Chicago Fire FC<\/a> head to FC Cincinnati<\/a> seeking a fourth straight win during Matchday 8’s Walmart Saturday Showdown.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Record<\/strong><\/p>\n What to know<\/strong><\/p>\n It’s been a one-step-forward, two-steps-back kind of season for FC Cincinnati.<\/p>\n Look no further than last weekend’s 1-1 draw<\/a> at Toronto FC<\/a>, when Kenji Mboma Dem<\/a> scored a 92nd-minute equalizer to earn the Orange & Blue a valuable road point.<\/p>\n However, K\u00e9vin Denkey<\/a> was sent off in the 71st minute after receiving two yellow cards in quick succession, meaning he’ll miss this weekend’s test vs. Chicago. Additionally, Matt Miazga<\/a> left injured early in the second half.<\/p>\n Despite those setbacks and largely falling short of preseason expectations, head coach Pat Noonan struck an optimistic tone postgame.<\/p>\n “We’ve been here before, and we can figure out how to change our fortunes,” Noonan said.<\/p>\n Who to watch<\/strong><\/p>\n Predicted XI<\/strong><\/p>\n Does Robinson return to the starting lineup? If so, he’d add stability to a Cincy defense that’s allowed 16 goals this year (third-most in Eastern Conference).<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Record<\/strong><\/p>\n What to know<\/strong><\/p>\n Chicago are on a roll, with last weekend’s 1-0 win<\/a> over Atlanta United<\/a> making it three victories on the trot.<\/p>\n Perhaps most importantly, the Fire defense has taken serious strides forward. They’ve posted four shutouts in seven matches, one season removed from allowing 60 goals (1.76 per game).<\/p>\n South African center back Mbekezeli Mbokazi<\/a> has helped fuel that turnaround, as has USMNT<\/a> goalkeeper Chris Brady<\/a>. They both could feature at the 2026 FIFA World Cup this summer.<\/p>\n In the final third, Philip Zinckernagel<\/a> and Jonathan Bamba<\/a> continue to provide key performances. And Hugo Cuypers<\/a>, who’s been dealing with a lingering concussion, has a team-high four goals.<\/p>\n Add it all up, and the Fire seem poised to keep ascending under head coach Gregg Berhalter after returning to the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs in 2025.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n Who to watch<\/strong><\/p>\n Predicted XI<\/strong><\/p>\nHow to watch & stream<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n
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