Zoomed N: Chicago Fire with Men In Red 97

Nashville SC are back at Geodis Park this weekend, taking on the Chicago Fire in a match that could ultimately have significant playoff implications.

For the latest on the Fire, we caught up with Alex Calabrese, Editor in Chief and Chicago Fire beat reporter for Men In Red 97. Make sure to check them out for top-tier coverage of the Chicago Fire.

Ben Wright (SixOneFive Soccer): What's life been like for the Fire so far under Gregg Berhalter? Is his tactical identity similar to what he used with the US National Team?

Alex Calabrese (Men In Red 97): It’s been a mixed start under Berhalter. Things started really well with a run of three straight wins in March, however injuries have made that difficult to maintain, and the team has underperformed in April. Nonetheless, optimism remains high as the team has shown much more of a long-term vision with their roster moves, and the standards seem to be much higher.

Tactically, there are a lot of similarities to what fans would have seen when Berhalter was with the national team. He’s still using that 4-3-3 he used most of the time through the 2022 World Cup. He’s also depended a lot on the attacking fullbacks — similarly to how he did with the US.

BW: Hugo Cuypers was pretty solid last year, and the Fire also added Jonathan Bamba this winter. What kind of production are they getting from their two DPs?

AC: Both DPs have been really impressive so far. Cuypers is providing more or less the return that he was expected to given his huge price tag, and Bamba has performed at a very high level.

In Bamba’s case. He just needs to add end product and he’ll be one of the best wingers in the league, but he’s been an excellent creative force and is among the top assisters in MLS.

BW: Even with the addition of Jack Elliott this winter, Chicago still seem somewhat frail defensively. Is that fair, and if so, what's the issue?

AC: The Fire’s biggest issue defensively is that they haven’t gotten a consistent back four going, as injuries have left the center back and right back positions in tatters. In this case, Carlos Terán is now out for what could be months, and preferred starting right back Leonardo Barroso is also sent to miss the game this weekend.

At center back, Sam Rogers is set to start, but it’s entirely possible that he won’t be in that position for much longer. 16-year-old top prospect Christopher Cupps provides a great competition at that position and is hoping to break into the first team soon.

BW: What are some ways you think Nashville can hurt the Fire? And how do you think Chicago will look to attack Nashville?

AC: The Fire have often been the architects of their own downfall defensively this season, especially with frequent miscommunication on the field. For Nashville, success in this game will depend on their ability to capitalize on the inevitable frailty in front of Chris Brady's goal, and make the most of opportunities that might get handed to them on a plate.

The Fire are not in a position to grind out results defensively right now, so success on the road here will mean scoring multiple goals and relying on their prolific offense in what could be a shootout.

BW: Do you have a lineup and score prediction?

AC: 1-1 draw.