LA Galaxy vs Chicago Fire FC Predictions
LA Galaxy are struggling in the MLS this season, as they currently sit only three points above the bottom of the Western Conference table. They went into the mid-season break after a disappointing 4-2 loss against Vancouver Whitecaps. The five-time MLS champions sought respite in the Leagues Cup but suffered back-to-back defeats in the group stage and were eliminated. However, since then, a few new additions to the squad may help LA Galaxy bounce back this season.
Chicago Fire FC were in superb form when they headed into the break. The club won three successive games and kept a clean sheet in all of them. Their Leagues Cup campaign also started with a win, but the winning streak ended in the second group stage match on penalties against Liga MX side Puebla. Despite the loss, Chicago Fire FC advanced to the first knockout round, where they were beaten narrowly by Mexican giants Club America. The resumption of MLS last weekend was another disappointment as they lost against Orlando City.
If this encounter had taken place before the break, the outcome would have been in favor of Chicago Fire FC. However, the momentum has shifted after recent developments, and LA Galaxy will be the favorites to win this tie.
Previous Meetings
This will be the 14th MLS encounter between these two clubs since 2010. LA Galaxy have dominated this fixture as they have won seven of the previous 13 matches against Chicago Fire FC. Meanwhile, Chicago Fire FC have only beaten the five-time MLS champions once.
That solitary victory came 13 years ago when goals from Marco Pappa, Collins John, and Mike Banner helped Chicago Fire FC register a crucial win in a five-goal thriller at Dignity Health Sports Park, which was then known as Home Depot Center.
Since then, Chicago Fire FC have visited LA Galaxy five times and have never managed to clinch all available points. These two clubs last met in LA Galaxy’s backyard in the 2019 MLS season. The hosts won that game 2-1 after Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored an 80th-minute winner.
The last time Chicago Fire FC picked up a point from Dignity Health Sports Park against LA Galaxy was in the 2017 MLS season. The visitors were leading 2-0 at the break, but second-half goals from Daniel Steres and Giovani Dos Santos restored parity.
LA Galaxy Need to Start Their Charge For Playoffs
As the MLS voyage resumes for LA Galaxy, their players will be extremely well-rested as they will play after almost a month. The five-time MLS champions last played on July 30 in a Leagues Cup game against Vancouver Whitecaps that ended in disappointment.
Despite getting a long rest, there will be match-fitness concerns for head coach Greg Vanney. A sluggish display on the pitch could help the visitors gain an advantage and recover from their losses over the last few weeks.
This game is crucial for LA Galaxy and can be treated as a must-win because it can set the tone for the rest of the season. The club has already shown its potential in a few games this season. One of them came against the defending champions and arch-rivals, Los Angeles FC.
A Long Injury List Still Comprises Names of Key Players
Since the opening day of this season, injuries have haunted the LA Galaxy. They had to start the new campaign without their talismanic striker Javier Hernandez. The striker recovered, played nine games, and suffered a cruciate ligament injury in May and is out for a lengthy period.
Gaston Brugman and Marco Delgado are also sidelined for a few weeks, leaving a void in midfield. At the back, Martin Caceres was ruled out for the season after he broke his kneecap in June. His defensive colleague Chris Mavinga will miss the match as he serves his suspension.
New Recruits Expected to Bolster Squad Strength
The season has been dark and dismal for the LA Galaxy so far, but there may be light at the end of the tunnel. The club was inactive on the pitch during almost the entire month of August, but it was busy bringing in reinforcements for the second half of the season.
LA Galaxy have signed Diego Fagundez from Austin FC. The winger registered 12 assists last season and is expected to replicate that form at his new club. The arrival of former-Schalke defender Maya Yoshida has strengthened the defense. The club also signed Michael Barrios from Colorado Rapids for the right flank.
Chicago Fire FC Eager to End Losing Streak
Contrasting performances on either side of the mid-season MLS break have raised concern at Chicago Fire FC. In the three games before the break, the club nabbed splendid results. They beat Nashville SC, CF Montreal, and Toronto FC.
The side also nabbed three consecutive shutouts for the first time since March last year. Their Leagues Cup campaign also started with a win, but everything started going downhill after the loss against Puebla. After that, Chicago Fire experienced two back-to-back losses.
Chicago Fire may not be as well rested as LA Galaxy, but that aspect could be advantageous for the visitors. LA Galaxy could be vulnerable if their players lack match fitness and they field a team featuring the new signings who have never played with each other.
Big Blow For Chicago Fire FC in the Goalkeeping Department
Chris Brady has been a regular between the sticks for Chicago Fire FC this season, and the teenager has been absolutely brilliant. In 20 MLS appearances, the 19-year-old has kept six clean sheets. However, Brady suffered a leg injury against Club America in the Leagues Cup.
The injury seemed minor initially, but Chicago Fire eventually discovered that they would be without their first-choice goalkeeper for about four weeks. As a result, Brady will miss the match against LA Galaxy, and Spencer Richey is expected to make his fifth start of the season.
Talismanic Trio Can Cause Problems For the Hosts
The attacking department for Chicago Fire FC has not been extremely prolific this season. Kei Ansu Kamara is their leading goalscorer, but the 38-year-old has not scored in any of the last six MLS matches.
However, behind the striker, Brian Gutierrez, Xherdan Shaqiri, and Maren Haile-Selassie have been sparkling in almost all games. The trio have provided a total of 11 assists and eight goals to Chicago Fire FC this season and will play a crucial role against LA Galaxy.
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