Friday Night Lights: Columbus Crew SC Take On Rivals Chicago Fire

If you're a Columbus Crew SC fan, you know that hearing the word 'Fire' makes you cringe. The same would go for Fire fans. This derby (or rivalry, whichever you prefer), is something you don't want to miss. It's a growing hatred between these two clubs, both on and off the field. Chicago Fire lead the series by a small edge, but this could change Friday night.

Chicago, fresh off a draw against New York City FC are bound to get back on the win path for three points, instead of settling for one or none. With the return of forward Mike Magee, Chicago can easily turn this around and walk out of MAPFRE Stadium with three points Friday night. If they can get it done, they'll be one step closer to inching past their rivals. Let's not forget how good they are as well.

Since last year, they've acquired stars such as Sean Maloney. Add on three key players in Harry Ship, Mike Magee, and Quincy Amarikwa, the Fire could be an offensive threat to the Columbus backline. But it is likely that Magee will miss out on this game.

Columbus has been on the uphill scale of playing at home. Winning four out of five home games, including a memorable 3-2 victory over the Seattle Sounders. Contributors to this progress and massive progression at home can be given to Kei Kamara, Federico Higuain, Waylon Francis, and Ethan Finlay. Columbus is currently coming off of a 2-0 loss to the San Jose Earthquakes. Columbus can keep up the incredible performance at home with a huge win over their rivals. Not only that, but they can tie the franchise record for most home points in the first six home games. So it is possible to turn negatives into positives!

As for the series itself, Chicago does have the upper hand with a record of 24-14. The last time Chicago beat Columbus, was June 22, 2013 when they defeated Columbus by a score of 2-1. That's all time record. When playing at Columbus, Chicago still has the short stick with a record of 10-9. Taking this into consideration, Chicago will look to spoil Columbus' impressive run at home.

Projected Lineup: Chicago Fire (4-2-3-1)

Johnson;

Palmer--Larentowicz--Adailton--Jones

Polster--Cocis

Accam--Maloney--Shipp

Amarikwa

Projected Lineup: Columbus Crew (4-2-3-1)

Clark;

Jimenez--Parkhurst--Pogatetz--Francis

Tchani--George

Finlay--Higuain--Meram

Kamara