Pavel Pardo Should Be Able To Help Chicago Fire - Hot Time In Old Town

Maybe the signing of Pavel Pardo by the Chicago Fire was, in fact, more of a move aimed at putting people in the stands. That doesn't mean the highly decorated Mexican international's signing is without on-field merit. Hot Time in Old Town takes some time to focus on what kind of effect Pardo could have on this team:

Pardo will most likely replace Logan Pause in the Fire starting 11. I would expect the Fire to use Pardo in the defensive midfielder role behind Grazini who is going to be in a more attacking role in the center of the midfield. There is a chance that the Fire will switch to a 4-5-1 and continue to start Pause (Paladini is also an option) next to Pardo in the defensive midfield allowing Grazini to push further forward. I would expect Pardo and Grazini to take over free kick and corner duty immediately (one of the bigger weaknesses of the existing squad).