The Columbus Crew face the Chicago Fire at Soldier Field on Sunday at 6:00 p.m. ET in a crucial Eastern Conference matchup. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+.

The defending MLS Cup champion Crew enter on a concerning three-game losing streak, having conceded 11 goals during that span. Early defensive lapses have been particularly problematic, with the team allowing goals within the first 20 minutes in each loss.

Meanwhile, Chicago is unbeaten in their last five matches (2W, 3D) and has lost just once at home since June. Luka Stojanovic leads the Fire's attack with 5 goals, including a recent brace against the Red Bulls that earned him MLS Player of the Week honors.

Team Form:

• Columbus Crew: Lost last 3 matches, currently 7th in East (24 points)
• Chicago Fire: Unbeaten in 5 matches, 11th in East (17 points)

Key Betting Odds:

• Columbus Crew: +235
• Chicago Fire: +110
• Draw: +260
• Total Goals O/U: 2.5 (Over -115, Under -110)

Despite being underdogs, the Crew's superior talent and full week of preparation following the Gold Cup break makes them an intriguing betting option against an improving but still bottom-half Fire squad.

Head-to-Head: Columbus is undefeated in the last 8 meetings dating back to 2018, including a 2-0 home victory earlier this season behind Gyasi Zardes' brace.

Key Stats:

• First Goal Odds: Columbus +120, Chicago -130
• Spread: Columbus +0.5 (-160), Chicago -0.5 (-110)
• Recent H2H: Columbus 2-0 Chicago (June 2023)

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