The Columbus Crew face the Chicago Fire at Soldier Field on Sunday at 6:00 p.m. ET in a crucial Eastern Conference matchup. Here's what you need to know:

Team Status

• Columbus Crew (7th place, 24 points)
• Currently on 3-game losing streak
• Allowed 11 goals in last 3 matches
• Just one point ahead of final playoff spot

Chicago Fire (11th place, 17 points)

• Unbeaten in last 5 matches (2W, 3D)
• Only one home loss since June
• Led by Luka Stojanovic (5 goals, MLS Player of the Week)
• Trail Columbus by 7 points

Head-to-Head

• Columbus leads recent matchups
• Won 2-0 in June 2023
• Fire winless vs Crew in last 8 meetings
• Last Chicago win: April 2018

Key Betting Lines

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

Analysis Despite being defending champions, Columbus enters as underdogs due to recent defensive struggles and poor form. However, a week of rest and full squad training could help right the ship. Chicago has momentum but Columbus has historically dominated this rivalry matchup.

The Crew's defensive issues and Chicago's recent attacking success suggest goals could be likely. Both teams desperately need points in the tight Eastern Conference playoff race.

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