The Colorado Rapids have lost three straight games for the first time since 2007, and added only the third blemish onto their home record in two years last week as they fell to the Seattle Sounders 1-0 after playing with 10 men for 87 minutes of the match. With the Brian Mullan suspension now over and done with and a week of rest to recover, the Rapids can finally get back to looking for a winning record with a win over the Chicago Fire at home today. Chicago is down in the leagues basement at present with only a 1-3-2 record to show for some surprisingly good performances out of their offense, so a loss for the Rapids today may be the first real worrying sign to show that this team might not be at their best.

Colorado is dealing with a bunch of short-term injuries right now, which could make for an unfortunately interesting Starting XI for the Rapids. Three of the Rapids strikers - well, four if you count Macoumba Kandji - are hurt with two of them being out for sure; Quincey Amarikwa is still recovering from an ankle sprain suffered against FC Dallas while Conor Casey is still battling a hamstring injury, and will most likely not be ready to play until the Rapids next game in Houston. Caleb Folan was injured late in the Seattle Sounders game and is listed as probable, a good sign considering the starting strikers up top otherwise will be Omar Cummings and the still inexperienced Andre Akpan. Defender Marvell Wynne might also miss the game with injury, though he too is listed as probable. Brian Mullan will miss this game as the first of the 10 game suspension handed to him after injuring Steve Zakuani.

Colorado need these three points today and even though the injury-ravaged line-up might look a bit depleted, Colorado should be able to get back to their winning ways at home barring another unfortunate incident keeping them down to 10 men the entire game.

Go Rapids!