Our prediction for this MLS match:
Chicago Fire
Match Time & Date:
08/09/2024
02:30
Prediction: 1-1
DC United
Out-of-sorts Chicago Fire will try to put an end to their five-game winless run in all competitions when they take on DC United at their Soldier Field. Chicago are five points behind the playoffs berth, meaning that Sunday’s clash is of big importance for them. Rafael Czichos serves a one-game ban due to the accumulation of yellow cards, while fellow defenders Mauricio Pineda and Chase Gasper are both out of contention with injuries.
The capital club, on the other hand, aim to build on a 3-1 win over Toronto. As DC United are eager to keep their playoffs hopes alive as well, we believe that there is a big value in betting on both teams to score. In their last meeting in the Major League Soccer the two sides played out a 1-1 draw, which goes in favour of our earlier prediction. Christian Benteke is widely expected to lead the line for DC United.
Highlighted Player (Xherdan Shaqiri):
Another impressive player who emigrated to Switzerland, Xherdan Shaqiri is a midfielder with excellent technical qualities, very strong in taking players on and creating chances for his teammates, while also being a danger from set pieces. The Serbian-born footballer formed an excellent midfielder pairing with Granit Xhaka at FC Basel, before making a high-profile move to Bayern Munich in the summer of 2012.
Shaqiri went on to prove a great deal of potential at Allianz Arena, scoring 11 goals in 52 Bundesliga matches, but he decided to leave in search of first team football, first joining Inter Milan and then moving to Stoke City. It was at Britannia Stadium that the attacking midfielder rediscovered his form and if he continues playing at such a high level, it won’t be long before he returns to the biggest stage.
Even when he was not playing regularly at club level, Shaqiri would always reserve his best performances for the national team, as witnessed by 17 goals in first 50 caps. The midfielder was especially impressive at the 2014 World Cup finals, where he scored no fewer than three goals.
Highlighted Team (DC United):
D.C. United have been participating in the Eastern Conference of the MLS since 1996. The capital club play their home games at RFK Stadium Washington and they are nicknamed the Black and Red. D.C. United won their fourth MLS Cup in 2004 and in 1998 the club clinched the Copa Interamericana trophy by beating Vasco da Gama of Brazil in the title game.
The Black and Red won the Eastern Conference on five occasions (1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2004) and, as a result, they are regarded as one of the most successful clubs in the history of MLS.
Andy Najar, Eddie Pope, Jaime Moreno, John Harkes, Ryan Nelsen, Christian Gomez, Nick Rimando, Richie Williams, Clyde Simms, Tony Sanneh, Marco Etcheverry and Santino Quaranta are some of the club’s most famous players. Speaking of D.C. United fans, the club has four big supporters groups: La Norte, La Barra Brava, the Screaming Eagles and La Norte and the club’s mascot is Talon, the bald eagle.
