Two teams in different conferences and contrasting forms take on each other as Chicago Fire host LA Galaxy at Solider Field this weekend.
Chicago Fire need to improve their standards as quickly as possible to bring a positive light to their season, as they have continued its early-season form ahead of the visit of LA Galaxy. The home side are without a win in their previous eight games. Frank Klopas’s men have lost five and drawn three in that sequence since beating Houston Dynamos back in April, which did come on home soil.
In their last game, they only managed to salvage a draw after Hugo Cuypers’s 71st-minute equaliser earned them a point. They are currently languishing in second from bottom in the Eastern Conference.
The big problem for Chicago Fire has been their performances in front of goal. They are currently the second-worst side in the entire division, having scored only 15 goals in their 16 games so far. They will certainly look to correct their wrongs against Western Conference giants LA leaders, hopefully with a win on home soil and an end to their dreadful run of games.
Meanwhile, LA Galaxy are in a contrasting run of form, being unbeaten in their last six games. Only Real Salt Lake is ahead of LA Galaxy in the Western Conference standings, and the visitors are eager to put their name at the summit of the table.
However, their six-game unbeaten run does not represent total dominance, as it involves four consecutive draws and only two victories. Greg Vanney’s side would like to make it three wins in a row, especially in a fixture they have traditionally dominated. They only lost to the Chicago Fire 14 years ago.
It will be in their best interest to keep that unbeaten record against the Eastern side ongoing for another year at the very least, which could also let them keep up the pressure on top of their division.
Team News & Tactics
Chicago Fire
Chicago Fire will be without defensive pair Tobias Salquist and Chase Gasper, who are continuing their spell on the sidelines. There are further absentees, most notably Xherdan Shaqiri, who has flown out to join up with his Swiss teammates ahead of the Euros.
Andrew Gutman is also out with a hamstring problem, while Federico Navarro is a significant doubt after a knock sustained in the last game. As for the team selection and dynamics, Chicago Fire will persist with a back three of Carlos Teran, Mauricio Pineda, and Rafael Czichos.
In midfield, Brian Gutierrez will sit at the base, supported by Fabian Herbers and Kellyn Acosta, while Arnaud Souquet and Allan Arigoni will play as wing-backs. Up front, Tom Barlow and Hugo Cuypers will lead the line for Chicago Fire, hoping to trouble the LA Galaxy defence.
Probable Lineup (3-5-2): Brady; Teran, Pineda, Czichos; Souquet, Herbers, Gutierrez, Acosta, Arigoni; Barlow, Cuypers
LA Galaxy
LA Galaxy do not have too many fitness-related issues in its squad, with only Joseph Paintsil absent for the visitors. There might also be a problem with Gaston Brugman ahead of this clash, who has a knee discomfort to shake off and will be assessed before the clash.
Former Barcelona man Riqui Puig remains the big attraction for LA Galaxy. He will look to continue his impressive run of form this season with either another goal or assist against the Chicago Fire. He will start in the midfield three alongside Mark Delgado and Edwin Cerrillo.
In the attack, LA Galaxy will field Gabriel Pec on the right wing, with Dejan Joveljic in the centre-forward role, while Diego Fagundez will keep his place on the left side of the front three.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): McCarthy; Yamane, Yoshida, Caceres, Aude; Delgado, Cerrillo, Puig; Pec, Joveljic, Fagundez
Ways to Watch
Key Stats
- Chicago Fire have failed to win their last nine matches in MLS.
- Chicago Fire have the second-worst scoring record this season, with 15 goals in 16 games.
- LA Galaxy are undefeated in their last six games in MLS.
- LA Galaxy are undefeated in their last 13 matches against Chicago Fire FC in all competitions.
- LA Galaxy have not lost a game to Chicago Fire in the last 14 years.
Player to Watch
Riqui Puig
One of the key players in the LA Galaxy side, the former Barcelona star, has been in sensational form this season, with five goals and as many assists in 15 games. His current form has proved important for LA Galaxy, who will hope the Spaniard continues with what he’s been doing this campaign.
Puig will have to play an instrumental role in the season ahead for LA Galaxy and he will prove a catalyst in their rise to the very top. However, he must keep focus and look strong in games such as this one, as there’s a big chance to put in a top-notch performance to down strugglers Chicago Fire.
Prediction
Chicago Fire 1-2 LA Galaxy
Galaxy Fire are in a terrific run of two wins in two and six games unbeaten, which also involved four consecutive draws. Hence, the visitors must add more wins to what appears like a big streak in the making, as they will come to Chicago as favourites to take three points.
Will it be easy for LA Galaxy? Not quite, as Chicago Fire will be hurt by their recent performances and the pressure to get one over their opponents, something they have yet to do in 14 years. However, Galaxy have the quality and run of form to get three points, and that might be the case in this clash.