The new predictions for this fixture are available here: Chicago Fire vs Inter Miami Predictions 01/09/2024.
Inter Miami vs Chicago Fire Preview
MLS action continues with a high-stakes game between Inter Miami and the Chicago Fire this weekend. Miami won’t want any slip-ups as they look to win the Eastern Conference and the Supporters Shield. The game is on Sunday, July 21st in Fort Lauderdale at 12:30 am (IST).
The big question is whether Lionel Messi will be fit. However, the signs suggest he won’t be available for this game. Meanwhile, Chicago looks to make it three matches unbeaten as they overcame a poor run of form.
This soccer game will be a fascinating clash. It’s a real opportunity for Miami to put distance between themselves and Cincinnati in second. But the Fire are dangerous opponents on their day. We never know which version of the franchise will show up.
Inter Miami vs Chicago Fire Head-To-Head and Key Stats
It’s been an exceptional season for Miami so far. Their star players Luis Suarez and Messi are lighting up the league. There’s an obvious reason they’re the top scorers in the entire MLS. No team boasts the same firepower or elite quality, even if these players are in the twilight of their careers.
One of the most impressive aspects of Miami’s season is how they’ve spread goals around their team. They’re the league leaders in goals and assists with 54 and 65, respectively. It’s also admirable how they handled the loss of some of their biggest names to Copa America duty.
Gerardo Martino was one of the league’s most vocal critics about the MLS’ failure to pause their season. Miami has mostly handled it well with five wins in their last six games. The exception was a shocking 6-1 defeat to Cincinnati last weekend. But they rebounded well to beat Toronto.
It was another Argentinian who stole the show against the Canadian franchise. Federico Redondo grabbed a brace as Miami put Toronto to the sword. This was a straightforward victory for Martino’s men. Diego Gomez gave Miami a 3-0 lead in the 60th minute. They were cruising to victory and a clean sheet was on the cards.
It was Drake Callender’s 100th game for Miami as he made franchise history. The experienced keeper pulled off a couple of outstanding saves. Callender isn’t always convincing, but he was great in this match. Derrick Etienne Jr. crashed the party with a late consolation for Toronto.
Arguably, the bigger news was the players who didn’t start. Luis Suarez returned to action from the bench after starring for Uruguay at the Copa America. Meanwhile, Messi sat in a VIP box with his foot in a medical boot. The win saw Miami return to the top of the Eastern Conference with 50 points.
Their opponents this weekend did them a massive favour in the last round. Chicago pulled off a shock victory over Cincinnati. Admittedly, Pat Noonan had a depleted squad, but it was still a setback in their bid to overtake Miami.
Noonan and star defender Alvas Powell saw red in a game lacking quality. Cincinnati was the manufacturer of their downfall. Kipp Keller cheaply gave away possession, leaving Brian Gutierrez with a simple tap-in. The result was against the run of play, but Cincinnati had nobody to blame but themselves.
Now Miami will look to take full advantage of their rival’s misstep by beating Chicago. They’re firm favourites to win this game but can’t take anything for granted. Chicago has firepower in the form of Hugo Cuypers who has nine goals this season. Gutierrez and Maren Haile-Selassie both have five for their team.
That’s quite a long way off Miami’s top scorers. Suarez has 13 for the team while Messi has 11 and nine assists. Julian Gressel also has nine assists and has been one of Miami’s most important playmakers.
20-year-old Chris Brady will play a crucial role for Chicago in goal. The youngster missed out on the USMNT’s Olympic squad despite making their training camp earlier this year. He’s one of the most promising young keepers in the MLS and will want to show the national side what they’re missing.
Finally, Chicago has an exciting returnee of their own in Xherdan Shaqiri. The Swiss star produced some highlights in his national team’s impressive Euros campaign. He will immediately inject some quality into their roster.
Inter Miami vs Chicago Fire Prediction
Correct score prediction: Inter Miami 3-1 Chicago Fire
Our soccer prediction is for Inter Miami to beat Chicago. They have a superior squad and a home advantage against the Fire. Meanwhile, the return of several high-profile stars instantly gives them a boost. They should have too much firepower for Chicago.
Perhaps surprisingly, Miami has only beaten Chicago once in their six MLS meetings. The Fire won four games including the most recent instalment last October. But this is a different Miami now and it will be very difficult to hold them back.
Messi gets all the headlines, but Suarez is just as important to this team. The slower pace of the MLS suits the former Liverpool star. He no longer possesses the same speed, but his finishing remains sharper than ever.
Gressel and Redondo are contributing goals and assists from around the field. Jordi Alba has been a vital outlet on the left for Tata Martino. His service and link-up play with his former Barcelona teammates has been excellent.
Sergio Busquets could return to action for Miami after the red card he picked up against Cincy. The legendary Spaniard is like a wall when he’s in form and he’s going to enjoy having his teammates back in action.
Chicago’s problem is that they depend on individual moments of magic rather than team performances. They need their top goalscorers to take every opportunity in this game because they won’t get many.
Cuypers has been superb this season despite the Belgian’s lack of service. But there’s an overdependence on the likes of Shaqiri and Brady to be perfect too. All the signs point to a Miami victory, but Chicago can pull off an upset.
They proved a surprise package against Cincinnati and could take a shock lead against the Herons. If that happens, check the live betting because we fancy Miami to come back in style.
Inter Miami vs Chicago Fire Betting Tips
Lionel Messi’s team is a big favourite to win this game on our betting site. It’s 8/17 for them to beat Chicago with a €10 stake, potentially making a €4.71 profit. However, betting on Miami to win either or both halves is more lucrative.
It’s 7/5 for Miami to lead at halftime and full-time, which is a good bet given their attacking options. This time, a €10 stake would see returns of €24. Betting on soccer is exciting because there are so many markets.
Consider over-under betting on the number of goals in this game. Or you could bet on the correct score. We think Miami will win this game 3-1 and this is available at 10/1. This could be an excellent opportunity to use our welcome bonus.
Another good option is for Miami to win with both teams scoring. Drake Callender isn’t the best keeper in the league and is capable of a gaffe. Chicago has some decent goalscoring options on their roster. It’s 7/5 for this to happen.
Another great performance in the books ✅ pic.twitter.com/ACUYJbwtJj
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) July 18, 2024
It would be a tremendous surprise if Chicago won this game. A draw is more likely at 7/2, but it will be a challenge to keep Miami’s forwards out. Chicago is an 18/5 underdog to emerge victorious. This time, a €10 would make a €36 profit.
Beyond this game, you can bet on the MLS Cup winners. Miami is a 9/5 favourite to win the cup. Chicago’s chances are less than slim at 500/1. You could also wager on the league’s top goalscorer or the player with the most assists. Currently, Real Salt Lake’s Cristian Arango has 17 goals, so Messi and Suarez have work to do.
Inter Miami Team News and Predicted Lineup
Sergio Busquets will return from his red card suspension. Luis Suarez is also likely to start. Miami will give Messi all the time he needs to recover. There’s no timeframe for his return. Diego Gomez will represent Paraguay at the Olympics, so he will also miss this game.
- Predicted lineup: Callender, Aviles, Fray, Alba, Busquets, Redondo, Rojas, Suarez, Gressel, Bright.
Chicago Fire Team News and Predicted Lineup
Frank Klopas will stay as loyal as possible to the team that beat Cincinnati. Xherdan Shaqiri returns from international duty and may start. Federico Navarro and Andrew Gutman should be available.
- Predicted lineup: Brady, Souquet, Omsberg, Czichos, Arigoni, Mueller, Shaqiri, Gimenez, Haile-Selassie, Gutierrez, Cuypers.
