DC United – Chicago Fire 06/25/08

Both DC United and Chicago Fire have been on a constant roller coaster this season, and this matchup could quickly define the course of things going forward. Fire are fighting their way to the top, while DC desperately needs stability. Here you can smell nerves, chances and perhaps a little bit of gunpowder from the visitors.

DC United: Home hope and small steps forward

DC United have been hard to pin down this season. They have only one win in their last five, but it came in the form of a 2-1 rout of FC Cincinnati itself – one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference. So the ability to deliver is there, but the consistency? That's still lacking.

At home at Audi Field, DC is a difficult team to face at times, and they tend to create a lot of pressure and corners once they get the initiative. This sets the stage for our corner play in this match. But at the back, it is far from tight. The defense has been subject to both injuries and turnovers, and they have kept only one clean sheet in their last seven matches.

Christian Benteke, the team's top scorer with six goals, has been out with an ankle injury recently, and that could still affect both offensive dynamics and morale. DC will need to be effective on counterattacks and set pieces if they are to punish an in-form Fire team.

Chicago Fire: Strong away, offensive and with a clear upward trajectory

Chicago Fire come to the capital in much better shape. They have won five of their last six games and have 22 points from 15 games. The most impressive thing? They have actually played two games less than many of their competitors and have everything to win.

Four have also been among the league's best away teams this season, with five wins in nine away games. And these aren't boring 1–0 games we're talking about. A total of 42 goals have been scored in these nine games – that's an average of almost five goals per game! This says a lot about both their offensive strength and defensive challenges. But as long as they score more than they concede, the points will roll in.

Hugo Cuypers is in great form with ten goals so far, while Philip Zinckernagel has been a constant threat both as a server and a finisher. The midfield has also looked better in recent games, and the interaction in attack is some of the most entertaining we have seen from Fire in many years.

The away form gives confidence. Chicago has won five away games in its last six attempts and knows that three more points here could send them even closer to the top three in the Eastern Conference. It's a motivation that should drive the team forward from the start.

Conclusion

I expect a Fire team that will attack from the start, while DC will try to find the balance between defending compactly and creating in transition. But considering how many goal-rich away games Chicago has played this season, it's hard to see a game with few chances here.

DC will have their chances, but as long as the Fire keep up the pace from the last few weeks, I see them as the most credible team to have on our side. Especially when we can play draw no bet and thus get our stake back in a draw.

Additionally, DC have shown that they produce a lot of corners at home – especially when they are behind or chasing an equalizer. It is perfect for our combination bet on corners + goals Chicago.

Bet suggestions

MLS at 01:30: DC United – Chicago Fire: Draw no bet Chicago Fire (1.83)

Alternative game 1:

MLS at 01:30: DC United - Chicago Fire: Chicago Fire over 1.5 goals (1.98)

Alternative game 2:

MLS at 01:30: DC United - Chicago Fire: Over 4.5 corners DC United + Over 1.5 goals Chicago Fire (2.90)

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