Chicago Fire
- Chicago Fire have enjoyed the better of this pair recently, taking two of the last three meetings between the clubs.
- They currently sit 21st in the MLS 2026 table with zero points from one game, ahead of CF Montreal in 30th with the same points tally from one fixture.
- Chicago Fire boss Gregg Berhalter is a possession-first coach who likes his side to build from the back and play in structured patterns.
- They set up in a 4-3-3 formation and look to create overloads wide before making runs centrally.
- Chicago Fire players will play with a proactive press in order to win the ball back but they won’t chase the ball aimlessly or sacrifice structure.
CF Montreal
- This will be a chess match in many ways, with Marco Donadel preferring a more flexible 4-4-2.
- His side prefer to sit compact at the back and are far more likely to press high up the field than they are to sit back, instead preferring to push numbers forward and create an energetic, high-tempo style of football that allows them to transition quickly from defence to attack.
- CF Montreal have lost their last two matches, suffering a 5-0 blowout away against San Diego FC just two days ago.
Head-to-Head
- Chicago Fire have won two of the last three meetings.
- CF Montreal have not won their last two visits to this ground, so that also factors into my main selection.
Key Players
Montreal’s Dante Sealy has been their most dangerous attacking player, scoring three of their five goals across the past five games while Hugo Cuypers has been the biggest threat for Chicago Fire, netting one in one MLS 2026 match and scoring three of his team’s last seven goals.
Betting Insights
- Chicago Fire are the clear favourites here at 1.58, with CF Montreal coming in as long shots at 4.75.
- The Over 2.5 goals market comes in at a short but enticing 1.44 and I’m happy to take that price.
Prediction
- I’m backing the home side to win here, although Montreal’s direct and high-tempo approach should keep this game exciting for the neutrals.
- Chicago Fire have won one and lost one of their two home matches, but with the home field advantage and their recent success against Montreal I’m confident that they can take the win.
