Toronto FC v. Chicago Fire - Match Preview

The Chicago Fire visit BMO Field for the first time since last July in our final home match of the season. Many people will recollect Danny Dichio's feats for two reasons on Saturday. Dichio scored our first ever goal against Chicago and he scored the last goal of our inaugural season in injury time last year at BMO Field. Get ready for a pitch invasion.

Image courtesy of Daylife

What: Toronto FC v. Chicago Fire
Where: BMO Field, Toronto, ON
When: 3:30 PM
TV: CBC

What happened when we last played with Chicago?

On July 12 we traveled to Toyota Park in Bridgeview, Illinois to face the Fire. Chris Rolfe scored in the sixth minute for Chicago, while a debut goal by Ibby Ibrahim highlighted the night for us. Unfortunately, a trend of last minute collapses was started that night, as John Thorrington scored in injury time to give Chicago a 2-1 win.

Who do we need to look out for on Chicago?

Obviously the name Cuauhtémoc Blanco comes up. Chicago famously signed him as the league's second designated player, and has since transformed the Fire's attack. At 36, his age appears to be showing though, as his output this season has been less than in last season. Another player to keep an eye on is storied American striker Brian McBride. You'll remember Chicago sent us Chad Barrett and a first round draft pick in exchange for McBride's rights. The former Fulham striker has scored 4 goals in 9 appearances with Chicago this year.

How will we line up?

Everyone has returned from international duty before tomorrow's match. I'm expecting John Carver to line up with a standard 4-4-2.

------------------Sutton-------------------
--Wynne--Marshall---Harmse--Brennan--
-----------------Robinson-----------------
Freeman--------------------------Ricketts
-----------------Guevara------------------
---------Dichio------------Barrett---------

Carlos Ruiz played 90 minutes for Guatemala on Wednesday so he is evidently healthy enough to feature for us. I wouldn't be surprised to see him ahead of Dichio.

My Prediction

I am fully expecting us to go out with a win for 2008. We're healthy and still have slim playoff hopes, and I expect the atmosphere to be electric at BMO Field tomorrow. I'm going to say Toronto wins this one 2-1.