Sporting KC vs Chicago Fire Prediction: Sporting Kansas City is expected to edge out Chicago Fire in a tight contest, with a predicted final score of 1-1 after regulation time, followed by a Sporting KC victory on penalties.
The Leagues Cup action heats up as Sporting Kansas City prepares to host Chicago Fire in a pivotal Group West 4 matchup. Both teams will be eager to start their tournament campaign on a high note at Children’s Mercy Park.
Match Preview
Sporting Kansas City enters this contest with renewed confidence after a string of positive results in MLS play. Peter Vermes’ side has shown resilience, going unbeaten in their last four home games across all competitions. Their attacking prowess has been particularly noteworthy, with the team averaging 1.58 goals per match in MLS this season.
Chicago Fire, on the other hand, has struggled to find consistency in their league campaign. Frank Klopas’ men currently sit second from bottom in the Eastern Conference, though they remain just three points adrift of the playoff spots. The Fire will be looking to replicate their strong Leagues Cup performance from last year, where they went undefeated in the group stage.
Projected Sporting KC vs Chicago Fire Lineups and Formation
Predicted Sporting Kansas City Lineup (4-3-3): Walter, Agada, Voloder, Shelton, Leibold, Radoja, Melia, Thommy, Russell, Castellanos, Salloi
Predicted Chicago Fire Line (4-2-3-1): Gimenez, Koutsias, Brady, Souquet, Gutierrez, Haile-Selassie, Dean, Herbers, Acosta, Omsberg, Czichos
Injured Players and Unavailable List
Sporting Kansas City:
- Daniel Rosero (hamstring)
- Memo Rodriguez (quad)
- Felipe Hernandez (indefinite suspension)
- Logan Ndenbe (torn ACL, out for the season)
- Jake Davis (representing USA at Paris Olympics)
- John Pulskamp (representing USA at Paris Olympics)
Chicago Fire:
- Carlos Teran (leg injury)
- Federico Navarro (leg injury)
- Andrew Gutman (hamstring strain)
- Chase Gasper (hamstring strain)
- Xherdan Shaqiri (yet to return from international duty)
Where to Watch
The match will be available for streaming on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 AM UTC on July 29, 2024.
Sporting Kansas City vs. Chicago Fire Live Streaming and TV Schedule (Other Countries)
- USA: MLS Season Pass
- UK: MLS Season Pass
- Canada: MLS Season Pass
- Australia: MLS Season Pass
- Germany: MLS Season Pass
- France: MLS Season Pass
- Spain: MLS Season Pass
- Italy: MLS Season Pass
- Japan: MLS Season Pass
- Brazil: MLS Season Pass
Form Guide and Stats
Sporting KC’s recent form: W-L-W-W-L-D
Chicago Fire’s recent form: L-W-L-D-W-L
Sporting KC has been particularly strong at home, scoring multiple goals in 11 of their 15 matches across all competitions at Children’s Mercy Park this season.
Chicago Fire has struggled on the road, with their only away victory in the Leagues Cup coming against Minnesota United last year.
Head-to-Head Record
Sporting KC has dominated recent meetings between these two sides at Children’s Mercy Park, winning six of their last seven home encounters against Chicago Fire. They’ve managed to keep clean sheets in five of those victories.
Standings
As this is the opening match of the Leagues Cup Group West 4, both teams currently sit level on 0 points. Toluca completes the three-team group.
Latest News
Sporting KC’s William Agada comes into this match in fine form, having scored the equalizer in their recent 1-1 draw with St. Louis City. The forward leads the team with nine goals in MLS play this season.
For Chicago Fire, Rafael Czichos found the net in their last MLS outing, a 2-1 defeat to Inter Miami. It was the defender’s first goal of the league campaign.
Who Will Win?
Sporting KC vs Chicago Fire Prediction: Sporting Kansas City 1-1 Chicago Fire (Sporting KC Will Win on Penalties)
Given Sporting KC’s strong home record and Chicago Fire’s struggles on the road, the hosts appear to have the edge. However, the unpredictable nature of cup competitions could lead to a closely fought encounter.
Sporting Kansas City’s attacking threat, coupled with their historical dominance over Chicago Fire at Children’s Mercy Park, suggests they might secure a narrow victory. The predicted score is Sporting Kansas City 1-1 Chicago Fire (Sporting Kansas City wins on penalties).
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