Chicago Fire vs Columbus Crew – News and Probable Lineups

As Decision Day approaches in MLS, Chicago Fire will strive to secure a home advantage in the Best-of-Three series when they clash with Columbus Crew at Soldier Field on Saturday, November 7.

The Crew have strong motivation to win this final match of the regular season, as it may allow them to dodge the single-elimination wild card match.

Match overview

Chicago has already surpassed their performance from the last regular season, finishing no lower than fifth, which is an improvement of three positions compared to 2025.

The Fire aim to advance further this year after being eliminated by Philadelphia Union in last season’s Best-of-Three series.

Securing home advantage will be vital going forward, and they need to capitalize on the final day to ensure Soldier Field serves as their base for the next playoffs stage.

Gregg Berhalter’s team is currently on an unbeaten streak in their last three MLS matches, though they have not won any of the last two games played at home.

Earlier this season, the Fire achieved victory in the corresponding fixture and managed to avoid defeat in the reverse match, but the Crew hold a superior head-to-head record.

Still, the hosts must secure a win to dictate their own fate, as even a draw may not suffice to guarantee home advantage in the next round.

Alternatively, supporters of Chicago can support Inter Miami, who will be facing Charlotte concurrently, as any result that sees the Herons win or draw would see the Fire comfortably progress to the next round, with the first game set to take place at Soldier Field.

Columbus Crew has secured their place in the playoffs, but currently, they will have to participate in an elimination match.

Laurent Courtois will be keen for his players to earn a spot in the Best-of-Three series with a victory in Illinois.

The Black and Gold are on a five-match winning streak in MLS, instilling confidence as they come into this fixture.

Historically, they’ve triumphed in three of their last four encounters in Chicago, which should bolster their determination to spring an upset this weekend.

The visitors are likely hoping for Nashville to defeat or draw with FC Cincinnati, which would provide a clearer pathway to the next stage of the competition.

Team News

For the hosts, the outlook is mainly positive as they approach this crucial period of the MLS season, with defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi making his return from injury.

Robert Lewandowski ended an eight-game goal drought last weekend, coming off the bench to give his side the lead in their 4-2 victory over Colorado Rapids.

The Polish striker also assisted Puso Dithejane, further emphasizing his importance to Berhalter’s squad.

Another player to watch is Ivorian Jonathan Bamba, who netted two goals last week, raising his tally for the season to 12.

However, the Fire will be missing Robin Lod and Sam Rogers due to injury.

On the Crew’s side, they are uncertain about the fitness of Brais Mendez, who has been impressive since joining as a Designated Player from Real Sociedad.

Wessam Abou Ali and Rudy Camacho are confirmed absentees for their trip to Chicago.

Dylan Chambost is expected to play a crucial role in the visitors’ creativity, as he has recently for the Crew.

Chicago Fire probable starting XI:

Brady; Dean, Elliott, Mbokazi, Allen; Saletros, D’Avilla, Haile-Selassie; Zinckernagel, Bamba, Gomez

Columbus Crew probable starting XI:

Shulte; Farsi, Moreira, Zawadzki, Amundsen; Zarourv, Chambost, Bangoura, Habroune; Tapia, Rodriguez

The caliber of players on both teams is remarkable, and the visitors are on a solid run of form.

Moreover, the Crew have had notable success in Chicago, yet with both teams performing well, they may end up neutralizing each other.