to bounce back after a recent blip in form. Despite high-scoring outings, they have struggled defensively, having kept no clean sheets in their last five matches. Injuries are a concern for the Fire, with key players like David Poreba and Carlos Teran sidelined until early July. Hugo Cuypers remains their main goal threat with 10 goals this season.

Charlotte FC, coached by Dean Smith, have also seen mixed results recently. They have shown resilience, scoring in nine consecutive matches, with Patrick Agyemang leading their attack with six goals. However, their defense has been leaky, conceding 1.7 goals on average this season. They will miss the presence of Nimfasha Berchimas and Nathan Byrne due to injuries.

Past encounters have favored Chicago, who won their last face-off 4-1, but both sides have been involved in high-scoring games. Expect an attacking display from both teams, making a bet on more than 2.5 goals a logical choice. For a safer bet, considering the close contest, the recommendation is Charlotte FC +0.50 (AH).

As the season progresses, every point counts, making this match vital for both teams to climb the standings and keep their playoff hopes alive.

Chicago Fire FC vs Charlotte FC Prediction & Betting Tip

For the upcoming match between Chicago Fire FC and Charlotte FC, the recommended betting tip is to back Charlotte FC with a +0.50 Asian Handicap. This tip leverages their recent resilience and avoids the risks associated with outright winning bets in closely matched fixtures.

Chicago Fire FC vs Charlotte FC Prediction
Betting tip	Odds
Charlotte FC +0.50 (AH)	1.87

• Charlotte FC have shown resilience by scoring in 9 consecutive matches, indicating their attacking prowess.
• Past matches between the teams have been high-scoring affairs, with more than 2.5 goals in 71% of their encounters over the past five seasons, suggesting an open game.
• Both teams have similar current form, and with Chicago Fire’s defensive vulnerabilities and key injuries, Charlotte FC’s chances of at least drawing are heightened.

Chicago Fire FC vs Charlotte FC Odds

Looking into the odds for this upcoming match, Chicago Fire FC are the favourites according to bookmakers. Here’s the breakdown:

Chicago Fire FC vs Charlotte FC Betting Odds
Bet	Odds
Chicago Fire FC	1.90
Draw	3.87
Charlotte FC	3.45

🔸 Chicago Fire FC’s position as favourites reflects their home advantage at Soldier Field and the confidence in their attacking prowess, led by Hugo Cuypers.

🔸 The odds for a draw are higher, acknowledging the balanced form of both teams, each having earned 25 points and displayed inconsistencies.

🔸 Charlotte FC’s odds suggest they are seen as the underdogs, yet their resilience, evidenced by scoring in nine consecutive matches, cannot be overlooked.

Should you fancy a bit of an underdog story with a decent chance of success, betting on Charlotte FC could offer some value!

Chicago Fire FC Team Analysis

Chicago Fire FC Recent Performance

Here’s a closer look at Chicago Fire FC’s recent performance in their last five matches:

Home team	Away team	Date	Competition	Result
Chicago Fire FC	Philadelphia Union	2025-06-26	Major League Soccer	0-1 (Loss)
Chicago Fire FC	Nashville SC	2025-06-15	Major League Soccer	0-2 (Loss)
DC United	Chicago Fire FC	2025-06-07	Major League Soccer	1-7 (Win)
Orlando City	Chicago Fire FC	2025-05-31	Major League Soccer	1-3 (Win)
New York City FC	Chicago Fire FC	2025-05-25	Major League Soccer	3-1 (Loss)

Recent Form: LLWWL

Chicago Fire FC have had a mixed bag of performances in their recent games. With just two wins in their last five matches, they’ve had a hard time maintaining consistency. Their impressive victory against DC United, where they scored seven goals, showcased their attacking capabilities. However, their defense needs bolstering, as evident from the lack of clean sheets in these games. On average, Chicago Fire FC have managed to score 2.20 goals per game in their last five outings, indicating a strong offensive presence.

Despite recent losses to Philadelphia Union and Nashville SC, Chicago Fire FC can capitalize on their home advantage at Soldier Field to get back to winning ways.

