New York City FC

vs

Chicago Fire

Predictions & Betting Tips

NYCFC in control at home

Pascal Jansen has done a good job since taking over the reins of NYCFC in January 2025, helping the Bronx-based side to boss the ball and play some great soccer at times. They like to control the tempo and build patiently from the back, using either a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 formation, while Alonso Martinez remains their focal point in attack with seven goals from 13 MLS games so far. NYCFC are 12th in MLS with 21 points from 14 games and have had mixed results in their past five games with two wins, a draw and two defeats. However, a 0-0 draw at D.C. United was followed by a 2-0 home victory over local rivals New York Red Bull last time out and they ought to be full of confidence back on their own patch. According to our New York City FC vs Chicago Fire prediction, this home edge may prove decisive. Chicago’s counter-attacking style, with the Fire looking to play direct and transition quickly, should create an end-to-end game. Gregg Berhalter has done a great job since being appointed in October 2024 and Chicago have been much more lively in the final third under his leadership.

Fire have the firepower to win

The visitors come into this game in great form with three consecutive wins coming into this contest. They have beaten Detroit City 4-0, Atlanta United 2-0 and recorded their biggest away win of the MLS 2025 season when hammering Charlotte 4-1 a fortnight ago. The New York City FC vs Chicago Fire preview highlights a fascinating contest with two different philosophies on the field, with NYCFC liking to control the ball and dictate the play and Berhalter’s team wanting to counterattack and exploit the transition. Chicago are 15th in the table with only 19 points from 13 and can’t be trusted to win, but do have the momentum to at least make a close game. Chicago’s Hugo Cuypers, with eight goals from 13 MLS appearances in 2025, looks a good option for an anytime goal and can outmuscle most defenders. Maren Haile-Selassie has brought some creativity to the Fire, finding passes into the box or providing energy and pace from wide positions.

Both teams to score looks tempting

The last meeting, at Yankee Stadium eight months ago, finished in a 2-2 thrill and this should be a close contest too with a home win available at +104 and an away win at +220. NYCFC’s home record is better than Chicago’s away record, so the New York City FC vs Chicago Fire prediction definitely favors the hosts for the three points. But the visitors have momentum and enough goal power to score a couple of goals against the hosts, who have averaged 1.29 goals per game at home in MLS 2025. For those seeking New York City FC vs Chicago Fire betting tips, taking both teams to get on the scoreboard in what could be a thriller on Sunday is a smart play.