Toronto FC (3-0-0, 3rd in East) vs. Chicago Fire (1-2-1, 9th in East)
We’ll talk more about what could be with the Chicago Fire in another article. In the here and now, the Fire did well to defeat New York Red Bulls, but face an altogether tougher opponent and will be without one, maybe two, starters on Saturday.
Przemyslaw Frankowski is out with a groin injury and CJ Sapong is a question mark with an illness. Mo Adams is healthy and will likely be called upon to mark Alejandro Pozuelo who impressed on his debut in a 4-0 thrashing of New York City FC. The win adds to TFC’s 100% start to the season after three matches. Plus, they have a mostly healthy lineup.
The Fire will be without Przemyslaw Frankowski for Saturday’s match against Toronto FC forcing head coach Veljko Paunovic to go to his bench (Photo Credit: Amanda Cortese)
Expect Nico Gaitan to start for the Fire after putting in 27 minutes in his debut as a substitute. Bastian Schweinsteiger will likely be at center back with Jeremiah Gutjahr, Marcello, and Johan Kappelhof rounding out the back four after Adams did well in the defensive midfield with Dax McCarty.
The Fire will need the same performance from last week against the Red Bulls and then some against a Toronto team firing on all cylinders and not burdened (as much) by a failed run at the CONCACAF Champions League.
After some early success at BMO Field, the Fire last won at Toronto in 2012.
Kickoff is at 2pm CT on ESPN+.
INJURIES:
TORONTO FC:
QUESTIONABLE: Auro Jr. (D) – minor semitendinosus strain
CHICAGO FIRE:
OUT: Andre Reynolds II (D) – thigh injury
OUT: Jorge Corrales (D) – groin injury
OUT: Raheem Edwards (M) – knee injury
OUT: Przemyslaw Frankowski (M) – groin injury
OUT: Fabian Herbers (F) – groin injury
QUESTIONABLE: CJ Sapong (F) – illness
Referee: Amando Villarreal
Assistant Referees: Jeffrey Greeson, Jeremy Kieso
4th Official: Ramy Touchan
VAR: Sorin Stoica
LAST YEAR:
4/28/18: TOR 2-2 CHI
7/21/18: CHI 1-2 TOR
7/28/18: TOR 3-0 CHI
Chicago Fire
Toronto FC
