FC Cincinnati vs. Chicago Fire FC Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 6 July 2025

In an exciting Major League Soccer (MLS) showdown, third-placed FC Cincinnati will square off against 13th-placed Chicago Fire FC at TQL Stadium on 6 July 2025. With FC Cincinnati being the bookmaker’s favorite and boasting a strong home record, this match promises to be an intriguing encounter.

FC Cincinnati have been in fine form, as evidenced by their recent WWWLD streak, and have the home crowd advantage. Pat Noonan’s side will aim to continue their strong performances and secure a win to maintain their position at the top of the table. They are expected to field a strong lineup featuring Roman Celentano in goal and Kevin Denkey, their top scorer, leading the attack.

On the other hand, Chicago Fire FC, under the guidance of Gregg Berhalter, have had a mixed bag of results with a recent WLLWW record. Despite their position in the lower half of the standings, they’ve shown they can be dangerous, notably scoring in every away match this season. Hugo Cuypers, with 11 goals to his name, will be a crucial figure for the visitors.

Historically, recent encounters between these two teams have been closely contested. The last face-off in April 2025 ended in a 3-2 win for FC Cincinnati. Given the strengths and weaknesses of both sides, a recommended bet is FC Cincinnati -0.75 (AH), considering their home advantage and current form.

Fans can anticipate a closely fought match with plenty of action, making it one to watch in the unfolding narrative of this MLS season.

FC Cincinnati vs Chicago Fire FC Prediction & Betting Tip

For this MLS clash, our recommended betting tip is to go with FC Cincinnati -0.75 (Asian Handicap). This bet is based on Cincinnati’s strong home form and the fact that they have been consistent in delivering strong performances lately.

FC Cincinnati vs Chicago Fire FC Prediction
Betting tip	Odds
FC Cincinnati -0.75 (AH)	1.83

• Home Advantage: FC Cincinnati have been exceptional at home, making the most of their games at TQL Stadium.
• Current Form: With a recent streak of WWWLD, Cincinnati has been consistent and shows good momentum.
• Scoring Stats: Cincinnati have scored the most goals in the 61-75 minute interval, while Chicago have conceded in crucial moments.

FC Cincinnati vs Chicago Fire FC Odds

For the upcoming MLS match, FC Cincinnati are the favourites according to the bookmakers.

FC Cincinnati vs Chicago Fire FC Betting Odds
Bet	Odds
FC Cincinnati	1.83
Draw	4.05
Chicago Fire FC	3.56

These odds reflect Cincinnati’s strong home form and their position in the league standings.

• FC Cincinnati: At 1.83, Cincinnati are favoured to win, highlighting their consistency and current form.
• Draw: A draw is pegged at 4.05, indicating a less likely but still possible outcome.
• Chicago Fire FC: With 3.56 odds, the Fire are the underdogs, yet they have the potential to upset based on their offensive capabilities shown in recent matches.

Betting enthusiasts should consider these odds, especially with Cincinnati’s recent home advantages.

FC Cincinnati Team Analysis

FC Cincinnati Recent Performance

Recent Form: FC Cincinnati have been in fine form lately, boasting a respectable run in their last five matches. Their recent performance showcases their resilience and ability to grind out results. Here’s a look at their last five results:

Home team	Away team	Date	Competition	Result
Orlando City	FC Cincinnati	2025-06-28	Major League Soccer	1-2 (Win)
CF Montreal	FC Cincinnati	2025-06-25	Major League Soccer	1-3 (Win)
New England Revolution	FC Cincinnati	2025-06-14	Major League Soccer	0-1 (Win)
FC Cincinnati	DC United	2025-05-31	Major League Soccer	1-2 (Loss)
FC Cincinnati	FC Dallas	2025-05-28	Major League Soccer	3-3 (Draw)

FC Cincinnati have managed to secure three wins, one draw, and one loss in their last five outings. With an average of 2.00 goals scored per game and managing one clean sheet in the same period, they’ve shown both offensive prowess and occasional defensive stability.

In their dominant performances, they secured significant victories against Orlando City, CF Montreal, and New England Revolution, with their only setbacks being a narrow loss to DC United and a thrilling draw against FC Dallas.

