FC Cincinnati will be bidding to remain at the top of the Eastern Conference standings when they host Chicago Fire on Wednesday evening.
In sharp contrast, the visitors know they may need to avoid defeat to ensure they do not sit at the bottom of the table by the end of the night.
Match preview
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After an indifferent start to the campaign, Cincinnati have certainly made up for that in recent months to take their place at the top of the table.
A total of 12 victories have come from 15 matches in MLS, although it is worth noting the three defeats during that period have been posted in the most recent eight outings.
The third of those occurred at the weekend, Pat Noonan's side going down to a surprise 3-1 defeat at the hands of Charlotte FC.
Cincinnati never recovered from going two goals down by the 22-minute mark, and they are now tasked with trying to avoid back-to-back setbacks for the first time since the middle of April.
Interestingly, the aforementioned three defeats have all come at the TQL Stadium, something that will not be lost on their upcoming opponents.
Chicago Fire find themselves second from bottom in the Eastern Conference, yet they will not necessarily feel too downbeat about the situation.
A total of 10 points have come from their most recent seven outings, with 10 goals being scored in wins over LA Galaxy, Toronto and Philadelphia Union.
Furthermore, Frank Klopas's side earned a goalless draw at home to New York City last time out, although they have now failed to score in successive encounters.
The downside is that Chicago Fire possess the worst away record in the Eastern Conference, with just seven points being accumulated from the 11 matches on their travels.
Team News
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Cincinnati will be forced into making a change in defence after Miles Robinson was sent off against Charlotte.
Kipp Keller looks likely to be the straight replacement, while other changes could be made with Sergio Santos pushing for an opportunity in the final third.
Obinna Nwobodo should be recalled in midfield after serving a one-game ban for five yellow cards.
As for Chicago Fire, there is a scenario where Xherdan Shaqiri may come back into the fold after representing Switzerland at Euro 2024, but the playmaker is more likely to remain absent for at least one more match.
Mauricio Pineda could replace Wyatt Omsberg in the middle of the backline in what may prove to be the only alteration.
FC Cincinnati possible starting lineup:
Celentano; Powell, Keller, Murphy; Yedlin, Nwobodo, Bucha, Asad; Orellano, Acosta; Kelsy
Chicago Fire possible starting lineup:
Brady; Souquet, Omsberg, Czichos, Arigoni; Mueller, Acosta, Gimenez, Haile-Selassie; Gutierrez, Cuypers
We say: FC Cincinnati 4-1 Chicago Fire
While Cincinnati may have suffered defeat last time out, that could only make Chicago Fire's task far tougher. We expect the home side to run riot, ensuring they remain with their noses in front at the top of the table.
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Darren Plant
