Chicago Fire entered the reception of Inter Miami with impressive form. This team just experienced a dramatic 4-4 draw against Toronto FC, thereby extending their unbeaten streak in the MLS to 6 matches. This is Chicago Fire's best achievement since 2017.
In the most recent match, Maren Haile-Selassie scored a double, while Robert Lewandowski continued to leave his mark with his 5th goal in the MLS this season. However, letting Toronto FC equalize after taking the lead shows that the Chicago Fire defense still has problems to improve.
Meanwhile, Inter Miami also did not win in the most recent round when they drew 2-2 against Atlanta United. Lionel Messi marked his return with an assist, and Luis Suarez scored for coach Javier Mascherano's team.
However, Inter Miami could not maintain the advantage and let the opponent equalize from the penalty spot in the 87th minute. This result shows that Messi's team still has difficulty maintaining stability at decisive moments.
Messi is currently one of the top MLS strikers with 18 goals. The Argentine superstar's ability to create breakthroughs will be a major threat to the Chicago Fire defense.
Robert Lewandowski and Lionel Messi are the two most notable stars in this match.
With Chicago Fire, the biggest advantage is home field and stable form. This team is on a 5-match winning streak at home and will have more confidence after the positive performances in recent times.
However, Inter Miami still possesses an attack that can make a difference at any time. Messi and Suarez both have experience, good coordination ability and can take advantage of the smallest gaps in the opponent's defense system.
Defense ability will be the key factor of the match. Both Chicago Fire and Inter Miami have just gone through draws with many goals, in which the defense revealed no small gaps.
Chicago Fire needs to maintain the ability to put pressure but at the same time must control Inter Miami's counter-attacks well. In particular, limiting Messi's operating space will be an important task for the home team.
In the opposite direction, Inter Miami needs to improve their ability to protect the advantage. If they continue to let the opponent have many opportunities in the penalty area, Messi's team may pay the price against a high-performing Chicago Fire.
Head-to-head history also brings a support for Chicago Fire. The two teams have met 11 times, of which Chicago Fire won 5, drew 2 and lost 4. In 5 home games against Inter Miami, Chicago Fire won 3, drew 1 and only lost 1.
With home advantage, more stable form and positive head-to-head record, Chicago Fire has a basis to aim for victory. However, Messi's presence makes Inter Miami still a very unpredictable opponent.
If Chicago Fire takes advantage of the opportunity and limits Messi's ability to create breakthroughs, Lewandowski's team can win all 3 points.
Chicago Fire has an almost optimal squad. Meanwhile, Inter Miami is likely to be without Sergio Reguilon, Santiago Morales, Micael and Gonzalo Lujan due to injury. Mateo Silvetti is in the process of recovering from a shoulder dislocation injury, and Tadeo Allende has a knee problem.
Expected lineup
Chicago Fire: Brady; Barroso, Waterman, Elliott, Radojevic; Jonsson Saletro, Pineda, Turdean; Haile-Selassie, Lewandowski, Bamba.
Inter Miami: St. Clair; Fray, Caicedo, Falcon, Allen; De Paul, Casemiro, Segovia; Messi, Suarez, Berterame.
