Atlanta United (5-5-3) will play at Chicago (7-3-4) on Saturday.
The Five Stripes defeated the Fire 4-0 in their first meeting, but much has changed since.
Chicago, which was forced to play with 10 men for most of that match, since added German midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger, who is among the best players of his generation. The team is unbeaten in six games, going 4-0-2.
Atlanta United was on a mini-run with a draw and two consecutive wins at home, but was beaten 3-1 at Vancouver last week.
Dan Santaromita is in his second season covering the Fire for CSN Chicago. You can follow him @thedansanto on Twitter and read his work on csnchicago.com/fire.
He answered five questions about the game.
1. What is the biggest difference in Chicago between when they were defeated 4-0 by Atlanta United and now?
A: Simply, Bastian Schweinsteiger. He has added another solid central midfielder and has paired with Dax McCarty to make the Fire a team that can control most games. The two of them are smart, solid passers and occasionally Schweinsteiger will wow you with something incredible. McCarty has arguably been more valuable because he also has added defensive cover, but the two make each other more effective as well.
2. What hasn’t changed much at all?
A: The defense has still had its issues. McCarty has been the main protection for the back line, but he won't be there on Saturday. This is still a team that Atlanta can break down and score on. The improved midfield play has made the attack a ton better, but the defense can still be exposed when under pressure.
3. What is the matchup to watch?
A: The battle of the midfields. Even before Johan Kappelhof's red card the first time these teams played, Atlanta was already overwhelming the Fire. With Schweinsteiger in, but McCarty out it will be interesting to see which team can win the possession battle. Atlanta is one of the few teams in MLS which prioritizes possession. The Fire are getting there, but without McCarty it's hard to see the Fire having a majority of the ball, even at home.
4. What are the good soccer bars in Chicago for those travelling from Atlanta?
A: The Globe Pub is one of the top soccer bars in Chicago. It's on the North Side so it's not very close to Toyota Park, but it's a good spot to hit up. A.J. Hudson's isn't far from The Globe Pub and also has a good reputation as a soccer bar. If you want a more official, less classic place, the Fire's Pub 97 is a good spot as well. Soccer always gets first billing there and you can see the turf fields the team has built there, although you lose some of that traditional dingy bar atmosphere you'd get at The Globe Pub or A.J. Hudson's.
5. Predicted score?
A: 2-2. Without McCarty, I think Atlanta is able to create plenty of chances and cause problems with high pressure against the Fire. Meanwhile, the Fire's attack has been sharp (outside of the weird Orlando game last week) so I think it will be an entertaining, open game.
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