Scouting the Fire-Sporting KC game

Chicago Fire at Sporting Kansas City

When: 7:30 p.m. at Livestrong Sporting Park

TV: NBC Sports Network

Scouting the Fire: The Fire (15-8-5, 53 points) has won four straight and seven of eight, but this will be its toughest match in a while. The Fire can pass Sporting for first place in the Eastern Conference with a victory, and it has a game in hand on Sporting. Midfielder Pavel Pardo could miss another match due to injury.

Scouting Sporting Kansas City: Sporting (16-7-7, 55 points) lost the previous two matches against the Fire this season and wants to show Chicago it can win at home before the teams might meet in the playoffs. Sporting is undefeated in its last eight games. Bobby Convey could return from injury.

Next: Philadelphia Union, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at Toyota Park

— Orrin Schwarz