In one of many MLS games Wednesday, D.C. United (5 wins, 7 losses, 1 draw) visit the Chicago Fire (3-8-2) at Soldier Field. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. ET. Below, we preview the D.C. United vs. Chicago Fire FC odds and lines, and make our best MLS bets, picks and predictions.
The Chicago Fire take the field after losing 5-1 to Nashville SC Saturday. The Fire will look to get back in the win column behind F Ignacio Aliseda and his 3 goals in eight appearances. However, they’ll need to learn to defend, having given up the third-most goals in the Eastern Conference this season.
D.C. United is without USA MF Paul Arriola, who typically plays an important attacking role in their midfield. That burden will be put on F Ola Kamara, who has 5 goals on the season. A win could vault United from ninth place to seventh in the conference and put them in playoff contention.
D.C. United at Chicago Fire: Odds, picks and predictions
Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:05 p.m. ET.
- Money line: D.C. United +210 (bet $100 to win $210) | Chicago Fire +110 (bet $100 to win $110) | Draw +260
- Over/Under: 2.5 (O: -160 | U: +120)
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Prediction
Chicago Fire 2, D.C. United 1
Money line (ML)
BET on the FIRE (+110) because they’ve been respectable at home.
Chicago has all of its wins and draws at home and is just better in front of the home crowd at the intimidating Soldier Field. On top of that, the Fire have played well lately with wins in two of their last three matches.
While United hasn’t necessarily struggled, they have lost two of their last three games. They’re also just 1-5-1 on the road.
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Over/Under (O/U)
“LEAN” to the OVER 2.5 (-160) because Chicago is on fire and also has a horrible backline.
The Fire were absolutely embarrassed by Nashville MF Hany Mukhtar last time they took the pitch. However, aside from that, they’ve been a scoring machine over their last four matches in averaging 2.5 goals per game.
United scored at least 1 goal in four of their last five matches, including a 7-goal outburst against Toronto FC July 3. The Toronto defense is the worst in the East, but Chicago isn’t too far behind.
With both teams scoring lately, expect a high-scoring game. Given the cost on the total, I’d only consider putting half a unit on it.
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