Charlotte Fc vs Chicago Fire Fc Picks and Predictions May 17th 2025

Charlotte Looking to Continue Strong Home Form vs. Fire

Charlotte FC will look to end their four-match MLS losing streak when they return to the comfort of Bank of America Stadium on Saturday night, where they’ve been nearly unbeatable this season.

Charlotte’s Home Fortress

Despite dropping their last match at home — a 1-0 setback to New England on April 26 — Charlotte (6-6-1, 19 points) boasts an impressive 5-1-0 home record. Their strong performances in front of home fans have been a silver lining during a rough patch that has seen them slide to seventh place in the Eastern Conference.

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Even with the current skid, head coach Dean Smith believes the team is close to turning things around.

“It’s never nice to go and lose four MLS games on the spin,” Smith said following Wednesday’s 3-1 defeat to Orlando City. “But I’ve said before two of them I don’t feel we should have gotten beaten. Today it could have easily been a draw if we don’t give away the goals that we did.”

One of the bright spots for Charlotte has been Wilfried Zaha, the January loan signing from Galatasaray. Zaha found the back of the net midweek, bringing his tally to four goals, tied with Liel Abada for the team lead. It’s also his second goal in three matches, and his growing influence could be crucial for snapping the club’s losing run.

For those considering their weekend wagers, Charlotte’s dominance at home and positive attacking signs make this matchup a key fixture in MLS betting predictions. View detailed MLS picks and parlays here.

Chicago Building Road Momentum

The Chicago Fire (4-4-4, 16 points) have quietly become one of the Eastern Conference’s better road teams under head coach Gregg Berhalter. They’re 3-3-0 away from home, and only Supporters’ Shield leader FC Cincinnati has more road victories.

Their 2-1 win over Atlanta United on May 10 ended a six-match MLS winless streak and gave them their first home win of the season. It also snapped their drought in the league, dating back to a 3-1 win over Vancouver in late March.

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Key to that win was Hugo Cuypers, who slotted home a penalty for his eighth goal of the season. Cuypers ended last weekend as MLS’ top scorer and now sits tied for third following midweek action.

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“What do I need to say to him, right?” Berhalter said when asked about his communication with Cuypers. “We’re just letting it ride.”

Charlotte’s Dominance in the Series

Charlotte has dominated this fixture in recent memory, winning the last five meetings with Chicago. Their consistent edge over the Fire — coupled with their superior home record — sets up an intriguing challenge for the visitors.

With Charlotte’s scoring duo of Zaha and Abada heating up and Chicago’s Cuypers in lethal form, Saturday’s clash could hinge on defensive lapses or moments of brilliance in front of goal.