Chicago Fire vs CF Montreal Preview
After a decent start to their season, many expected Chicago Fire to continue that run of form into their next few games but that never happened. Instead FC Cincinnati and Columbus Crew earned 2-1 victories over the Fire, who now languish near the bottom of the Eastern conference. On the flip side, their next opponents CF Montreal have had an excellent start to the season. Two wins and a draw in their opening three games has Laurent Courtois’ side in second place.
Only goal difference separates them and league leaders Inter Miami although that is where Courtois’ major concern should be. His side have netted five goals so far but three of them came against the Herons in a 3-2 win with their defense still settling down. There are plenty of positives as they already have seven points away from home, a fact not lost on many given that they only managed eight last term.
It does have many Chicago Fire fans shaking in their boots but Frank Klopas has his star and a club record designated player in Hugo Cuypers. The forward is yet to net for his side but got in the right position time and time again against Columbus even if he couldn’t put the finishing touch. It means that the pieces are all there, they just need to gel and fit together for Klopas.
Chicago Fire vs CF Montreal team news
Chicago Fire team news
Unfortunately, Chicago Fire will be without Victor Bezerra (right upper leg) and Andrew Gutman (upper leg) although Carlos Teran (knee) did make his return to the bench last game. The same went for Gaston Gimenez and rumours have it that the midfielder might be in the running for a start soon.
CF Montreal team news
CF Montreal will be without Mahala Opoku (ankle) but Dominic Yankov (thigh) made his return in his side’s last game although he was played off the bench. The same, however, cannot be said about George Campbell (groin) as he wasn’t an option for the win over Inter Miami. He was replaced by Joel Waterman in defense and is unlikely to be fit in time to face Chicago Fire. That also includes Joaquin Sosa (lower leg) who is reportedly subject to a late fitness test to determine his availability.
Chicago Fire vs CF Montreal Predicted lineups
Chicago Fire
Despite the 2-1 defeat last time around, various factors mean that Frank Klopas probably won’t switch too many things around although he could make a few changes.
Predicted XI: Chris Brady; Allan Arigoni, Tobias Salquist, Rafael Czichos, Chase Gasper; Fabian Herbers, Kellyn Acosta; Maren Haile-Selassie, Xherdan Shaqiri, Brian Gutierrez; Hugo Cuypers
CF Montreal
Given how well his side have been playing off late, there is little chance that Laurent Courtois will change a winning formula.
Predicted XI: Jonathan Sirois; Fernando Alvarez, Gabriele Corbo, Joel Waterman; Ruan, Mathieu Choiniere, Bryce Duke, Samuel Piette, Ariel Lassiter; Matias Coccaro , Jules-Anthony Vilsaint
Chicago Fire vs CF Montreal Head-to-Head
Played: 27; Chicago Fire: 8, CF Montreal: 12, Draw: 7
CF Montreal 0-0 Chicago Fire (MLS)
Chicago Fire 3-0 CF Montreal (MLS)
CF Monreal 3-2 Chicago Fire (MLS)
Chicago Fire 0-2 CF Montreal (MLS)
CF Montreal 2-0 Chicago Fire (MLS)
Chicago Fire vs CF Montreal Prediction
With Chicago Fire struggling for form and goals, it has many predicting a CF Montreal sweep with even the oddsmakers giving the away side all the plaudits.
Prediction: Chicago Fire 0-3 CF Montreal
Chicago Fire vs CF Montreal betting tips
Betting tips:
Both teams to score: No
Over 2.5 goals: Yes
Odds:
Chicago Fire: 0.95
Draw: 2.7
CF Montreal: 2.75
Chicago Fire vs CF Montreal timings and telecast
Soldier Field – 16th March 2024 – 2:00 PM ET
India: MLS Season Pass
United Kingdom: MLS Season Pass
US: Apple TV.