New York City vs Chicago Fire Prediction: Can either side make the playoff?

It’s a must-win for both New York City and Chicago Fire if they want to make it to the playoffs. Chicago Fire are currently outside the playoff zone as they trail DC United on goal difference but they have a game in hand. So a win for Chicago Fire and a draw or defeat for The Red Bulls will see Chicago Fire climb into the playoff zone. And also for New York City, as they need a win and a defeat for the Red Bulls to get into the playoff zone.

New York City FC

New York City are currently in 13th place on the Eastern Conference table with 38 points from 33 matches played. Overall, they recorded 8 wins, 14 draws, and 11 defeats this season. A win against Chicago Fire would give them the advantage of qualifying for the playoffs. But it would finally be decided by New York Red Bulls to lose for New York City to confirm their spot. New York City are not in the best form at the moment as they have failed to win their last 2 games in a row. They lost their last match against New York City FC by 2-0.

New York City failed to beat Chicago Fire in their last meeting as both sides exchanged goals in the 1-1 draw back in March. Fabian Herbers scored the equalizing goal for New York City in the 75th minute to earn them a point at full-time. New York City have not lost a game against Chicago Fire since the 2-0 defeat in 2021.

Chicago Fire

Chicago Fire hold all the cards for the playoff spot as they come into this game. They need a win and hope New York Red Bulls drop points if they are to make it into the zone and they will be hoping they can achieve either outcome when they take on New York City. Chicago Fire have a total of 40 points from 33 matches played. They recorded 10 wins, 10 draws and 13 defeats this season and their goal difference is -11.

Chicago Fire are coming off a 2-0 defeat in their last game against Charlotte FC at home. That wasn’t the result they had hoped for with the playoffs at stake but they have another opportunity to put all doubts to bed.

Chicago Fire have not beaten New York City FC in a competitive game since 2021 when they won 2-0 on their home ground. Their last meeting ended in a 1-1 draw and Gabriel Pereira gave them the lead in the 39th minute but they conceded an equalizer in the 75th minute to end the game as a draw.

Head to Head

New York City are superior in the head-to-head battle. They have won 10 out of 19 matches against Chicago Fire, while Chicago Fire won 3 matches, and 6 matches ended in a draw.

Analysis and Predictions

A tough one really for both sides and a tough match to call. These are the sort of games where both teams throw their life into the game and it’s almost difficult to separate both sides. With the playoff spots at stake, I think neither side would be bold enough to go all out for a win. Both sides will play tight and hope to capitalize on mistakes. But it is going to be a tight game nonetheless and either side can come out on top.

• Under 3 Goals at 1.60 Odds
• FT Draw at 3.80 Odds
• Correct Score 1-1 at 8.50 Odds