Houston Dynamo FC vs Chicago Fire FC Prediction, Match Preview, February 22nd

Houston Dynamo FC will face Chicago Fire FC in a Major League Soccer clash on Sunday, 22 February. The match will be held at Shell Energy Stadium, giving Houston Dynamo FC the advantage of playing at home. This encounter promises to be an intriguing contest as both teams aim to make a strong start to their league campaign.

With both Houston Dynamo FC and Chicago Fire FC looking to improve their positions in Major League Soccer, this match could prove significant in setting the tone for their respective seasons. Houston Dynamo FC will be keen to capitalise on their home advantage, while Chicago Fire FC will be eager to secure points on the road. The outcome could have early implications for their places in the league table.

Houston Dynamo FC vs Chicago Fire FC Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Both Teams to Score – Yes	1.85

Given the attacking potential and defensive vulnerabilities on both sides, our recommended betting tip is Both Teams to Score (BTTS). The statistics strongly suggest that both teams have a good chance of finding the net.

• Houston Dynamo’s strong home record, combined with their recent loss, suggests they’ll be pushing hard to score.
• Chicago Fire’s recent victory against Houston, despite being away, shows they can find the net even on the road.
• Both teams are missing key defensive players, which could lead to a more open game with increased goal-scoring opportunities.

Four of the last five meetings between these teams have seen both teams score, highlighting a consistent BTTS trend.

Betting Odds

In this Major League Soccer clash, Houston Dynamo FC are slight favourites with odds of 2.41, but Chicago Fire FC are not far behind at 2.69. The draw is priced at 3.45, indicating a closely contested match at Shell Energy Stadium.

Betting Tip	Odds
Back Houston Dynamo FC to win	2.41
Back the Draw	3.45
Back Chicago Fire FC to win	2.69

For those considering betting opportunities, the odds suggest a competitive game, with potential value in both teams to score and over 2.5 goals markets, given the attacking capabilities on display.

Houston Dynamo FC Analysis & Past Performance

Houston Dynamo FC’s recent form has been underwhelming, with only one win in their last five matches, resulting in a record of one win, one draw, and three losses. Their most recent fixture ended in a goalless draw against Sporting Kansas City, highlighting their struggles in front of goal.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Sporting Kansas City	Houston Dynamo FC	0 – 0 (Draw)	Major League Soccer	19 Oct, 2025
Houston Dynamo FC	San Diego FC	2 – 4 (Loss)	Major League Soccer	5 Oct, 2025
Nashville SC	Houston Dynamo FC	3 – 1 (Loss)	Major League Soccer	28 Sep, 2025
Houston Dynamo FC	Portland Timbers	1 – 0 (Win)	Major League Soccer	21 Sep, 2025
Colorado Rapids	Houston Dynamo FC	2 – 1 (Loss)	Major League Soccer	14 Sep, 2025

Recent Form:
In their last five games, Houston Dynamo FC have averaged 1.00 goals scored per match while conceding an average of 1.80 goals. This disparity underscores their defensive vulnerabilities, reflected in their three defeats. Despite finding the net in four of these encounters, their ability to maintain a lead has been compromised, as seen in their 2-4 home defeat to San Diego FC.

The team has managed two clean sheets, indicating moments of defensive resilience. However, their home form mirrors their overall struggles, with just one win in their last five home fixtures. Currently sitting 11th in the league, Houston Dynamo’s win ratio stands at 20%, and their inconsistency is evident in their mid-table position.

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Houston Dynamo FC Suspensions & Injuries

Houston Dynamo FC are facing challenges with the absence of Artur and Felipe Andrade due to injuries. Artur, a key midfielder, is sidelined with a knee injury and is expected to return in early March 2026. His absence leaves a significant gap in midfield, affecting the team’s ability to control the tempo and transition play effectively.

Felipe Andrade’s muscle injury adds to their woes, with his return still uncertain as he remains doubtful. This could force coach Ben Olsen to rely on less experienced players in defence, potentially impacting their defensive solidity. The absence of these players might prompt tactical adjustments, with a focus on tightening the defensive structure and utilising midfielders like Duane Holmes and Brooklyn Raines to cover for Artur.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Artur	Knee injury	Early March 2026
Felipe Andrade	Muscle injury	Doubtful

Despite these setbacks, the team will likely emphasise a more conservative approach to mitigate the impact of these absences. With key players missing, Houston Dynamo FC may find it challenging to maintain their usual intensity, which could influence betting markets and potentially favour Chicago Fire FC in this matchup. However, the home advantage at Shell Energy Stadium may still play a crucial role in their performance.

