Verdict: Under 3.5 goals
Best Odds: 4/11
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Bookmaker: Unibet
Two MLS sides who find themselves seeking some stability this weekend, Houston will welcome Chicago to the PNC Stadium in the early hours of Sunday.
Houston Dynamo
Starting with the hosts, marking their return from June’s international break with another worrying display, Houston really find themselves in the midst of another struggle. Although the Dynamo’s might have shocked many across the MLS as they stormed their way to a 3-0 romp against LA Galaxy last month, it appears that was just a minor boost for Paulo Nagamura’s side. Last seen getting hit with a deserved 2-1 defeat away at Orlando, El Naranja have now lost each of their last three domestic contests. Failing to build off of what was a much-needed bounce from last month, the Texas-based outfit find themselves sitting outside the Final Series places in the Western Conference. Likewise, mustering just three points from their last five top-flight matchups, they will also be worried by their most recent meeting against Sunday’s guests. When the two sides last faced off back in September 2020, Houston were hit with a dreadful 4-0 drumming.
Team News
Enjoying what has been an eye-catching campaign so far after racking up six MLS goals, Houston will be hoping for Sebastián Ferreira to spearhead their charge again this weekend.
After serving a suspension against Orlando last week, 24-year-old Adalberto Carrasquilla could make his return here.
Chicago Fire
As for the visitors, managing to mark their return from the international break with a much-needed victory on home soil, there is no doubt that Chicago will be desperate to keep up that momentum here. However, still sat rock-bottom of the Eastern Conference, the Fire have once again failed to find any kind of stability this season. Despite being last seen snatching a hard-fought 1-0 victory against DC United, it should be noted that is the only win that Ezra Hendrickson’s men have collected from their last 11 domestic showdowns. Likewise, crashing out of the US Open Cup after a shock defeat at the hands of USL outfit Union Omaha, Chicago have also gained a reputation for their rather glaring issues on the road. Last seen on their travels getting hit with a 3-2 loss against fellow strugglers Toronto prior to June’s international break, Sunday’s guests have managed to muster just a single point from any of their previous six MLS contests away from Soldier Field.
Team News
After managing to pick up a much-needed 1-0 victory against DC United last weekend, Hendrickson could name the same starting XI here.
Aside from 18-year-old goalkeeper Chris Brady who is still dealing with an injury issue, Chicago have been given a clean bill of health.
Key Factors to Consider
- When Sunday’s opponents last faced off in September 2020, Chicago picked up a thumping 4-0 victory.
- However, last weekend’s 1-0 win against DC United is Chicago’s first victory from their last 11 domestic contests.
- Likewise, Houston have now four of their last five domestic matchups, including three defeats on the spin.
- 11 of Houston’s last 12 MLS fixtures on home soil continuing on from last season have seen under 3.5 goals.
- Chicago have managed to muster just a single point from any of their last six MLS matchups away from Soldier Field.
Conclusion
While Chicago might have managed to make a much-needed return to winning ways last weekend, don’t be surprised to see an encounter low on quality here. Two sides who really find themselves battling it out at the foot of the Western and Eastern Conferences respectively, we could be in for a cagey affair in the early hours of Sunday. With Houston in the midst of what has quickly become a domestic nightmare, the Dynamo’s have also gained somewhat of a reputation for their unlively affairs on home soil. It should be noted, with El Naranja seeing 11 of their last 12 MLS home fixtures finish with under 3.5 goals, we’re backing a similar outcome here.
Verdict: Under 3.5 goals
Best Odds: 4/11
Bookmaker: Unibet
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