Chicago Fire vs. Inter Miami: Preview, Where to Watch and Betting Odds

Inter Miami heads to Soldier Field, Chicago, to play the Fire, most likely without Lionel Messi, even as the talismanic Argentine has returned to training with the team. Inter Miami leads the Eastern Conference standings, while Chicago Fire are still in with a shot of making the playoffs. The Fire fought a dramatic comeback away to New York FC last weekend. The odds are nearly evenly split, with the oddsmakers seemingly taking note of Inter Miami’s impressive away record this season.

FOOTBALL: Major League Soccer

Where to Watch: Apple TV

Venue: Soldier Field, Chicago

Date: 01.09.2024 03:30

Unlike their visitors, Chicago Fire is still struggling this season like they did last term. Sitting in twelfth place in the standings with 26 points, the Fire will have to play hot as the season heads to clutch time to make the playoffs. Fortunately, a berth for the playoff places is just two points away, with the team in the final spot at 28 points. The Fire has consistently started their matches badly this season and has had to pull off comebacks and rescue missions regularly. Against NYCFC, Frank Klopas’ wards were two goals down in twenty-two minutes, but a late surge saw them half the deficit before a penalty in added time was dispatched by Brian Gutiérrez to earn the draw. Chicago Fire is 3-0 over Miami at home and defeated them 4-1 in this fixture last year.

The Herons lead the way in the East with 56 points in the regular season, ahead of Cincinnati, with 24 points left to fight for. With Lionel Messi now training with the team, the serial Ballon d’Or winner is on track to join his team for the championship push. Luis Suárez continues to lead the team in Messi’s absence. The Uruguayan netted twice in their last match, a 2-0 win over Cincinnati at home, to bring his season total to fourteen goals. Inter Miami have a decent record away from home this season, claiming victory in four of their last five league contests. In a standout season for Miami, they lead in points in both Conferences and are on track to break the MLS single-season points total of 73 set by the New England Revolution in 2021.

Chicago Fire are 2.50 odds favorite on Bet365, which prices Inter Miami to win at 2.55. Over 3.5 is priced at 2.375 on 1XBET, with under 3 available at 1.88 on the bookie. Betway has the draw priced at 3.75 and NO to both teams scoring is available at 2.50 odds. Read more here.