The stage is set for an intriguing Major League Soccer matchup as Inter Miami welcomes Chicago Fire to Chase Stadium on Saturday night. With both teams coming off impressive midweek victories, this encounter promises to be a closely contested affair.
Herons Soar Without Messi
Inter Miami demonstrated their depth and resilience in a commanding 3-1 win over Toronto FC on Wednesday, despite the absence of their talisman Lionel Messi. The Argentine superstar is sidelined with an ankle injury sustained during the Copa America final, and his return date remains uncertain.
Federico Redondo emerged as the unlikely hero for the Herons, netting a brace and providing an assist in a stellar performance. The 21-year-old midfielder’s breakout game couldn’t have come at a better time for Tata Martino’s side, who maintain their position atop the Eastern Conference with 50 points from 24 matches.
Fire Ignite Playoff Hopes
Chicago Fire, meanwhile, breathed new life into their playoff aspirations with a shock 1-0 victory over reigning Supporters’ Shield winners FC Cincinnati. Brian Gutierrez’s 69th-minute strike proved decisive, ending a three-match winless streak for Frank Klopas’ men.
The Fire currently sit in 13th place with 25 points, but a win in Fort Lauderdale could see them climb above the playoff line. Their recent triumph will undoubtedly boost confidence as they aim to replicate last season’s 4-1 drubbing of Inter Miami.
Key Absences and Lineup Predictions
Inter Miami’s injury woes extend beyond Messi, with Facundo Farias, Nicolas Freire, and Robbie Robinson all ruled out. Benjamin Cremaschi and Diego Gomez have departed for Olympic duty, further depleting Martino’s options. However, the return of Sergio Busquets and Marcelo Weigandt from suspension provides a welcome boost.
Expected Inter Miami XI (4-3-3): Aviles, Taylor, Redondo, Busquets, Alba, Weigandt, Kryvtsov, Suarez, Callender, Ruiz, Gomez
Chicago Fire also face selection headaches, with Andrew Gutman, Chase Gasper, Carlos Teran, and Federico Navarro sidelined due to various leg injuries. Xherdan Shaqiri’s availability remains uncertain following his Euro 2024 commitments.
Predicted Chicago Fire XI (3-4-2-1): Acosta, Dean, Haile-Selassie, Souquet, Koutsias, Czichos, Omsberg, Gutierrez, Mueller, Gimenez, Brady
Where to Watch Inter Miami vs Chicago Fire?
Fans can catch all the action live on Apple TV’s MLS Season Pass, with kickoff scheduled for 7:30 PM ET / 4:30 PM PT on Saturday, July 20th.
Who Will Emerge Victorious?
Despite their injury concerns, Inter Miami enter the contest as favorites. The Herons boast an impressive home record, winning seven of their 12 domestic fixtures at Chase Stadium this season. Their potent attack, which has netted a league-leading 54 goals, should prove too much for Chicago’s defense to handle.
However, the Fire’s recent upset win and their strong head-to-head record against Miami (4 wins in 6 meetings) suggest they shouldn’t be underestimated. The visitors will look to exploit any weaknesses in the Herons’ makeshift lineup and potentially spring another surprise.
Ultimately, Inter Miami’s superior quality and home advantage should see them through. A 2-1 victory for the Herons seems a likely outcome, with Luis Suarez potentially making the difference in Messi’s absence.
As the MLS season enters its crucial phase, both teams will be desperate for three points. Whether Inter Miami can maintain their Supporters’ Shield challenge or Chicago Fire can reignite their playoff push remains to be seen, but one thing is certain – football fans are in for a treat at Chase Stadium this Saturday night.
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