Chicago Fire wrapped up the stunning signing of Robert Lewandowski just a few days before getting ready to resume their MLS campaign with a home match against Western Conference leaders Vancouver Whitecaps at Soldier Field.
Lewandowski took part in his first training session for the club on Tuesday, but it is uncertain whether he will play any role in the contest against the Whitecaps, which looks a significant one for both sides.
Chicago have moved on from an inconsistent start to the season and have risen to third place in the Eastern Conference after a run of three straight victories.
They are growing in confidence, but will have huge respect for the high-flying Whitecaps, who have amassed 32 points from 14 games.
Qualification for the MLS playoffs looks like just a matter of time for Vancouver, who signed off for the break with a 4-2 victory at San Diego FC.
The Canadian outfit are the league's joint leading scorers with 34 goals and have the competition's best goal difference of plus 22.
Chicago Fire v Vancouver Whitecaps Tips Summary
Best Bet - Chicago Fire Draw no bet @ 1/1
Alternative Bet - Philip Zinckernagel to assist a goal @ 11/4
Bet Builder - Hugo Cuypers to score anytime, Jeevan Badwal to have one or more shots on target & Over 3 goals @ 11/2
Chicago Fire v Vancouver Whitecaps Prediction
Best Bet: Chicago Fire Draw no bet @ 1/1
The Fire finished off their spring schedule with three straight victories and they can continue where they left off by avoiding defeat against the Whitecaps in a high-quality encounter.
An exciting period should be coming up for the Fire, who have shown great ambition with their move to snap up Lewandowski on a two-year contract.
He should have a major impact, although he may have to bide his time before nailing down a regular starting berth.
The Pole appears to be in direct competition with Belgian striker Hugo Cuypers, who is right at the top of the MLS scoring charts with 13 goals from just 11 appearances.
Free-scoring Chicago have netted 18 goals in their last seven MLS matches and their recent exploits should concern the Whitecaps, who have been less reliable in away games.
Vancouver have won three of six MLS road fixtures and could fall on the wrong side of fine margins against Chicago, who look attractively priced in the draw no bet market.
Alternative Bet: Philip Zinckernagel to assist a goal @ 11/4
Lewandowski has played with some outstanding players during the course of his career and should be looking forward to linking up with Chicago's expert creator, Philip Zinckernagel, who has assisted six goals this season.
Zinckernagel was the club's top scorer last term with 15 goals and has shown great versatility with his impact from the flanks or from an attacking-midfield position.
The Dane seems to be flourishing in his early thirties and his technical skill could be key to prising open the Whitecaps' defence.
Chicago Fire v Vancouver Whitecaps Bet Builder Tip
Hugo Cuypers to score anytime
Jeevan Badwal to have one or more shots on target
Over 3 goals
Pays 11/2
Cuypers can respond to Lewandowski's arrival by immediately adding to his 13-goal tally.
The Belgian has averaged 1.18 goals per game since the start of the season and his eye for goal could be key to settling a high-quality game.
The Whitecaps will arrive with a positive mindset and they boast several attacking threats, including ten-goal striker Brian White.
They are also prepared to give young players a chance and are excited by the development of Canadian attacker Jeevan Badwal, who has started each of the last five games.
Badwal has had five shots on target in 13 MLS appearances and can increase that tally here.
Learn more about how Bet Builders work in our Bet Builder guide.
Key Match Stats
Chicago Fire have won their last three MLS games
Chicago have scored multiple goals in six of their last seven MLS fixtures
Four of Chicago's last five MLS games have featured goals for both teams
The Fire have started the scoring in nine of their last 11 MLS games
Vancouver Whitecaps have gone six MLS matches without keeping a clean sheet
The Whitecaps have won just two of their last five MLS away games
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