Their strong home form and consistent scoring ability make them a formidable side, especially when playing at TQL Stadium.

FC Cincinnati Key Players

FC Cincinnati boasts several key players who could make a significant impact in the upcoming clash against Chicago Fire FC. Leading the charge is Kevin Denkey, the team’s top scorer with 11 goals to his name. Denkey’s clinical finishing and sharp movement make him a constant threat to opposition defenses. Another pivotal figure is Evander Ferreira, who orchestrates plays from midfield. His vision and passing accuracy will be crucial in creating scoring opportunities for the forwards. At the back, Matthew Miazga provides solidity and leadership, ensuring the team remains defensively robust. A key individual battle to watch will be Denkey against Chicago’s center-backs Sam Rogers and Jack Elliott, which could be a deciding factor in the game’s outcome.

Expected lineup for FC Cincinnati:

• Goalkeeper: Roman Celentano
• Defenders: Gilberto Flores, Matthew Miazga, Teenage Hadebe
• Midfielders: DeAndre Yedlin, Pavel Bucha, Evander, Brian Anunga, Lukas Engel
• Attackers: Gerardo Valenzuela, Kevin Denkey

FC Cincinnati Suspensions & Injuries

FC Cincinnati is currently dealing with several injuries that could impact their performance in the upcoming clash against Chicago Fire FC:

Player	Injury	Expected return
Nick Hagglund	Chest injury	Mid July 2025
Sergio Santos	Leg injury	Mid July 2025
Luca Orellano	Ankle injury	Late July 2025
Obinna Nwobodo	Leg injury	Late July 2025
Yuya Kubo	Ankle injury	Late July 2025

These injuries could potentially weaken FC Cincinnati’s depth, especially in defense and midfield, where they have multiple absentees. Nick Hagglund and Sergio Santos’ presence will be missed, particularly in providing defensive stability and attacking options. The absence of these key players requires significant tactical adjustments from head coach Pat Noonan. With critical positions impacted, FC Cincinnati may have to rely on younger or less experienced players to step up and fill the gaps. This could affect both their defensive solidity and attacking creativity as they look to secure valuable points at home.

FC Cincinnati Tactics and Formation

FC Cincinnati Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 3-4-1-2
• Key Forward: Kevin Denkey
• Midfield Setup: DeAndre Yedlin, Pavel Bucha, Evander Ferreira, Lukas Engel
• Defensive Line: Gilberto Flores, Matthew Miazga, Teenage Hadebe
• Goalkeeper: Roman Celentano

FC Cincinnati is expected to line up in a 3-4-1-2 formation, a structure that has served them well in recent matches. This setup combines solid defensive stability with ample midfield control and attacking dynamism.

Matthew Miazga in the central defensive position provides leadership and aerial prowess, with the physically commanding Teenage Hadebe and Gilberto Flores offering support on the flanks.

In midfield, expect Evander Ferreira to pull the strings creatively, flanked by the industrious Pavel Bucha and the speedster DeAndre Yedlin, who will look to bomb forward and deliver crosses.

At the attacking end, Kevin Denkey, the team’s top scorer, will be instrumental both in finishing chances and creating space for his attacking partners.

FC Cincinnati’s strategy often involves a burst of intensified play during the 61-75 minute interval, which could be key in breaking down the opposition.

Chicago Fire FC Team Analysis

Chicago Fire FC Recent Performance

Chicago Fire FC has had a mixed bag of results in their last five matches, registering three wins and two losses. Here’s a quick snapshot of their recent form:

Home team	Away team	Date	Competition	Result
Chicago Fire FC	Charlotte FC	2025-06-29	Major League Soccer	3-2 (Win)
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)

With two wins on the road and a remarkable 7-1 victory against DC United, Chicago’s offense is firing, averaging 2.6 goals per game in their last five fixtures. However, defensive frailties are evident as they failed to keep a clean sheet in these games.

Consistency remains an issue, but their attacking prowess ensures they are always a threat. Key time intervals for goals have been just before half-time, where they’ve consistently found the net this season. Chicago Fire FC’s capacity to score in every away match this season makes them a challenging opponent.

