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MLS: Every team’s best starting XI for 2019

By Joshua Bowers

ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 08: Atlanta United players celebrate with the Philip F. Anschutz Trophy after winning the MLS Cup against the Portland Timbers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. Atlanta won 2-0. (Photo by Austin McAfee/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 08: Atlanta United players celebrate with the Philip F. Anschutz Trophy after winning the MLS Cup against the Portland Timbers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. Atlanta won 2-0. (Photo by Austin McAfee/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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MLS, Cameron Lancaster
BRIDGEVIEW, IL – JULY 18: Louisville City FC forward Cameron Lancaster (9) and Chicago Fire defender Johan Kappelhof (4) battle for the ball on July 18, 2018 at Toyota Park in Bridgeview, Illinois. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Chicago Fire

4-3-3

GK David Ousted

RB Johan Kappelhof

CB Marcelo

CB Grant Lillard

LB Raheem Edwards

CDM Dax McCarty

CM Bastian Schweinsteiger

CAM Djordje Mihailovic

RW Przemylslaw Frankowski

LW Aleksander Katai

ST Nemanja Nikolic

I am still optimistic the Fire will add another starting-caliber center-back or right-back. For now, however, I have Kappelhof sliding outside to play right-back, making room for Grant Lillard in the center.

The reason for this is twofold. I would rather give Lillard a shot in the middle than rely on either of the other right-back options (Hasler/Corrales), and I do not want to start two center-backs under six-foot. Raheem Edwards has some experience on the defensive side, playing as a wing-back for Toronto several years ago. He should be able to fill in at left-back this season.

The front-six is solid, especially the three midfielders. The two wingers have some questions, Frankowski is new to the league and Katai’s performance can be volatile. However, the two should be a special attacking group. Nikolic should have a good season playing between them.

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