FC Cincinnati is set to face Chicago Fire in the Walmart Saturday Showdown on April 18.

What's at stake?

The match is crucial for FC Cincinnati, who are currently 10th in the Eastern Conference with 7 points. They will be without Kévin Denkey, who was sent off in the 71st minute against Toronto FC.

Key players to watch

Evander, the Brazilian No. 10, will be looking to find his groove after a slow start to the season. Miles Robinson, the USMNT center back, is working back from a lower-body injury. | Player | Position | Status | | --- | --- | --- | | Evander | No. 10 | Available | | Miles Robinson | Center back | Returning from injury |

Predicted XI

The predicted lineup for FC Cincinnati includes Evander, Miles Robinson, and Pavel Bucha.

Chicago Fire's form

Chicago Fire is on a roll, with three consecutive wins, including a 1-0 win over Atlanta United. Their defense has been solid, with four shutouts in seven matches. Philip Zinckernagel and Jonathan Bamba have been key performers for the team. As of June 23, 2026, FC Cincinnati is 2nd in Major League Soccer with 65 points from 34 games, and their next fixture is against New York City FC on August 19, 2026.