MLS: Chicago Fire vs LAFC Odds, Analysis, & Picks

New-look LAFC hit the road on Saturday for their return to MLS league action as they head to Illinois to face the Chicago Fire at SeatGeek Stadium. The kick-off is scheduled for 8:30 PM EDT. Los Angeles just completed the signing of Heung-min Son, who joins after a lengthy spell at Premier League outfit Tottenham. But, it’s unclear if he’ll make his club debut here. Regardless of whether he plays or not, Chicago has their work cut out for it. Read below for the Chicago Fire vs LAFC betting picks.

Odds provided by Sports Interaction.

Chicago Fire vs LAFC Odds

There’s no clear favorite for this fixture at soccer betting sites.  Chicago sits at +138 odds here, while LAFC returns at +170. The Over/Under is set at 2.5 goals, with the Under offering more value at +120.

Chicago Fire vs LAFC Analysis

It hasn’t been the best campaign for the Fire, who are on the verge of the playoff picture at the moment. If the season ended today, they’d be playing against eighth place NYCFC for a spot in the first round of the postseason. However, just seven points separate Chicago and Inter Miami in fourth, so the Eastern Conference is still relatively wide open as the campaign slows draws to a close.

The Fire didn’t play in Leagues Cup action over the last couple of weeks and will therefore come into Saturday’s clash fresh. They’re also in solid form, winning their last two games before the break, beating Montreal and the New York Red Bulls. Gregg Berhalter’s side kept clean sheets in both games while bagging three goals. In fact, Chicago is one of the top scoring clubs in the East, netting 45 times in 24 games. Hugo Cuypers leads the way with 14 goals, while Philip Zinckernagel has netted 10 times as well.

Los Angeles just received a major boost with the arrival of Son, arguably the best South Korean player ever. He was still producing the goods at a high level in the Premier League and will immediately make this side better. They could definitely use some help considering the club is currently in sixth place in the Western Conference. On a more positive note, LAFC just had an impressive group campaign in the Leagues Cup, notching two victories and losing once in penalties.

LA beat Tigres and Pachuca while tasting defeat against Mazatlan. That was three matches in a span of just once week, so Steve Cherundolo’s men could be slightly fatigued on Saturday. They’ve played substantially worse on the road this term, compiling a 2-3-4 record compared to a 8-3-2 record on home soil. Denis Bouanga is once again the main man up top, netting 13 goals in 21 appearances. Son should form a lethal partnership with him, but as mentioned, it’s not yet clear if the South Korean is going to play against Chicago.

Chicago Fire vs LAFC Picks

Chicago has fresh legs and have been resting for a couple of weeks. While there’s always the chance that could make them rusty, I’ll predict the opposite. I’ll take the hosts to come out and secure a crucial victory on home turf.

Pick: Chicago Fire +138 /Sports Interaction