Houston Dynamo FC Key Players

Houston Dynamo FC’s line-up features several key players expected to have a significant impact against Chicago Fire FC. At the heart of defence, Erik Sviatchenko offers leadership and experience, crucial for organising the backline. Alongside him, Antonio Carlos provides strength and aerial ability, both vital for dealing with attacking threats. In midfield, Diadie Samassekou stands out as a playmaker, able to dictate the tempo and transition the ball effectively between defence and attack.

Up front, Ezequiel Ponce is a standout player in attack. His versatility and sharp goal-scoring instincts make him a constant threat to opposing defences. Ponce’s ability to find space and finish chances will be pivotal in breaking down Chicago’s defence. Additionally, Guilherme Augusto’s role as a forward adds dynamism and creativity, potentially unlocking defences with his dribbling skills and vision.

Expected line-up for Houston Dynamo FC

• Goalkeeper: Jonathan Bond
• Defence: Antonio Carlos, Erik Sviatchenko, Lucas Halter, Felipe Andrade
• Midfield: Agustin Bouzat, Diadie Samassekou, Mateusz Bogusz
• Forward: Jack McGlynn, Guilherme Augusto, Ezequiel Ponce

Houston Dynamo FC Tactics and Formation

Houston Dynamo FC Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-4-2
• Key Forwards: Ezequiel Ponce and Ondrej Lingr
• Midfield Engine: Artur and Brooklyn Raines
• Defensive Solidity: Two clean sheets in the last five games.
• Notable Strategy: Emphasis on compact defence and quick transitions.

Houston Dynamo FC typically line up in a 4-4-2 formation, providing a balanced approach between defence and attack. In midfield, Artur and Brooklyn Raines are pivotal, offering a blend of tenacity and ball progression. This pairing enables Houston to maintain structure while transitioning quickly from defence to attack.

Defensively, the quartet of Griffin Dorsey, Erik Sviatchenko, Antonio Carlos, and Felipe Andrade offers stability, contributing to the team’s two clean sheets in recent matches. Jonathan Bond, as goalkeeper, adds further assurance with his shot-stopping abilities.

Offensively, the partnership of Ezequiel Ponce and Ondrej Lingr up front is crucial for creating chances. Despite a challenging run of form, Houston Dynamo FC’s focus on compact defence and quick counterattacks remains a key aspect of their tactical approach under coach Ben Olsen.

Chicago Fire FC Analysis & Past Performance

Chicago Fire FC’s recent form has been inconsistent, with mixed results in their last five matches. Their recent run includes a win against Orlando City (3-1) and two draws, against New England Revolution (2-2) and Toronto FC (2-2), followed by a home defeat to Philadelphia Union (0-3). This sequence leaves them with a record of one win, two losses, and two draws, highlighting their struggle for consistency.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Chicago Fire FC	Philadelphia Union	0 – 3 (Loss)	Major League Soccer Playoff	1 Nov 2025
Philadelphia Union	Chicago Fire FC	N/A	Major League Soccer Playoff	26 Oct 2025
Chicago Fire FC	Orlando City	3 – 1 (Win)	Major League Soccer Playoff	23 Oct 2025
New England Revolution	Chicago Fire FC	2 – 2 (Draw)	Major League Soccer	18 Oct 2025
Chicago Fire FC	Toronto FC	2 – 2 (Draw)	Major League Soccer	5 Oct 2025

Recent Form:

• LLWDD

Chicago Fire FC’s attack has averaged 2.20 goals per match in their last five fixtures, demonstrating some offensive capability. However, their defence has been vulnerable, conceding an average of 2.80 goals per game and failing to keep a clean sheet. The team has managed to score in four of the last five games, but their inability to secure a shutout has been detrimental to their results. Their win ratio is 20% in their last five games, indicating room for improvement in both defence and holding onto leads.

