This weekend features a potential playoff preview at Bank of America Stadium, as Charlotte, fourth in the Eastern Conference, host a Chicago Fire side that is just a place below them.
The Fire's addition of Robert Lewandowski initially helped to build on a strong start, but they make this trip having failed to win in seven matches.
Charlotte FC vs. Chicago Fire betting picks and predictions
Charlotte FC to win (+120)
Away form has been a problem for Chicago, with Gregg Berhalter's side winless in four MLS away matches. On the road this term they have won only four times across 13 matches and they were beaten 3-0 at Nashville on their last trip.
Contrast that with Charlotte, who have built their playoff push on a fantastic home record. They've won seven of 13 home matches, netting 26 times across those games.
Dean Smith picked up his 50th win as Charlotte manager in the visit to DC United last time out and his side will aim to build on that as they chase home advantage in the postseason.
The Fire have suffered defeats in all three of their visits to sides with stronger records than them in MLS this term.
With the visitors suffering back-to-back defeats in the league going into this encounter, back a Charlotte side that has taken 18 points from the last 24 available to seal another victory.
Pep Biel to score anytime (+150)
Charlotte are one of the stronger sides going forward across MLS, with only six teams bettering their 47 goals this term.
Pep Biel has led the way this season, with the midfielder scoring 12 times in total across the campaign.
The Fire have conceded in each of their last 12 matches and their defence looks vulnerable heading into this weekend, with Biel having been a problem for Chicago in the past, scoring against them in August and in June last year.
Biel has been at his best in Charlotte's home matches, scoring seven goals and contributing four assists across 13 MLS matches at Bank of America Stadium.
He's scored in two of their last three home matches and he's backed to add to his tally with a strike on Saturday night.
Charlotte FC to win 2-1 (+850)
Chicago failed to score in last weekend's defeat in Nashville, but they have found the net in 11 of their 13 away trips this season.
The visitors have also struck in seven of their eight MLS defeats this season and they can find the net in North Carolina.
Charlotte to win and concede is priced at +240, and the hosts have kept a clean sheet in only one of their seven home victories this season.
However, the Fire have suffered three 2-1 defeats this season, including their home reverse to New England earlier this month.
Meanwhile, Charlotte have won by that scoreline in two of their last three matches and a repeat could be on the cards.
Charlotte have won by a single goal in two of their last three home meeting with Chicago.
Their home victories this term have tended to come by a couple of goals, but they triumphed by a one-goal margin in tougher contests against New England and the Philadelphia Union.
The home side have scored exactly two goals per game at home, conceding 13 times across 13 home matches, so a 2-1 win for Smith's side is good value at +850.
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Charlotte FC vs. Chicago Fire odds
Charlotte FC | +120 |
Tie | +280 |
Chicago Fire | +200 |
Charlotte FC vs. Chicago Fire player props
Anytime goalscorer
Robert Lewandowski (Chicago Fire) | +105 |
Idan Gorno (Charlotte FC) | +150 |
Pep Biel (Charlotte FC) | +150 |
Philip Zinckernagel (Chicago Fire) | +187 |
Liel Abada (Charlotte FC) | +210 |
Allan Saint-Maximin (Charlotte FC) | +240 |
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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.