Chicago Fire FC Key Players

Chicago Fire FC will heavily rely on their top scorer, Hugo Cuypers, who has netted 10 goals this season. His presence in the forward line is crucial, and his matchup against Charlotte FC’s defenders like Adilson Malanda will be a key battle.
In the midfield, Brian Gutierrez and Mauricio Pineda are expected to play pivotal roles in creating opportunities. Gutierrez’s vision and Pineda’s ball distribution will be vital to exploiting gaps in Charlotte FC’s defense.
Defensively, Omar Gonzalez will need to be at his best to counter Charlotte FC’s attacking threats, particularly Patrick Agyemang, who has scored 6 goals this season.

Expected lineup for Chicago Fire FC:

• Goalkeeper: Jeff Gal
• Defenders: Leonardo Barroso, Omar Gonzalez, Jack Elliott, Andrew Gutman
• Midfielders: Brian Gutierrez, Mauricio Pineda, Sergio Oregel
• Forwards: Philip Zinckernagel, Hugo Cuypers, Jonathan Bamba

The individual battles, particularly Cuypers vs Malanda and Gonzalez vs Agyemang, could determine the match’s outcome.

Chicago Fire FC Suspensions & Injuries

Chicago Fire FC have several players unavailable due to injuries, which could impact their performance against Charlotte FC. The squad will need to adjust without the following players:

Player	Injury	Expected return
David Poreba	Muscle injury	Early July 2025
Chris Mueller	Personal reasons	Early July 2025
Carlos Teran	Muscle injury	Early July 2025
Rominigue Kouame	Muscle injury	Early July 2025
Christopher Cupps	Muscle injury	Early July 2025

With these absentees, Gregg Berhalter will need to rely on his available personnel to step up. The midfield and defensive lines might see some reshuffling to adequately cover these gaps. Such injuries might hamper the team’s cohesion, particularly in defense, and it will be interesting to see how the squad adapts to ensure they maintain their competitive edge. The absence of Chris Mueller due to personal reasons also means there’s an increased responsibility on the remaining forwards to deliver the goods upfront.

Chicago Fire FC Tactics and Formation

Chicago Fire FC Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-3-3
• Key Forward: Hugo Cuypers
• Midfield Trio: Brian Gutierrez, Mauricio Pineda, Sergio Oregel
• Defensive Line: Leonardo Barroso, Omar Gonzalez, Jack Elliott, Andrew Gutman

Chicago Fire FC will likely stick with their preferred 4-3-3 formation, aimed at providing a balanced approach between attack and defense. The focal point in attack will be Hugo Cuypers, who is their top scorer with 10 goals this season. He’ll be flanked by Philip Zinckernagel on the right and Jonathan Bamba on the left, both tasked with creating and exploiting width.

In midfield, the trio of Gutierrez, Pineda, and Oregel will look to dominate possession and create goal-scoring opportunities. These players are expected to support both the defense and the forwards, providing a flexible approach in both attack and defense.

Defensively, the team will rely on the experience of Omar Gonzalez and the solidity of Jack Elliott in the centre-back positions, with full-backs Leonardo Barroso and Andrew Gutman tasked with both defensive duties and assisting in offensive plays.

Given the team’s current form and injury situation, Gregg Berhalter will need to ensure his players stick to their roles to avoid any lapses in concentration at the back, as evidenced by their lack of clean sheets in recent matches.

Charlotte FC Team Analysis

Charlotte FC Recent Performance (LLWLW)

Charlotte FC has had an inconsistent run in their last five matches, showing a mix of wins and losses but maintaining a respectable scoring rate. Here’s a look at their recent form:

Home team	Away team	Date	Competition	Result
Sporting Kansas City	Charlotte FC	2025-06-26	Major League Soccer	2-1 (Loss)
Philadelphia Union	Charlotte FC	2025-06-14	Major League Soccer	2-1 (Loss)
Toronto FC	Charlotte FC	2025-05-31	Major League Soccer	0-2 (Win)
New York Red Bulls	Charlotte FC	2025-05-28	Major League Soccer	4-2 (Loss)
Charlotte FC	Columbus Crew	2025-05-24	Major League Soccer	3-2 (Win)

Despite the mixed results, Charlotte FC has been consistent in finding the back of the net, averaging 1.8 goals per game in their last five fixtures. They have struggled defensively, however, conceding in most of their recent matches, which aligns with their seasonal average of conceding 1.7 goals per game.

