Picture Credits: Columbus Crew
Columbus travels to the Windy City to do battle with the Chicago Fire in what many expect to be the debut of the Black and Gold's new designated player and club-record transfer Cucho Hernandez. The Crew signed Hernandez from Watford for a fee over $10 million.
Last Time Out
Columbus Crew
Oh boy. A lot can be said about this Columbus team. The last time we saw the Black and Gold on the pitch, they were on their way to a second consecutive home draw, tying Philadelphia 0-0 last weekend. VAR of course had to make an appearance, wiping away a Lucas goal. Pedro Santos also missed a penalty kick.
Chicago Fire
The last time Chicago took the field, they would be on the losing end of a 2-1 loss to the San Jose Earthquakes. But, Chicago has had five clean sheets in nine home games this season, which is impressive considering they are at the bottom of the eastern conference.
Injury Report
Columbus
OUT: NONE
QUESTIONABLE: Artur (R Leg), Marlon Hairston (R Thigh)
Chicago
OUT: Kendall Burks (R Knee), Wyatt Omsberg (L Foot)
QUESTIONABLE: NONE
Projected Starting XI
Keys To The Match
Continue Road Form
Don't look now, but the Black and Gold boast one of the league's best road records, having only lost two matches away from home so far this season. On the flip side, Chicago is decent at home, and Columbus will have to figure out how to score some goals. That could come in the form of Cucho.
Cucho, Cucho, And More Cucho
Caleb Porter said that Cucho would not start, as this is basically his preseason. But, Porter did say that Cucho may get 20-30 minutes to make a difference. Don't expect him to be the savior and come flying right out of the gates, but he should help score goals consistently.
Marvelous Midfield
Perhaps the best part of the pitch for the Black and Gold is their midfield, with Sean Zawadzki, Aidan Morris and Darlington Nagbe getting those minutes as of late. They have outplayed a majority of the midfield they have played, and they will need to continue that if they want to win yet another road match.
Kickoff is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. EST from Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois.