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First thoughts
With the majority of the Eastern Conference sides playing this weekend battling for a playoff spot or their seeding in the MLS Cup Playoffs, Sunday’s Montreal Impact match against the Chicago Fire in the Windy City is one of the more low profile fixtures scheduled. Both sides are out of the playoff race and are now playing out the string.
It has been a tough first season with their new clubs for Impact Head Coach Frank Klopas and Fire Gaffer Frank Yallop. With Sunday’s fixture not offering a chance for either side to play spoiler against a team above them in the Eastern Conference standings, the Impact and Fire will be playing for pride as both look to notch three points against a likely perceived beatable opponent.
Keep Thinking
With Montreal now having qualified for the CONCACAF Champions League proper, the Impact’s remaining matches are now all about preparing for next year, one in which they will endeavor to get back on track in the league while concurrently aiming to achieve success in the Champions League. So expect to see the youngsters on Montreal’s roster to get plenty minutes in this match and the four to follow.
Given that team captain Patrice Bernier is currently injured, Montreal will have to fill the leadership void in the middle of the park left by his absence. However, midfielder Justin Mapp could give the Impact a boost on the injury front as he has resumed full training after missing six weeks with a groin injury.
On the Chicago side of the injury equation, 2013 Major League Soccer Most Valuable Player Mike Magee will miss the remainder of the season due to injury. However, forward Quincy Amarikwa has enjoyed something of a breakout season and fellow former TFC striker Robert Earnshaw has been productive for the Fire since signing with the club in the middle of August. As small, quick and mobile forwards, Amarikwa and Earnshaw are the types of strikers who could present something of a challenge for experienced but slow Impact defenders such as Matteo Ferrari and Krzysztof Król.
With Designated Player Marco Di Vaio now having officially announced his retirement at the end of season, the Italian star will be looking to end his career on a positive note, adding to a mix in which Dilly Duka and Sanna Nyassi will likely be motivated to put one over on their former clubs. Sunday’s match will also present Klopas with an opportunity to test players as the club now heads towards the post-Di Vaio era.
Final Thoughts
With both these teams now playing out the string, this one is unlikely to be a thriller of an affair. Both teams will be missing key players to injury and likely fielding a number of young players. While home field advantage makes Chicago the favourite in this one, the old crystal ball suggests the Fire will likely pick up their 18th draw of the season.
Prediction
Montreal Impact 1-1 Chicago Fire
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