Red Bulls prep for Chicago, Dax’s return

Welcome back, Dax. The Red Bulls say hello again to Dax McCarty as the beloved former captain brings a retooled Chicago Fire — together with German legend Bastian Schweinsteiger — into Red Bull Arena on Saturday night (7 p.m.; MSG).

McCarty returns to the New York area for the first time since his shocking trade to Chicago in the offseason, and Red Bulls head coach Jesse Marsch expects it to be an emotional night.

“It’ll be hard to see [McCarty] on the other side of the field,” said Marsch, whose team is coming off an impressive 2-0 win over Columbus. “I think it’ll be a big moment for our fans to show appreciation towards him for all the years he played here and what he’s meant to the club.”

McCarty left the Red Bulls with a sour taste in his mouth after spending nearly six seasons with the team, including being the face behind Supporters’ Shields winners in 2013 and 2015. But McCarty has given life to Chicago, onetime bottom dwellers of the East, by recording two assists in the young season. Schweinsteiger, the former World Cup winner who signed as a Designated Player from Manchester United, also has been a major addition, scoring two goals while helping Chicago pick up seven points in his four games.

“This is a different Chicago than we’ve faced before,” Red Bulls goalkeeper Luis Robles said. “They have some very good technical players, they have some difference makers, and of course, they have a familiar face.”

The matchup marks the beginning of a crucial three-game stretch for the Red Bulls in just the next week: Chicago, at Kansas City, at Philadelphia. With about a quarter of the season in the books, if the Red Bulls can pick up points in all three matches, they will be sitting pretty in the East. Marsch plans to roll out his best lineup against Chicago, but alluded to tapping into resources on the bench.

“We feel like our weapons are ready to go,” he said. “Off the bench, I think we can be very effective.”

The Red Bulls, who haven’t lost in 18 home matches, expect midfielder Sal Zizzo to be ready Saturday. Forward Mike Grella, who is battling a knee injury, could appear sometime next week.

“It’s going to be an important week,” Marsch said. “We’ll make sure we have everyone ready to go.”