Prediction: Chicago Fire vs Necaxa

Two camps who will get their respective Leagues Cup adventures underway in the early hours of Friday, Chicago will welcome Necaxa to Soldier Field.

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Chicago Fire

Starting with the hosts, claiming what was a much-welcomed boost last time out, Chicago will be desperate to now find some stability heading forward. Eventually dragging themselves to a 2-1 victory at home against Charlotte, the Fire are scrapping it out at the top of the Eastern Conference standings. Receiving plenty of plaudits since opening up the 2026 campaign, Gregg Berhalter’s side will be confident of getting their Leagues Cup adventure off to a flying start here. Likewise, signing off May with another 2-1 win against Toronto, Chicago have registered consecutive victories in front of their own supporters for the first time since back in April. However, it should be highlighted, Berhalter’s men have mustered just a sole clean sheet from their last nine straight showdowns across all competitions – a run that stems back to April 26th.

Completing a blockbuster MLS switch this summer and opening his account at Soldier Field with a sensational brace against Charlotte last weekend, Polish icon Robert Lewandowski will spearhead Chicago’s charge in the final third.

Still sidelined with a long-term knee injury, the Fire will once again be without the services of Portuguese midfielder Andre Franco. Part of the USA’s World Cup squad this summer, 22-year-old Chris Brady will start between the sticks on Friday.

As for the visitors, enduring what was a public struggle prior to the summer interval and signing off their Clausura campaign in the midst of a major rut, Necaxa found themselves under plenty of scrutiny. Despite flying out of the traps when opening their Apertura adventure as they clinched back-to-back wins for the first time since April, Martin Varini’s side came crashing back down to earth last time out. Failing to pick up any real momentum ahead of Friday’s trip to Soldier Field, the Lightening eventually fell to a routine 3-1 loss away at Toluca. Facing what looks set to be a rugged examination when they open their Leagues Cup charge this weekend, Varini’s men have recorded just a sole win from any of their previous eight straight matchups on the road – a run that stems back to February 15th.

While both attacking talisman Julian Carranza and Uruguayan defender Agustin Oliveros might be set to serve their own respective domestic suspensions, the duo are free to feature at Soldier Field on Friday.

Finding the net in three consecutive appearances prior to his first-half red card on Monday, Carranza will spearhead Varini’s charge in the final third. Making an immediate return earlier in the week, Mexican international Alexis Pena will start at the heart of Necaxa’s defence.

Chicago Fire vs Necaxa Key Factors to Consider

• Friday’s showdown at Soldier Field will be the first meeting between Chicago and Necaxa.
• Chicago have registered consecutive victories in Illinois for the first time since April.
• Necaxa have recorded just a sole win from any of their previous eight straight matchups on the road – a run that stems back to February 15th.
• Berhalter’s men have mustered just a sole clean sheet from their last nine straight showdowns across all competitions – a run that stems back to April 26th.
• Necaxa’s last five away fixtures across all formats have finished with over 3.5 goals.

Claiming a much-welcomed boost last weekend as they secured a 2-1 victory at home against Charlotte, Chicago will be desperate to get their Leagues Cup adventure underway with an opening flurry. Registering consecutive wins at Soldier Field for the first time since back in April, Friday’s hosts will be smelling a potential opportunity here. Meeting a Necaxa squad who have recorded just a sole win on their travels since the middle of February, we are backing the Fire to lay down an early marker in Illinois.

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