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New York Red Bulls vs. Chicago Fire: Preview and How to Watch

ByWesley Davidson|
Apr 8, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Fire goalkeeper Matt Lampson (28) midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger (31) and defender Patrick Doody (22) after the second half at Toyota Park. Chicago defeats Columbus 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 8, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Fire goalkeeper Matt Lampson (28) midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger (31) and defender Patrick Doody (22) after the second half at Toyota Park. Chicago defeats Columbus 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

The Red Bulls host the Chicago Fire on Saturday in MLS newcomer Bastian Schweinsteiger’s first trip to New York. The teams are currently separated by just two points in the Eastern Conference.

The Red Bulls seem to be figuring out some of their early season struggles and have picked up two wins on the bounce, both 2-0 shutouts. If Alex Muyl and Bradley Wright-Phillips continue to build chemistry up top, this team could finish at or near the top of the Eastern Conference for yet another year.

Chicago put together a nice string of results before losing 3-1 at Toronto, collecting wins against Columbus and New England and earning an away draw against Montreal. The Fire have been dramatically better through seven matches than what we came to expect over the past few seasons.

New York Red Bulls

Apr 22, 2017; Harrison, NJ, USA; New York Red Bulls midfielder Alex Muyl (19) reacts after scoring a goal against Columbus Crew goalkeeper Zack Steffen (23) during first half at Red Bull Arena. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 22, 2017; Harrison, NJ, USA; New York Red Bulls midfielder Alex Muyl (19) reacts after scoring a goal against Columbus Crew goalkeeper Zack Steffen (23) during first half at Red Bull Arena. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports
  • Current Record (W-L-D): 4-3-1
  • Last Time Out: 2-0 home win against the Columbus Crew
  • Player to Watch for: Alex Muyl. The 21-year-old winger has impressed with his aerial ability and work rate on defense. A second goal of the season last week will have certainly boosted his confidence.
  • Why They Win: Bradley Wright-Phillips. If Wright-Phillips is on his game, the Red Bulls are an incredibly tough team to beat, particularly at Red Bull Arena.
  • Why They Won’t: Midfield battle. If Sacha Kljestan and company aren’t able to win the midfield battle against Juninho, Dax McCarty, and Schweinsteiger, the Red Bulls will likely drop points.
  • Predicted Starting XI:

Chicago Fire

Mar 11, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Fire midfielder Dax McCarty (6) walks out of the players tunnel at Toyota Park. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 11, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Fire midfielder Dax McCarty (6) walks out of the players tunnel at Toyota Park. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
  • Current Record (W-L-D): 3-2-2
  • Last Time Out: 3-1 away loss to Toronto FC
  • Player to Watch for: Dax McCarty. This one is a no-brainer, as the former Red Bull will be making his first appearance against his old club. Although Schweinsteiger is the flashy name, McCarty continues to be the engine that drives his team.
  • Why They Win: Confidence. Chicago seem to have a new attitude this season, further boosted by the recent arrival of Schweinsteiger. The team’s confidence will be key on Saturday. If they’ve brushed off the tough loss to Toronto and come into New York with the right mindset, they could steal a win on the road.
  • Why They Won’t: Away form. Again, it all comes down to mentality for Chicago. The Fire have been dreadful on the road over the past few seasons, and they have failed to win in two tries this year away from Toyota Park.
  • Predicted Starting XI:

Score Prediction:

How to Watch:

Where: Red Bull Arena

When: Saturday, April 28th, 7:30 pm ET

Channel: TSN2, MLS Live

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