Chicago Fire vs Columbus Crew SC — DeepSeek betting tip 28 September 2025.

Columbus Crew SC enters this late-season clash as defending MLS Cup champions and remains among the league's elite. Their possession-based system under Wilfried Nancy, spearheaded by the dynamic Cucho Hernández and complemented by midfield control from Darlington Nagbe, consistently breaks down opponents. Chicago Fire, while historically strong at home, continues to underachieve defensively, frequently ranking near the bottom in expected goals against. Their inconsistency, especially at the back, is a glaring weakness Columbus is primed to exploit.

The Crew's superior roster depth and tactical flexibility offer a significant edge, particularly as the season enters its critical final stretch. Recent head-to-head results heavily favor Columbus, including a dominant 3-1 win in Chicago earlier in 2024. While the home crowd at Soldier Field provides a boost for the Fire, it hasn't translated into consistent results against top-tier opposition like Columbus.

Value is paramount in betting. The implied probability from the 3.02 odds on Columbus suggests only a 33.1% chance of an away win. However, based on current form, roster quality, and tactical matchup, Columbus possesses a win probability closer to 45-50%, making this a significant positive expected value (+EV) bet. Chicago's odds of 2.12 imply a 47.2% win probability, which feels inflated for a team with their defensive frailties. The draw at 4.04 is intriguing but less probable given Columbus's superior attacking talent.