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At least we're getting a different look tonight.
After an epic defensive collapse Wednesday against San Jose, the prospect of Chicago's usual back line facing a talented Tottenham XI tonight at Toyota Park was daunting - we gave up five to the 'Quakes, for the love of Zoroaster. Manager Frank Yallop apparently agrees, fielding an XI against Spurs that has a decidedly experimental feel:
FIRE @UIHealth Starting XI vs. #THFC: Johnson; Palmer, Larentowicz ©, Ianni, Segares; Ward, Ritter, Watson, Shipp; Magee, Amarikwa #cf97
— ChiFireMatch (@ChiFireMatch) July 26, 2014
That's the usual starting XI with the centerbacks excised and replaced with a backup and a defensive midfielder. It will be interesting, that's certain.
Tottenham responds a lineup that features everyone's favorite American Englishman, Brad Friedel, as well as plenty going forward. This is as close to a first-choice XI as Spurs have at the moment:
#THFC Starting XI: Friedel Walker, Rose, Dawson (C), Veljkovic, Lamela, Holtby, Capoue, Townsend, Mason, Kane #cf97
— Chicago Fire (@ChicagoFire) July 26, 2014
The subs benches are mainly of interest to Fire fans for the inclusion of Razvan Cocis on the CF97 list:
FIRE @UIHealth Subs vs. #THFC: Reynish, Soumare, Alex, Duka, Pause, Fondy, Cocrane, Kinney, Cocis, Hurtado, Joya #cf97
— ChiFireMatch (@ChiFireMatch) July 26, 2014
#THFC Substitues: McGee, Davies, Kaboul, Naughton, Fredericks, Lennon, Eriksen, Ceballos, Soldado, Falque #cf97
— ChiFireMatch (@ChiFireMatch) July 26, 2014
Let's remember: This matters how much? None much! None much at all! Come on, you Men in Red!