Ch-ch-ch-Changes

Columbus Crew SC travels to Toyota Park on Saturday for a 2 p.m. ET kickoff to take on the Chicago Fire for a second time this season. The Black & Gold are coming in off a three-game winning streak and are looking to defend their perch atop the MLS Eastern Conference. Chicago has given up seven goals through four matches and has only scored five times this season. The Fire are currently undefeated on their home turf so far this season through two games. 

Two very important things have changed since the last time the two teams faced, and that is the addition of Bastian Schweinsteiger for Chicago, and the recently acquired Kekuta Manneh for Columbus. Which will be the difference between the sides that finished even a month ago?

Bastian to bring home the bacon?

The German maestro, Schweinsteiger, lived up to his reputation when he debuted for Chicago with a header to the back of the net in the first half against Montreal, which ended in a 2-2 draw.

Schweinsteiger put in a full 90 minutes for the Fire, and, according to the Opta, he made 49 successful passes in the opposition’s half. Although he is a nice addition to the Chicago lineup, he won’t be the solution to all of their problems. With a short turn around time for Basti, the chemistry between him and the rest of the squad may be pulled into question.

We Meet Again ... 

This will be the second out of three regular season meetings between the Midwestern rivals. The Black & Gold hold a 17-24-17 record against Chicago. They are looking to continue their winning streak, defend their position on the Eastern Conference table, and serve Chicago a loss at home.

The Black & Gold then return home for the first leg of the Trillium Cup against Toronto FC on April 15 for an 8 p.m. kickoff at MAPFRE Stadium.