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Atlanta United vs. Chicago Fire: Preview and How to Watch

By James Grinder

Mar 5, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; The Atlanta United logo is shown on the scoreboard before their game against the New York Red Bulls at Bobby Dodd Stadium at Historic Grant Field. The Red Bulls won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 5, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; The Atlanta United logo is shown on the scoreboard before their game against the New York Red Bulls at Bobby Dodd Stadium at Historic Grant Field. The Red Bulls won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Chicago Fire visit MLS expansion side Atlanta United FC at Bobby Dodd Stadium for their first meeting on Saturday.

Atlanta returns home after a 6-1 win in the expansion-side derby with Minnesota United. Chicago Fire arrives in town after opening up Toyota Park with a 2-0 win over Real Salt Lake.

With both teams looking strong after notching their first wins of the season last weekend, let’s see how they stack up against each other in this week three match-up.

Atlanta’s Young Offense

Atlanta came to play in the snow of Minneapolis.

Their newly formed offense exploded, with Jozef Martinez leading the way. Atlanta’s midfield and forwards made breaking down Minnesota’s defense look easy. They’re up for a decent test with Chicago. Dax McCarty and Juninho will be looking to lock down the midfield early.

Atlanta’s midfield should differ slightly with Carlos Carmona likely slotting back in for former Chicago Fire player Jeff Larentowicz, after serving his red card suspension.

The Atlanta back line has not been tested enough to know how they’ll respond to an in-form MLS offense. Chicago Fire isn’t that yet, but with a little early momentum, they certainly have the potential to become one.

The predicted starting lineup

Returns to the opening night starting eleven.

Chicago’s defense

Chicago Fire have an idea of what to expect from Atlanta’s offense. How the Fire’s back line will actually respond to it is another question.

This should be the best attack the Fire’s defense has been exposed to in this young season. Johan Kappelhof has started out the season in dominant fashion. Jaoa Meira hasn’t been too shabby, either.

Brandon Vincent seems to have matured into a solid left back. He put in a fantastic shift last match. And who could forget Michael Harrington? He plays right back for the Fire, but enough about defense.

Atlanta will need to worry about stopping Nemanja Nikolic from showing 50,000+ that he is a finishing guru, instead. I hear that he enjoys a large audience.

The predicted starting lineup

Should look the same from their week two victory.

Next: Chicago Fire seek Bastian Schweinsteiger

Prediction

I expect Atlanta United FC to provide Chicago Fire with a great contest. End to end type of action with plenty of counterattacks and goals galore.

If the Fire are able to walk away with a point, it will be a successful trip for them. Atlanta undoubtedly wants to win at home, but drawing with this new look Fire squad would certainly be acceptable.

Kickoff is at 4 EST.

How To Watch

Atlanta & Chicago TV: UniMas (Spanish), Facebook Live (English), MLS Live

Atlanta Radio: 92.9 The Game (English), 1130, 1460, or 1600 AM, Station TBD (Spanish)   / Chicago Radio: Univision América 1200 (WRTO)

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