Preview: Chicago Fire looking to avoid another step back against Philly

Wednesday’s midweek match between the Chicago Fire and Philadelphia Union marks the first time Kacper Przybylko will play against his old teammates since joining the Fire on a three-year deal this past offseason.

Philly clearly thought the 29-year-old Polish striker’s best days were behind him, opting to deal him to Chicago for $1.15 million in General Allocation Money. Thus far, it’s looking like the Union got the better end of the deal. After a 12 goal, four assist 2021, Przybylko has just three goals and one assist thus far in 2022 for Chicago.

These are, needless to say, two clubs going in opposite directions. The Union just took over first place in the Eastern Conference with a 2-1 victory over NYCFC, and the Fire dropped back into last place in all of MLS with a disappointing 2-0 loss to the Houston Dynamo.

Shaq’s back, probably

Xherdan Shaqiri is not listed on the availability report, and presumably is available to play against Philadelphia. Shaqiri missed the Houston match with a non-Covid illness, after missing the previous match against D.C. United with a hamstring injury.

“He was nauseated and stuff, was able to take some medication and train on Friday,” Fire head coach Ezra Hendrickson explained after the Houston match. “But then after that on his way to the airport, he became nauseated again. We just thought it wasn’t a good idea to bring him. You know, make sure he’s healthy.”

Shaqiri has missed four games for the Fire, playing just over 1,000 minutes since joining the team in February.

Meanwhile, fellow Designated Player Jairo Torres is set to miss yet another match with a lingering hip issue. Torres is listed as out. Since joining the Fire on May 1 from Mexico’s Atlas FC, Torres has only made four appearances–with one start–totaling just 164 minutes.

How to Watch

Chicago Fire vs. Philadelphia Union

MLS Match Day #17 | Wednesday, June 29 | Soldier Field, Chicago

Kickoff: 7 p.m. CT

TV: WGN-TV

Streaming: CF97 Live (available for free at ChicagoFire.com or the Chicago Fire mobile app for fans watching within 75 miles of Soldier Field)

Out of Market Streaming: ESPN+

Follow Us! @CHGO_Fire

Fire Availability Report

• OUT: Jairo Torres (left hip)
• OUT: Chris Brady (national team duty)
• OUT: Kendall Burks (right knee)
• OUT: Miguel Navarro (health and safety protocols)
• OUT: Mauricio Pineda (health and safety protocols)
• OUT: Wyatt Omsberg (left foot)
• QUESTIONABLE: Federico Navarro (right knee)

Philadelphia Union Availability Report

• OUT: None
• QUESTIONABLE: Jesus Bueno (calf)

Next Up for Chicago

Sunday, July 3 | San Jose Earthquakes vs. Chicago Fire | PayPal Park | 8 p.m. CT, WGN-TV, CF97 Live

Saturday, July 9 | Chicago Fire vs. Columbus Crew | Soldier Field, Chicago | 7 p.m. CT, WGN-TV, CF97 Live

Wednesday, July 13 | Chicago Fire vs. Toronto FC | Soldier Field, Chicago | 7 p.m. CT, WGN-TV, CF97 Live

Saturday, July 16 | Chicago Fire vs. Seattle Sounders | Soldier Field, Chicago | 7 p.m. CT, WGN-TV, CF97 Live

Saturday, July 23 | Vancouver Whitecaps vs. Chicago Fire | BC Place, Vancouver, BC, Canada | 7 p.m. CT, WGN-TV, CF97 Live

Prediction

Somehow, our friends at PointsBet have the Fire as moneyline favorites: +130 for a Fire win, +210 for a Union victory. We say this one goes to Philly with a 2-0 win.