Gregg Berhalter says the battle for the final playoff spots is going to be a "dog fight" as he prepares to take the Chicago Fire to Minnesota United in MLS on Saturday.

Chicago are ninth in the Eastern Conference on 42 points, but are only two points better off than the New York Red Bulls below them.

They have alternated between a win and a loss in their last four league games, going down 3-1 to New York City FC last time out.

Berhalter feels they missed an opportunity in that defeat, though he is confident they can get back to winning ways at Allianz Field.

"We lost, very disappointing for the group, but we're going to have to do this the hard way," Berhalter said.

"It's going to be a dog fight. We need to show more urgency, be more direct, get the ball forward faster. The fans want to see a team that wants to win.

"It was a missed opportunity [against NYCFC], but we were missing that last step a little bit. For us, it's about how we get that right and have good training ahead of Minnesota."

Minnesota, meanwhile, are second in the Western Conference, two points behind leaders San Diego FC.

The Loons are unbeaten in their last four MLS matches (W3 D1) but were knocked out of the U.S. Open Cup semifinal on Wednesday, losing 2-1 to Austin FC in the final minute of extra time.

Head coach Eric Ramsay was disappointed by the result but hopes his side can take lessons from that loss.

"You've got to have a pretty short memory at this stage of the season," he said.

"We're still playing for another trophy in the sense that we're still right in the hunt for the Supporters' Shield, but slip-ups at this point in the season are going to be really costly.

"Saturday is another defining game. If there's something we can grab onto, it's that we can take the pain that comes with losing in that way and learn from it."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Minnesota United – Joaquin Pereyra

Kelvin Yeboah, who became the first-choice striker after Tani Oluwaseyi's departure, went off injured in the first half of the U.S. Open Cup defeat, leaving Ramsay with a striker headache.

Joaquin Pereyra scored Minnesota's only goal in that game, though he is more typically known for his link-up, having added 10 assists to his four goals this term.

Chicago Fire – Hugo Cuypers

Hugo Cuypers has been the leading attacking threat for Chicago this season, scoring on 16 occasions, including five-match opening goals.

He also leads the Fire for expected goals (xG) with 17.5, and none of his team-mates can better his 69 shots (38 on target).

MATCH PREDICTION: MINNESOTA UNITED WIN

Minnesota have a strong home record against Chicago, going unbeaten in their last four matches against them in all competitions (W3 D1), and beat them 3-1 in the U.S. Open Cup quarterfinal in July.

When the two sides last met in MLS action, Chicago emerged victorious 2-1 at Soldier Field in April 2023. Kei Kamara led the Fire with goals in the 24th and 36th minutes, while Kervin Arriaga scored the Loons' only goal in the 57th minute.

Minnesota have secured 25 points from a possible 45 on offer in 15 MLS contests at home this season.

Away from home, Chicago have seven wins, one draw, and six losses; they lost their most recent road game 4-0 against the Philadelphia Union.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Minnesota United – 55.5%

Draw – 22.9%

Chicago Fire – 21.5%