After two tough matches on the road, Atlanta United returns home to Mercedes-Benz Stadium to face the Chicago Fire on Matchday 9.
Matchday 9 Preview: Chicago Fire FC
The Chicago Fire come into this match in 8th place in the East, with a record of 2-4-1 and 10 points.
Chicago comes into this match in decent form with two draws and one win in their last three matches. Their previous match against the Philadelphia Union saw them take a 2-0 lead before squandering their advantage allowing two goals in two minutes.
Talisman Xherdan Shaqiri returned to the squad to face the Union after missing four matches through injury. He entered the match in the second half playing 35 minutes. His absence has not left an unfillable gap as the Fire has scored 2+ goals in 4/5 of their past matches, and 3 goals in 2/5.
The flowing offense of the Fire has been spearheaded by Kei Kamara. He leads the team with 3 goals, highlighted by a brace two weeks ago. Midfielder Chris Mueller has also provided an attacking threat with 2 goals and an assist. Brian Gutiérrez has been the creative force of the midfield providing 3 assists this season.
The defense has not been the strong suit for Chicago achieving only one clean sheet to this point in the season. Shortcomings in defense have seen leads turn into ties multiple times this season.
Atlanta United remains near the top in the East, even after two consecutive draws. Their form puts them in third place with 15 points, 2 off first place.
Last week’s match against Toronto contained good spells for Atlanta but was overshadowed by loss and omissions.
Thiago Almada was held out of the match as a precaution due to injury. He trained last week and has been in training this week alluding to good news for his availability for Sunday’s match. After serving his red card suspension, Franco Ibarra is also set for a return to the squad.
The only injury doubt for this match will be Giorgos Giakoumakis. Early in the second half of the Toronto match, he left with a hamstring injury. He has been light in training this week but there is optimism surrounding his status.
The return of Andrew Gutman was influential in the last match. His introduction changed the course of the match as he was vital in the buildup to the second goal. He may be set for a start given Caleb Wiley’s inclusion in the USMNT squad for the Continental Clasico.
Wiley did not start the match for the USMNT, but he did appear as a substitute late in the match marking his first cap for the senior team.
Last week also saw the return of Ozzie Alonso. He has participated fully in training this week. The U.S. Open Cup in the midweek seems to come at the perfect time, providing him with an opportunity to return.
Injuries don’t seem to be as big of an issue this week, but the string of three matches in six days will be in the mind of Gonzalo Pineda as he sets his lineup. The U.S Open Cup is a competition that he has great respect for so a strong lineup is expected in all three matches. The depth and form of the squad will make that a possibility.
According to some, the only “must win” game is a final, but Sunday shapes up to be a match that Atlanta United “could win” and “should win.” Three points will go a long way before facing two of the bottom three clubs in the East in their next three matches.
Atlanta United (4-3-1) vs Chicago Fire FC (2-4-1)
- When: April 23rd, 4:30 EST
- Where: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia
- How to Watch: MLS Season Pass – Apple TV+
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