Major League Soccer gets back on schedule following the World Cup with an all-important Inter Miami vs Chicago Fire matchup. The Herons host Chicago Fire FC in a key tie for the MLS Eastern Conference as the two teams fight it out in the top of the table.
Inter Miami CF are five points clear of the visitors, and are an essential point in the playoff race. If it is positive, it would give the host side a better hand, as Chicago try to catch up with the leaders of the conference.
Pre-Match Momentum and Team Performance Analysis
After a losing season, Inter Miami bounced back in back-to-back victories. They have recently triumphed over DC United, CF Montreal and a hot 6-4 win over Philadelphia Union. The Herons have certainly been good at attacking, including two in their previous two league games but they still have a contribution to make at the back.
Chicago have also been very hot lately. Gregg Berhalter’s team have gone road unbeaten five times in a row and have won road matches in a row. They have some confidence as they try to resume where they left off before the break, with their improved away record.
Team News
It is the Nusas, the team playing News that is in trouble, not Messi. The pair of Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul are still not available as they are in recovery from Argentina’s World Cup campaign. Tadeo Allende also is out with a knee injury.
Messi’s absence will leave Germán Berterame and Luis Suárez to lead the way for the hosts in attack. Chicago coach Greg Berhalter will have to choose between starting new acquisition Robert Lewandowski, and bringing him off the bench. Hugo Cuypers continues to be the team’s leading threat of goal.
Predicted Lineups
Inter Miami (4-3-3):
St. Clair; Fray, Luján, Micael, Reguilón; Montero, Bright, Segovia; Silvetti, Berterame, Suárez.
Chicago Fire (4-3-3):
Brady; Dean, Elliott, Mbokazi, Gutman; Pineda, Salétros, Haile-Selassie; Zinckernagel, Cuypers, Bamba.
Lewandowski is likely to be playing up front or on the bench.
What’s at Stake?
There are three points that have the potential to have a significant impact on the league table. If Inter Miami wins, they will keep their lead, and if Chicago wins, they’ll close the gap and stay in third place. New England Revolution and Toronto FC meanwhile will also keeps an eye on the scoreboard, hoping to see their rivals score a point.
Prediction
This game is going to be a tight one as both sides are in an attacking mood and have had a few difficulties in the defense. Inter Miami will have the advantage of playing at home, while Chicago’s away record has been more than good, featuring a win against both Orlando City and New England Revolution.
Inter Miami will be playing at home, which should make them tough to beat, while Chicago is good enough away with a win against Orlando City and New England Revolution.
Final Score Prediction: 3-3, Inter Miami over the weekend vs Chicago Fire.
FAQs
Will Lionel Messi come out to play?
No. Messi and Rodrigo De Paul are unavailable as they are still recuperating from the World Cup.
What does this game mean?
It will be a head-to-head contest between the Eastern Conference’s second and third place teams and valuable points on the line in the playoff race.
