Chicago Fire vs. New York City FC Prediction, Preview and Odds - 8/4/21
Chicago Fire vs. New York City
The 2021 MLS season continues with some thrilling midweek action, as Wednesday brings 12 games around the league, including the Eastern Conference showdown at Soldier Field in Chicago where the Fire host New York City. These two foes meet for the first time this term, so let’s see what’s the best Chicago vs. New York City betting pick.
The Fire finally avoid a loss on the road
The Chicago Fire are coming off a 1-1 draw at Philadelphia this past Sunday, earning their first point away from home in 2021. Raphael Wicky’s team managed to avoid its sixth straight road loss despite a red card in the 34th minute. Also, Chicago took just four shots towards the Union goalkeeper, while Phila had a whopping 25 shots, but only five went on target.
Chicago is now winless in four straight outings, tallying a couple of stalemates in the process. In their ten home games this season, the Fire have recorded three wins, three draws, and four losses along with a 15:14 goal difference. They are currently sitting at the 13th spot of the Eastern Conference standings with 13 points (W3, D4, L9) and an 18:28 goal difference.
Winger Ignacio Aliseda and midfielder Luka Stojanovic lead the way for Chicago, bagging three goals each. Playmaker Alvaro Medran is the team’s best assist-maker with five dishes in 15 appearances, while fullback Boris Sekulic has three assists and a couple of goals on his tally.
The Pigeons aim for their fourth straight W
New York City is riding a three-game winning streak following a 4-1 thrashing off the Columbus Crew this past Friday. The Pigeons controlled the game for all 90 minutes and had a two-goal lead at halftime to easily outlast Columbus for their fifth consecutive victory in front of the home fans.
In six outings on the road, the Pigeons have recorded a couple of wins, three losses, and a draw along with an 8:8 goal difference. They are sitting at the third spot of the Eastern Conference standings with 26 points (W8, D2, L5) and a 30:16 goal difference.
New York City owns the second-highest scoring offense in the East. Winger Jesus Medina leads the way with seven goals in 15 appearances, while striker Valentin Castellanos and winger Ismael Tajouri-Shradi have added six goals each. Midfielder Maxi Morales is New York’s best assist-maker with five dimes in 13 apps.
The Pick:Draw
Three of the previous four encounters between Chicago and New York City at Soldier Field were finished in a draw, and I’m looking for another stalemate in this one. The Pigeons are on a three-game win streak, but all their three wins came at home, while the Fire will be fired up to put an end to their four-game winless streak.
I’m expecting a tight contest, though New York City is arguably a much better team on paper. Chicago has dropped just one of its last five home tilts, so the Pigeons will have a tall task here even though they are listed as -105 favorites to win.
Total:Both Teams to Score YES
The last five meetings between Chicago and New York City at Soldier Field saw both teams scoring. Also, both teams found the back of the net in Chicago’s last five games overall and five of New York City’s previous six outings away from home.
Hereof, my best Chicago vs. New York City betting pick is BTTS YES. I’ve mentioned the Pigeons’ prolific offense, while Chicago’s 15:14 goal difference at home tells you enough about the Fire’s efficiency on both sides of the ball. Back in 2020, New York City outlasted Chicago 4-3 at Soldier Field.
