Chicago Fire vs Nashville SC Prediction: Chicago Fire are favored to edge out a 2-1 victory over Nashville SC in their final MLS regular season match, capitalizing on home advantage and Nashville’s poor away form.
Key Takeaways
- Chicago Fire host Nashville SC in final MLS regular season match.
- Chicago sits last in Eastern Conference with 30 points, Nashville 13th with 33 points.
- Fire have lost 3 of last 4 matches, Nashville on 3-game losing streak.
- Chicago’s Brian Gutierrez leads team with 6 goals and 8 assists.
- Nashville’s Hany Mukhtar has team-high 8 goals and 8 assists.
Chicago Fire vs Nashville SC: Final Match Preview
The 2024 Major League Soccer regular season concludes on Saturday night as the Chicago Fire welcome Nashville SC to Soldier Field. Both teams find themselves near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings, looking to end disappointing campaigns on a positive note.
Current Form and Standings
The Chicago Fire enter the match in last place in the East with just 30 points from 33 matches (7-9-17). They’ve struggled mightily down the stretch, losing 3 of their last 4 games including a 4-3 defeat to Charlotte FC in their most recent outing.
Nashville SC hasn’t fared much better, sitting in 13th place with 33 points (8-9-16). They’re mired in a three-game losing skid, most recently falling 3-1 to New York City FC. Neither side has anything tangible to play for beyond pride in this final match.
Chicago Fire vs Nashville SC Lineups and Formations
- Chicago Fire Lineup (4-2-3-1): Brady; Souquet, Omsberg, Czichos, Dean; Acosta, Gimenez; Herbers, Gutierrez, Lassiter; Koutsias
- Nashville SC Lineup (4-4-2): Willis; Moore, Zimmerman, Maher, Lovitz; Muyl, Godoy, Yazbek, Shaffelburg; Mukhtar, Surridge
Chicago is likely to stick with the 4-2-3-1 formation they’ve utilized recently. Look for Brian Gutierrez to play a key role in the attacking midfield, with Georgios Koutsias leading the line up front.
Nashville typically employs a 4-4-2 setup. The dangerous duo of Hany Mukhtar and Sam Surridge should spearhead the attack, with Jacob Shaffelburg providing width from midfield.
Key Players to Watch
Chicago Fire: Brian Gutierrez has been the Fire’s most productive offensive player this season, leading the team with 6 goals and 8 assists. His creativity in midfield will be crucial if Chicago hopes to break down Nashville’s defense.
Nashville SC: Hany Mukhtar remains Nashville’s talisman, pacing the squad with 8 goals and 8 assists. The German playmaker’s ability to both score and create chances makes him a constant threat.
Injury Updates
Chicago will be without defenders Andrew Gutman (hamstring) and Chase Gasper (leg). Nashville is missing Tyler Boyd (knee) and Lukas MacNaughton (ankle), while Julian Gaines is questionable with a knock.
Head-to-Head Record
Nashville holds a slight edge in the all-time series between these clubs. In their most recent meeting on September 19, Nashville secured a 1-0 home victory thanks to a goal from Sam Surridge.
Where to Watch Live?
The match kicks off at 11:00 PM ET on Saturday, October 19. Fans can stream the game live on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV.
Match Prediction
While both teams have struggled lately, Chicago’s home-field advantage could prove decisive. The Fire have shown more fight in recent matches, nearly mounting a comeback against Charlotte. Nashville’s road form has been particularly poor, losing 7 of their last 8 away games.
Prediction: Chicago Fire 2-1 Nashville SC
The Fire should be motivated to avoid finishing last in the conference, while Nashville may already have one eye on the offseason. Look for Chicago to edge out a narrow victory in what could be an open, entertaining affair to close out the regular season.
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