Minnesota United vs. Chicago Fire

When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday
Where: Allianz Field
Stream: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV
Radio: KSTP-AM, 1500
Weather: 67 degrees, mostly cloudy, 5 mph north wind
Betting line: MNUFC even; draw plus-280; Chicago plus-235

Form: MNUFC (15-6-9, 54 points) had its best MLS win, 3-1 over first-place San Diego last weekend, but had all that air sucked out after a 2-1 loss to Austin in the U.S. Open Cup semifinal Wednesday. Chicago (12-11-6, 42 points) are fighting for the last playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, but has lost two of three, including 3-1 to New York City last weekend.

Big question: Can the Loons quickly bounce back? Their goal of winning a trophy in the Open Cup was snatched away by Austin’s game-winner in the 120th minute in St. Paul. United has done an outstanding job of not letting one loss lead to more, but this situation was much more consequential.

Recent matchups: Minnesota needed extra time to beat Chicago 3-1 in U.S. Open Cup quarterfinals in July, while Fire topped Loons 3-2 in Leagues Cup in July 2023. The two clubs haven’t played in MLS since April 2023, a 2-1 Fire win.

Context: Four field players — Michael Boxall, Robin Lod, Bongi Hlongwane and Joaquin Pereyra — logged 120 minutes on Wednesday, so some squad rotation is expected Saturday.

Absences: FW Kelvin Yeboah (hamstring) is doubtful; CB Carlos Harvey (knee) is questionable.

Stats: Chicago’s defense has been leaky, giving up 13 goals over the last five games (2.6 per match).

Prediction: Chicago is fighting for its playoff life, while Minnesota will need to be resuscitated after Wednesday’s heartbreak to get up for another MLS match. Chicago wins 1-0.