Chicago Fire FC Suspensions & Injuries

Chicago Fire FC are facing a significant challenge with the absence of André Franco due to a cruciate ligament injury. This will keep him sidelined until mid-June 2026, affecting the team’s midfield depth and creative options. His absence could force coach Gregg Berhalter to reconsider his formation and rely more on players like Brian Gutierrez to step up in the playmaking role.

The midfield will need to adapt, potentially seeing Rominigue Kouame or Djé D’Avilla take on more prominent roles to fill the creative void left by Franco. These adjustments could lead to a more conservative approach, focusing on defensive solidity and counter-attacks to mitigate the loss of their injured playmaker.

With no suspensions affecting the squad, Chicago Fire FC can at least maintain consistency in other areas of the pitch. However, the lack of Franco’s influence in midfield could alter betting markets, as his creativity and vision are fundamental to Chicago’s attacking strategies.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
André Franco	Cruciate ligament injury	Mid June 2026

Chicago Fire FC Key Players

Chicago Fire FC will rely heavily on their creative midfield and attacking prowess as they face Houston Dynamo FC. Philip Zinckernagel, expected to lead the forward line, brings versatility and a keen eye for goal, making him a pivotal figure in their offensive setup. His ability to play both as a winger and a central striker allows Chicago Fire FC to adapt quickly to different tactical situations. Alongside him, Hugo Cuypers’ physical presence and knack for finding space in the box make him a constant threat to opposing defences.

Jonathan Bamba, operating on the wing, is another key player who can change the complexion of the game with his speed and dribbling skills. His partnership with Robin Lod in midfield is crucial, as Lod’s vision and passing range can unlock defences, providing Bamba the opportunities he needs to exploit. At the back, Jack Elliott’s leadership and aerial strength will be vital in maintaining defensive solidity.

Expected line-up for Chicago Fire FC

• Goalkeeper: Jeff Gal
• Defenders: Jonathan Dean, Joel Waterman, Jack Elliott, Andrew Gutman
• Midfielders: Robin Lod, Djé D’Avilla, Anton Saletros
• Forwards: Philip Zinckernagel, Hugo Cuypers, Jonathan Bamba

Chicago Fire FC Tactics and Formation

Chicago Fire FC Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: Likely 4-3-3
• Key Forward: Hugo Cuypers
• Midfield Engine: Rominigue Kouame
• Defensive Concerns: No clean sheets in recent matches
• Notable Strategy: High possession with limited penetration.

Chicago Fire FC are expected to line up in a 4-3-3 formation under the guidance of coach Gregg Berhalter. This setup aims to provide width and attacking options through wingers like Jonathan Bamba and Philip Zinckernagel, with Hugo Cuypers leading the line as the central striker.

In midfield, Rominigue Kouame plays a pivotal role in dictating play and maintaining possession, supported by Djé D’Avilla and Brian Gutierrez. Despite their high possession stats, as seen in their last game against Philadelphia Union, Chicago Fire have struggled to convert possession into goals, evidenced by their lack of clean sheets and recent defeats.

Defensively, Chicago Fire FC rely on a back four featuring Jonathan Dean and Andrew Gutman as full-backs, but their inability to keep clean sheets highlights a vulnerability in their defensive setup, which will need addressing to improve results.

Houston Dynamo FC vs Chicago Fire FC Head-to-Head Record

In the head-to-head record between Houston Dynamo FC and Chicago Fire FC, Houston have the upper hand with 13 wins compared to Chicago’s 9, alongside 8 draws. The last time these two met in Major League Soccer, Chicago emerged victorious with a 2-1 win at home in April 2024.

The last time Houston hosted Chicago at Shell Energy Stadium in the MLS was in June 2022, where Houston secured a solid 2-0 win. Historically, Houston have been strong at home, which could be a key factor in this upcoming clash.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Chicago Fire FC	Houston Dynamo FC	2 – 1	Major League Soccer	2024-04-07
Chicago Fire FC	Houston Dynamo FC	1 – 4	US Open Cup	2023-06-07
Houston Dynamo FC	Chicago Fire FC	2 – 0	Major League Soccer	2022-06-26
Chicago Fire FC	Houston Dynamo FC	4 – 0	Major League Soccer	2020-09-23
Houston Dynamo FC	Chicago Fire FC	0 – 1	Major League Soccer	2019-08-04