Foxborough, Mass. — Gillette Stadium is the location as New England return to action after the international break. There were a few games played across MLS last weekend but the pair in question weren’t included in that. The Fire are the Revolution’s opponent this time out. Having recently parted ways with manager Raphael Wicky, they are still somewhat of an unknown quantity.
A new look Fire team
Wicky took over as the manager in Chicago in late 2019 after a brief spell at the helm of the USMNT U17s. They may be a historic team in MLS but the Fire continually missed out on the playoffs during his tenure and in general, it has been a rough time for them recently. Wicky’s Greek assistant Frank Klopas has taken over the team on an interim basis and he will be in charge as they visit Gillette Stadium. On top of the managerial change, the Fire recently moved into a new era regarding their badge. A lot of teams recently have talked about or even gone through with badge changes and the Fire have done just that.
We've got a new look, Chicago 🔥 pic.twitter.com/xtG9KCg87N
— Chicago Fire FC (@ChicagoFire) October 4, 2021
Currently, the Fire sit 12th in the Eastern Conference and it is only a matter of time until they are mathematically out of playoff contention. Thirteen points separates them from CF Montreal, who occupy the final playoff spot, plus only Toronto and Cincinnati are below them in the conference. Oddly, Wicky’s departure was confirmed following a 2-0 win over NYCFC at Soldier Field, the form in and around this victory being poor.
Last time out, they lost to Toronto and prior to the win over NYCFC, they drew with Nashville after being edged out by the Revolution. New England has been excellent at Gillette Stadium and away from home.
New England thrive at Gillette Stadium
While Chicago come into this one having lost four games on the road, New England are nigh on indestructible at Gillette Stadium. Bruce Arena’s men won last time out away from home, beating CF Montreal by four-goals-to-one north of the border. Focusing on their matchups on home soil, the Revolution are unbeaten in eight straight games. Gillette Stadium has become a figurative fortress this term, winning six of those eight games. Their last home game saw Orlando come and leave empty handed, NYCFC and the Union also being amongst those to fall victim to the Shield-leading Revolution.
International heroes
As previously mentioned, we are fresh off of an international break. A trio of New England stars continue to excel whilst donning their national team colors. Matt Turner started in goal for the USMNT as they beat Jamaica at Q2 Stadium before losing in Panama. Turner was then rested in the USMNT win over Costa Rica, Man City’s Zack Steffen taking his place. Tajon Buchanan is going from strength-to-strength and that remained the case as he was at the fore of Canada’s further success in World Cup qualifying. Plus, Adam Buksa was on target as Poland beat San Marino and Albania.
https://twitter.com/TajonBuchanan/status/1448708632934244361
There have been a number of injury issues for the Revolution to contend with across the season but as the playoffs come into view, a clean bill of health seems to be gracing Arena. Their elite form has confirmed a home playoff game at Gillette Stadium and a win over the Fire here would be another step towards the record breaking regular season that is being spoken about.
