Andre Franco has made it his mission to help the Chicago Fire qualify for the MLS playoffs after completing his move from Porto. 

Franco completed his season-long loan switch to the Fire earlier this week from the Primeira Liga side, and is keen to make an impression straight away. 

The 27-year-old made 71 appearances for Porto across all competitions, including one match at the recent Club World Cup. 

He helped the Portuguese side win the league title in 2023, along with three other domestic trophies, and stressed his excitement about the latest chapter in his career. 

"I'm very happy to join the Chicago Fire and can't wait to wear the jersey and begin playing with our colours," Franco told the club's official website. 

"I hope it's the beginning of a wonderful journey and that we can achieve all our goals together."

It provides another attacking option from midfield for Gregg Berhalter's side, who are ninth in the Eastern Conference and occupy the final playoff place. 

"We're excited to welcome Andre to Chicago to bolster the team as we make a push for the playoffs and look to finish the season strong," said Berhalter.

"He is an experienced midfielder who has played in several competitions across Europe as well as the Club World Cup, and we know that he can make an impact this season."

And Franco's MLS debut could come this weekend when the Fire welcome St. Louis City SC to SeatGeek Stadium. 

St. Louis are in a poor run of form, winning just two of their last nine MLS matches, but did manage to defeat Eastern Conference high-flyers Nashville SC last time out. 

They find themselves 14th in the Western Conference, 11 points off the playoff places with just nine games of their regular season remaining. 

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Chicago Fire – Philip Zinckernagel

Philip Zinckernagel assisted both Fire goals last time out against Los Angeles FC, bringing him to 22 goal contributions this season (10 goals, 12 assists).

Only Nemanja Nikolic (28 in 2017) and Ante Razov (24 in 2000) have recorded more goal contributions in a single regular season in Fire history.

St. Louis City – Joao Klauss

St. Louis have been a threat in attack courtesy of Joao Klauss, who has netted on eight occasions, including three match-opening goals.

The Brazilian forward scored the second goal in their win over Nashville to help snap a three-game losing streak.

MATCH PREDICTION – CHICAGO FIRE WIN

Chicago are unbeaten in four straight matches (W2 D2), their longest unbeaten run since a five-match streak in March (W3 D2). The Fire have had multiple unbeaten runs of five or more matches in a single season just once since 2010, doing so in 2022.

St. Louis are winless in 11 straight away matches in all competitions (D1 L10), including losing eight straight away from home. Their only road win against an Eastern Conference opponent in all competitions was at Toronto in 2023 (D2 L7).

St. Louis won their most recent meeting with Chicago, 3-1, at home in 2024 after the Fire had won the first two meetings, both in Chicago, in 2023 (one in the US Open Cup and one in the regular season).

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Chicago Fire – 57.9%

Draw – 21.9%

St. Louis City – 20.2%