Chicago Fire FC Key Players

Chicago Fire FC relies heavily on several key players who have been instrumental in their recent performances.

• Hugo Cuypers: As the team’s top scorer with 11 goals, Cuypers is pivotal in the attacking third. His ability to find the back of the net consistently makes him a constant threat to any defense.
• Brian Gutierrez: Playing in central midfield, Gutierrez is the creative force, responsible for dictating the tempo and providing crucial assists. His midfield duels against FC Cincinnati’s Evander could be a critical factor in determining who controls the game.
• Jonathan Bamba: Another attacking asset, Bamba’s pace and dribbling skills can unsettle the opposition’s defense. He will likely face a tough battle against Cincinnati’s right-back, DeAndre Yedlin.

Expected lineup for Chicago Fire FC:

• Goalkeeper: Jeff Gal
• Defenders: Jonathan Dean, Samuel Rogers, Jack Elliott, Andrew Gutman
• Midfielders: Brian Gutierrez, Mauricio Pineda, Sergio Oregel
• Attackers: Philip Zinckernagel, Hugo Cuypers, Jonathan Bamba

These players will need to be at the top of their game if Chicago Fire FC aims to secure a positive result at TQL Stadium.

Chicago Fire FC Suspensions & Injuries

Injuries have certainly plagued Chicago Fire FC, creating potential challenges for their lineup in the upcoming match against FC Cincinnati. Here’s a detailed look at the injured players and their expected return dates:

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

These injuries, particularly to key players like Carlos Teran and David Poreba, could significantly impact Chicago Fire FC’s defensive stability. The lack of depth due to these injuries may force head coach Gregg Berhalter to make tactical adjustments or rely on less experienced squad members, which could be pivotal in their performance against a strong FC Cincinnati side.

Chicago Fire FC Tactics and Formation

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Hugo Cuypers
• Midfield Trio: Brian Gutierrez, Mauricio Pineda, Sergio Oregel
• Defensive Line: Jonathan Dean, Samuel Rogers, Jack Elliott, Andrew Gutman

Gregg Berhalter tends to favor a 4-2-3-1 formation for Chicago Fire FC, allowing for a balanced approach that maximizes both offensive and defensive capabilities. The forward line is spearheaded by Hugo Cuypers, who has proven to be a crucial player with 11 goals this season. Cuypers is supported by a dynamic midfield trio, including Brian Gutierrez, Mauricio Pineda, and Sergio Oregel. Gutierrez and Zinckernagel are particularly vital in creating scoring opportunities and pressing upfront.

The defensive line, featuring Jonathan Dean and Andrew Gutman as full-backs and Samuel Rogers and Jack Elliott as center-backs, has faced some challenges recently. However, their task will be to maintain a solid backline to counteract Cincinnati’s attacking threats.

Chicago Fire FC often excel in the early parts of the match, especially between the 31-45 minute marks, where they’ve scored most of their goals this season. This early pressure could be a strategic play to unsettle Cincinnati’s defense. However, the absence of key defensive players due to injuries may require tactical adjustments, focusing more on midfield pressure and swift counter-attacks.

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

Home	Away	Date	Competition	Result
Chicago Fire FC	FC Cincinnati	2025-04-20	Major League Soccer	2-3
FC Cincinnati	Chicago Fire FC	2024-07-17	Major League Soccer	0-1
Chicago Fire FC	FC Cincinnati	2024-03-03	Major League Soccer	1-2
FC Cincinnati	Chicago Fire FC	2023-06-03	Major League Soccer	1-0
Chicago Fire FC	FC Cincinnati	2023-03-19	Major League Soccer	3-3

Over their last five meetings, FC Cincinnati has generally had the upper hand, winning three games and drawing once. Their sole loss in these encounters was a narrow 0-1 defeat at home back in July 2024. Both teams have demonstrated the ability to score, with close results signifying competitive matches. This head-to-head context sets the stage for another thrilling encounter.

Odds accurate as of 04/07/2025 00:31, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.