Chicago got a home win and a road draw against Real Salt Lake in 2009. That alone is cause to tip things in favor of the Fire.

Having played to that 1-1 draw in Salt Lake just over a month ago, there should very little surprise for either side, yet both have found form of late to reach the Finals.

Chicago comes in having faced a New England club in the semifinals that can rival the speed of the Salt Lake side, which should help the Fire.

After a mediocre home season, the Fire has won two-straight on its pitch, and are close to selling out Toyota Park for Saturday’s match.

The Fire needs to be wary of getting complacent at any point in this match. A two-goal lead in the first half will not make it an out-of-reach match for RSL, just ask Columbus.

Salt Lake comes in with all kinds of intangibles going for it, including the powerful advantages of momentum, being an underdog, and playing with house money because no one expected RSL to make the Playoffs, let along the Conference Finals.

Chicago should prevail. Having played better on the whole of the season will be rewarded as RSL’s late surge runs out of fuel on the hostile turf in Chicago.