Betting
Columbus Crew vs Chicago Fire Preview: Odds, Tips & Prediction
Columbus Crew and Chicago Fire clash in MLS action at the Lower.com Field on Sunday, 08 March 2026. It has been an electric start to the domestic campaign in the USA, and this match promises fireworks. If you’re looking to bet on MLS, we’ve flagged the best angles and value picks for your slip. The clash between Columbus and Chicago is set to be an enthralling tie in the Eastern Conference this Sunday. The home side drew once and lost once in their opening two games, while the visitors have won one and lost the other as they kicked off their respective seasons.
SportsBoom offers honest and impartial bookmaker reviews to help you make informed choices. While we may earn commissions through affiliate links, our content remains independent and free from promotional influence. For more information, see our Content Transparency and How We Review pages.
The Columbus Crew fans celebrate after winning the 2023 MLS Cup / Getty Images
Pre-Game Odds and Win Probability
Home: 11/10 (2.10) – 34.5%
Draw: 5/2 (3.50) – 28.9%
Away: 13/5 (3.60) – 39.6%
Odds courtesy of FanDuel, subject to change.
Head-to-Head Record
The head-to-head record below should be considered when placing your bets in this fixture.
28/09/25 – Chicago Fire 2 – 0 Columbus Crew
23/02/25 – Columbus Crew 4 – 2 Chicago Fire
19/05/24 – Chicago Fire 1 – 3 Columbus Crew
Columbus Crew Current Form – LWLLD
Crew are in a poor run of form as they have won just once in their previous five games. They lost three and drew once in that period and are still without a victory this season.
Key Players to Watch
- Wessam Abou Ali
The forward has already registered two goals and one assist in his opening two games. - Malte Amundsen
The defender is a rock at the back, and his passing range for a defender is elite. The Dane has an assist to his name, proving he can add value to the side going forward. - Patrick Schulte
The goalkeeper is a commanding figure between the sticks for Crew, and he manages the defence well.
Columbus Crew Team News
Crew head into the tie in search of their first victory of the season after they lost once and drew once. They will be targeting this home clash to set that right in front of their adoring fans at the Lower.com Field.
Chicago Fire Current Form – WLLLW
The team from Chicago are coming into the game off the back of their first win of the campaign against CF Montreal. A win that put to bed a three-match losing streak that extended into last season.
Key Players to watch
- Mbekezeli Mbokazi
The former Orlando Pirates defender has settled in well at Fire and is a reliable figure at the back for his new side. - Jonathan Bamba
The Ivory Coast international bagged his first goal of the season in their 3-0 victory over Montreal last weekend. - Hugo Cuypers
Cuypers has started the season in fine form. The Belgian has two goals in as many games for Fire.
Chicago Fire Team News
Fire are in confident mood after securing their first win of the season in their last game against CF Montreal in fine fashion, putting three past the visitors without reply on the day. They will hope to compound Crew’s woes as they remain without a victory this season.
Predicted Line-Ups:
Columbus Crew (3-4-3): Schulte, Zawadzki, Camacho, Amundsen, Chambost, Habroune, Herrera, Arfsten, Rossi, Ali, Picard
Chicago Fire (4-4-1-1): Brady, Elliot, Barroso, Mbokazi, Dean, Saletros, Pineda, Zinckernagel, Haile-Selassie, Bamba, Cuypers
Suggested Bets
Over 2.5 Goals: There were over 2.5 goals in two of the previous three games between these two sides. (3/1 with FanDuel)
Both Teams to Score (Yes): Both teams found the back of the net in two of the previous three encounters between them. (2/1 with FanDuel)
Value Bets
Here are some suggested bets at some of the most reliable US bookmakers in the game. They even have great welcome bonuses, so be sure to check them out.
Wessam Abou Ali – Anytime Goal Scorer: The forward has already scored twice in his opening two games. (4/1 with FanDuel)
Columbus Crew to Win: The home side have goals in them and are due a win following their positive performances in their opening two games. (2/1 with FanDuel)
Prediction: Columbus Crew to Win and Both Teams to Score
It has been a difficult start to the season for Crew, but it is likely they make home advantage count and secure their first win of the campaign against Chicago. Back the home team to edge the side from Chicago and both teams to find the back of the net for extra value.
Nigel Naicker is a versatile sportswriter with extensive experience covering major global tournaments, including the Premier League, AFCON, and the Champions League. His knowledge stretches across soccer, UFC, cricket, and several other sports. In recent years, he has also expanded his expertise into sports gambling content and more specialised sporting niches.