Philadelphia Union vs Chicago Fire Betting Tips & Predictions

Philadelphia Union had the chance to extend their lead at the top of the MLS Eastern Conference at the weekend, but they failed to do so after putting in a very poor first half performance against New York City. They went two goals down in the opening 45 minutes, and a 50th minute striker from Andrea Pirlo made it 3-0. To be fair to them they improved after that as they pulled one back five minutes later and forced an own goal in the closing stages, but the damage had already been done.

This ended Philadelphia Union’s nine match unbeaten streak in all competitions and saw them on the wrong end of a 3-2 scoreline after winning both of their previous matches by the same scoreline. It also continued their poor away record of winning just one of their eight trips away this season.

The defeat to New York City saw their opponents move to within two points of the MLS Eastern Conference leaders, and it also allowed the other club in the Big Apple, New York Red Bulls, to move to just a point behind them. Philadelphia Union could now move as low as 4th if they suffer another defeat.

Chicago Fire picked up where they left off before the mini MLS break, with another defeat to keep them stranded at the bottom of the Eastern Conference. They are now four points adrift of 9th placed Columbus Crew. They do have games in hand on every other team in the league, but even winning those wouldn’t lift them out of 10th position.

It will have been a big blow for Chicago Fire not to pick up a point from this game too. Kevin Doyle had opened the scoring for Colorado Rapids after half-time, but an 81st minute equaliser looked to have secured a point for the visitors. However, their lack of concentration let them down and allowed Marco Pappa to score a last minute winner.

This was Chicago Fire’s 6th defeat of the MLS season and makes it just one win from their last nine outings in the MLS. Away from home things are even worse, with no wins so far this season and four of their six away days ending in defeat. Looking back into last season paints an even bleaker picture; Chicago Fire haven’t won away from home in over 11 months now, a run of 33 matches.

Philadelphia Union, on the other hand, have won six of their eight home matches this season and haven’t lost at all, so a win should be on the cards for the hosts. Odds of 4/5 for a Philadelphia Union Win look really good value too, so that’s what I’m backing along with a 2-0 correct score prediction at 7/1.