Chicago Fire vs. New England Revolution – MLS, April 17, 2021

It felt as though the Revs enjoyed a far more successful 2020 campaign than Chicago. But in reality, Bruce Arena’s side only finished three places above the Fire in the Eastern Conference.

Raphael Wicky’s men will undoubtedly be eager to prove they can compete with the strongest teams in the East when they welcome New England to Soldier Field on Saturday, April 17.

In this Chicago Fire vs. New England Revolution betting preview, I assess the MLS odds, take a look at both teams, and share my prediction and pick for Saturday’s clash.

The top MLS betting sites can’t seem to separate Chicago and the Revs, although the Fire’s home status in this fixture has clearly been taken into account by the bookmakers.

I think we can all agree that New England is the stronger of the two teams – and that makes the high price for the away win look very attractive at first glance.

Only last-place FC Cincinnati won fewer games than Chicago in the East last year, although a conference-high eight draws were enough to see the Fire finish eleventh in the standings.

Five Eastern Conference sides lost more matches than Wicky’s men in 2020, yet their inability to turn draws into wins ultimately cost them a postseason berth.

Robert Beric was a bright spot in an otherwise gloomy campaign for Chicago. The Slovenian striker netted 12 goals in 23 appearances across his debut Major League Soccer season – scoring ten goals in a 13-game hot streak between September and November.

If the Fire want to reach the playoffs this year, new attacking signings such as Stanislav Ivanov and Chinonso Offor will need to contribute consistently alongside Beric.

Chicago only managed to claim one point from a possible six against the Revs last season – and that is definitely worth considering when it comes to making your Chicago vs. Revs prediction.

The Revs made a woeful start to 2020, winning just three of their opening 13 matches. However, a late surge saw Arena’s men book their place in the postseason at the eleventh hour.

New England shocked many people by making it all the way to the conference finals, seeing off Montreal, Philadelphia, and Orlando in the process. Despite falling to eventual MLS Cup champion Columbus, it felt as though New England finished the year on a high.

Having shown everyone exactly what they are capable of in the 2020 playoffs, the Revs will be a feared opponent heading into the new season.

Granted, scoring goals was a problem for Arena’s side last term. But if guys like Teal Bunbury, Gustavo Bou, and Adam Buksa find their feet, the Revs could easily transform themselves into a dangerous attacking force.

Let’s not forget about Carles Gil, too. The gifted playmaker has bagged 12 goals and 17 assists since arriving from Spain and looks set for another glittering year.

Following a string of average seasons, New England made it all the way to the conference finals last year. The Revs ended 2020 on a high, and I’m backing them to kick off 2021 in the same way.

Wicky is heading into his third season as Chicago manager, but there has barely been any progression under the 43-year-old’s watch. I expect an opening-day defeat to pile pressure on the Swiss head coach.