It's rivalry weekend! The Columbus Crew travel to Bridgeview, Illinois to take on the rival Chicago Fire. The last time these two teams met was in Columbus. Columbus pulled out the victory, winning 2-0 over the Fire with goals coming from Ethan Finlay and Jairo Arrieta. Columbus, sitting 5th place in the East, look to add on to their winning streak to extend it to three games. Chicago looks to get their first win in three games. Nonetheless, this game will have all eyes glued to the TV.

The rivalry started to heat up when Columbus Crew knocked out the Fire in the 2008 Eastern Conference Semi-Finals in Columbus. The game winning goal that put Sigi Schmid's side into the MLS Cup Final was a Chad Marshall header from Columbus legend Guillermo Barros-Schelotto. Chicago Fire leads the series all-time with a record of 24-14-13. It is in no doubt Columbus will want to change that in the near future. The most important thing they [Columbus] need is a win in Toyota Park. It's bound to happen eventually. 

Columbus are starting a win streak with wins coming against Montreal Impact (2-1) and New England Revolution (2-1). As they are looking to add on to their win streak, Columbus will play with force and desire. Columbus looks to bring numbers forward and play amongst the wings if they intend to play wide football Saturday. Also in the mix with Columbus is the absence of midfielder Wil Trapp who is suspended again for yellow card accumulation. Maybe Columbus can find a win without him. 

Chicago are desperate for a win after dropping points in their last three games. The most depressing game, their 5-1 lost against the San Jose Earthquakes. The Fire's defense seemed to collapse after the second goal. Chicago needs to play close range and make chances when necessary. Counter attacking the opposition is the main key for Chicago. 

Key players: For the Crew, the key player to look is Ethan Finlay. Scoring in the last two matches, Ethan Finlay looks to add to his total of goals. For Chicago, it'll most likely be Mike Magee. Look for him to be in the middle a lot, and take shots on goal when the chances come. 

Projected Lineup for Columbus: 

Clark;

Francis -- Parkhurst (c) -- Gonzalez -- Barson

Tchani -- Meram

Anor -- Higuain -- Finlay

Bedell

Projected Lineup for Chicago: 

Johnson;

Segares -- Ianni -- Larentowicz (c) -- Palmer

De Lima -- Watson -- Ritter -- Ward

Amarikwa -- Magee

Prediction: Playing with force will be Columbus. But playing with will, is Chicago. There is no other way to put it. The writer sees Columbus winning, 2-1