New England at home to a Chicago side missing their captain
The Revolution are third in the East with 49 points and clinched a playoff place with a 3-2 win at Cincinnati on Wednesday. Chicago are one point behind on 48 after losing 3-1 at home to Philadelphia, a game in which captain Jack Elliott was sent off. Kick-off is at 01:30 CEST on Sunday (19:30 local time), with Nabil Bensalah the referee. The game is at Gillette Stadium on Saturday, 17 October 2026, on Matchday 31 of MLS.
Predicted lineups: New England vs Chicago
Chicago are without Elliott, who is suspended, as well as Sam Rogers, Robin Lod and André Franco. Anzor Mekvabishvili is also listed as out or doubtful. New England are missing Jack Harrison and Alhassan Yusuf, while Leonardo Campana and Mamadou Fofana are doubts. Marko Mitrović will not be on the touchline after his third yellow card. The line-ups below are predicted.
New England Team News & Preview
New England’s week has been up and down. They lost 3-0 at home to Seattle last Saturday, then won 3-2 at Cincinnati on Wednesday, with Dor Turgeman scoring twice and Joshua Wynder getting his first MLS goal. That win clinched their playoff place.
Gillette Stadium has been a strong home for them this season, with nine wins from 14 league games. Mitrović will watch from the stands after his third yellow card for dissent.
What works for or against New England
- Nine wins in 14 home league games.
- Beat Chicago 2-1 at Soldier Field in September.
- Lost 3-0 at home to Seattle last weekend.
- Mitrović is suspended from the touchline.
Chicago Fire Team News & Preview
Chicago led Philadelphia on Wednesday through Maren Haile-Selassie, but Elliott was sent off just before half-time and the Union scored three times after the break. That ended a good run in which Chicago had won at Charlotte and beaten Vancouver and NYCFC.
Losing Elliott hurts. He is their captain and a regular in central defence, and Chicago are also without Lod and Franco in midfield.
What works for or against Chicago
- Captain Elliott is suspended.
- Lod and Franco are out.
- Won three of four before losing to Philadelphia.
- Five wins, five draws, four defeats away.
New England vs Chicago Odds
Match Result
Double Chance
Draw No Bet
Over/Under
Both Teams to Score
New England vs. Chicago Fire Stats Comparison
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New England vs. Chicago Fire Form Guide
New England Form, Stats & Data
New England score 1.66 goals per game and concede 1.41. At home they have nine wins, two draws and three defeats, with 26 goals scored and 16 conceded.
Chicago Fire Form, Stats & Data
Chicago score 1.79 goals per game and concede 1.48. Away from home they have five wins, five draws and four defeats, with 24 goals scored and 24 conceded.
New England vs Chicago: Prediction & Betting Tip
New England’s home record is one of the best in the East, and Chicago arrive without their captain in defence and two key midfielders. The Revolution also won the reverse fixture in Chicago in September. I like New England Draw No Bet at 1.70, because a draw returns my stake.
My main concern is New England’s inconsistency. They lost 3-0 at home to Seattle only a week ago, and Mitrović will not be on the touchline. Chicago have also scored plenty this season and still have a top-four place to fight for. But with their defence weakened, I prefer New England.
My selection is New England Draw No Bet at 1.70 with Winz, with 2-1 as my correct-score call.