The Fire come into this game on the back of their worst performance of the season against Colorado last weekend. With the playoffs just around the corner, this is not the time to be in a slump. The Fire could be looking at that situation with a loss to Dallas on Sunday, a team that is fighting for their playoff lives.

Perhaps the most surprising and disappointing thing for the Fire has been their poor performances at home. The 1-0 win over New York, in the last home game, was only the Fire’s fifth win at home in the league play all season. In the past, away teams coming into Chicago would always be happy to leave with a point; but this season away teams come in expecting a win. It is critical that the Fire pick up three points if they want to stay in pace with Columbus and New England. Everyone connected with the Fire wants to avoid another playoff clash with New England, and to have any chance of doing that the Fire has to finish the season strong.

On the field, the Fire will be missing Bakary Soumare to a one game suspension, due to yellow card point accumulation, and Marco Pappa to an injury to his left knee. With Soumare out, the big question will be who starts in his place? Marmol hasn’t seen enough playing time to be considered, so the obvious choice to partner with Conde is Diego Gutierrez who has plenty of experience playing center back.

Gonzalo Segares should return at left back and the ever-present Brandon Prideaux will take his place on the right side of the defense. In midfield the only change may be the return of Justin Mapp or Mike Banner to the left, replacing Stephen King. King has been brilliant so far in his rookie season but playing him on the wing is a waste and hasn’t worked. He is a central midfielder by trade and there is no sense in playing him out of position. I expect Mapp to get the nod, but Mike Banner is also knocking of the door for some serious playing time.

Blanco has looked very sluggish over the past few months and the Fire needs him to improve his performances dramatically. Blanco’s poor passing in the last few games has really stood out and many of his wayward passes have led to counter attacks from the opposing team. The fact that Blanco never tracks back also puts massive pressure on Logan Pause in the engine room, forcing John Thorrington to come inside and cover for Blanco.

In attack, the partnership of Chris Rolfe and Bride McBride still needs time to gel, but the Fire needs to start playing to each of the strikers’ strengths. Too many times during the Colorado game a through ball was played to McBride who obviously doesn’t have the legs to catch up with it. Blanco and company need to play more through balls to Rolfe who can be deadly in the box. McBride’s obvious strength is in the air but how many times have we seen a cross into the box that picks him out?

Prediction: 1-0 Fire. If the Fire can shut down Kenny Cooper and maintain some type of shape, their quality players should be too much for Dallas to handle.

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