Allan Saint-Maximin & Charlotte FC face Chicago Fire challenge

Charlotte FC will host Chicago Fire FC in an Eastern Conference Matchday 28 showdown at Bank of America Stadium on Saturday, September 26 at 7:30 pm ET/4:30 pm PT. The game, known as the Walmart Saturday Showdown, holds implications for the MLS Cup Playoffs. Charlotte FC, currently 4th in the Eastern Conference with 43 points, have not lost in their past eight matches.

Their Designated Player, Allan Saint-Maximin, who joined mid-July, has been instrumental, scoring a match-winning goal in their previous game against D.C. United. Saint-Maximin has been a standout player with 1 goal and 5 assists in eight league matches. Other key players to watch for Charlotte include Pep Biel and Ashley Westwood.

Chicago Fire FC, currently 5th in the Eastern Conference with 39 points, have lost their last six matches, including a 3-0 defeat against Nashville SC. Their absence of key players like Robert Lewandowski due to international commitments may impact their performance. Chicago Fire FC will need their Designated Player and veteran Maren Haile-Selassie to step up in order to challenge Charlotte FC for the top-four playoff spots and potentially secure Round One hosting rights.

As of Thursday, September 24 at 9 am ET, Charlotte FC are favored at home with 46% of the market compared to 32% for Chicago Fire FC.