Charlotte FC has shown resilience, scoring in nine consecutive matches, highlighting their attacking prowess. However, their Achilles’ heel remains their defense, with only one clean sheet in the last five games. They will need to tighten up at the back to improve their standings.

Overall, while Charlotte FC’s recent performance has been patchy, their ability to score goals consistently makes them a constant threat in any fixture.

Charlotte FC Key Players

Charlotte FC will be relying on several key players to make an impact against Chicago Fire FC. Patrick Agyemang, the top scorer for Charlotte FC with 6 goals this season, will be essential in leading the attack.

In midfield, Pep Biel and Ashley Westwood will be critical in controlling the game and creating opportunities. Biel, known for his vision and passing accuracy, will need to break down Chicago’s defense, while Westwood brings a wealth of experience and composure.

Wilfried Zaha, known for his flair and ability to turn games with individual brilliance, will be another key player to watch. His battles against Chicago’s defenders could be pivotal.

Expected lineup for Charlotte FC:

• Goalkeeper: Kristijan Kahlina
• Defenders: Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty, Adilson Malanda, Andrew Privett, Souleyman Doumbia
• Midfielders: Ashley Westwood, Eryk Williamson, Pep Biel
• Attackers: Liel Abada, Idan Toklomati, Wilfried Zaha

These players must step up to overcome Chicago’s home advantage and secure a vital win.

Charlotte FC Suspensions & Injuries

Charlotte FC will be dealing with a couple of notable absences due to injuries. Nimfasha Berchimas is out with a foot injury, and while he’s expected to return in early July 2025, he will miss this crucial match against Chicago Fire FC. Nathan Byrne is also sidelined with a neck injury and is slated for a return around the same time.

Despite these injuries, the squad remains strong overall. Head coach Dean Smith has reliable cover in several positions, and the team’s recent form shows they can handle adversity. Still, the loss of these players could impact depth and rotation, particularly if the match is closely contested or extends into extra time.

Charlotte FC Tactics and Formation

Charlotte FC’s Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Idan Toklomati
• Creative Spark: Pep Biel
• Wingers: Liel Abada (Right), Wilfried Zaha (Left)

Dean Smith has adopted a 4-2-3-1 formation that aims to balance defensive solidity with attacking flair. Toklomati leads the line, supported by a trio of creative and pacey players.

• Midfield Duo: Ashley Westwood and Eryk Williamson
  These two act as the engine room, providing defensive cover and distributing the ball to the attacking quartet.

• Defensive Line:

  • Right Back: Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty
  • Center Backs: Adilson Malanda and Andrew Privett
  • Left Back: Souleyman Doumbia

  This backline retains structure and focus, key to holding off opposition advances.

Charlotte’s recent pattern shows a high-pressing approach, creating turnovers and quick transitions.

Expect them to exploit width through Abada and Zaha, delivering crosses into the box for Toklomati. With Biel pulling the strings through midfield, they can be a formidable attacking unit.

Chicago Fire FC vs Charlotte FC Head-to-Head Statistics

Home team	Away team	Date	Competition	Result
Charlotte FC	Chicago Fire FC	2025-05-17	Major League Soccer	1-4 (Loss)
Charlotte FC	Chicago Fire FC	2024-10-02	Major League Soccer	4-3 (Win)
Chicago Fire FC	Charlotte FC	2024-05-16	Major League Soccer	0-1 (Loss)
Chicago Fire FC	Charlotte FC	2023-10-08	Major League Soccer	0-2 (Loss)
Charlotte FC	Chicago Fire FC	2023-05-17	Major League Soccer	2-1 (Win)

Both teams have had their share of wins and losses in their past encounters.

In the most recent meeting, Chicago Fire FC secured a comfortable 4-1 victory. However, the overall history slightly favours Charlotte FC, having won three of the last five fixtures.

High-scoring matches have been a recurrent theme, with more than 2.5 goals scored in most of these encounters. This trend hints at potential goal-fests when these two sides face off.

Charlotte FC’s ability to find the net consistently will be tested against Chicago Fire FC’s relatively solid home setup.

Odds accurate as of 27/06/2025 01:31, and are subject to change.
Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.