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An exciting top-three clash awaits in the MLS Eastern Conference as second-placed Inter Miami host third-placed Chicago Fire at the Nu Stadium on Thursday morning.
Both sides return to domestic action after taking a break for the World Cup, and Miami's last outing was an incredible 6-4 win at home to Philadelphia Union.
Chicago were also victorious in their previous outing in May, beating Toronto FC 2-1 on home soil.
Read our prediction, preview and betting tips for the game below, and make sure to check out our today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions.
Inter Miami vs. Chicago Fire key stats
- Miami are on a four-game winning run.
- Chicago have also won their last three matches.
- The previous five H2Hs produced two wins each and a draw.
Inter Miami vs. Chicago Fire preview: Both sides to settle for stalemate?
Inter Miami vs Chicago Fire — Tale of the Tape
| Inter Miami | vs | Chicago Fire |
|---|---|---|
| 2nd | Position | 3rd |
| 31 | Points | 26 |
| 39 | Goals For | 27 |
| 28 | Goals Against | 16 |
| 3 | Clean Sheets | 6 |
| 12th | Home / Away Rank | 3rd |
After winning their first MLS title in 2024, David Beckham's Inter Miami could only finish third last season.
They did win the MLS Cup though, and Guillermo Hoyos will be hoping to build on that in the second half of this campaign.
Miami are second in the Eastern Conference but five points behind Nashville SC, so a win here would go far for their title hopes.
They will be missing talisman Lionel Messi though and Rodrigo De Paul, who both recently lost the World Cup final with Argentina.
Chicago also have a star name in their squad in Robert Lewandowski, who could make his debut after joining this summer.
He will hope to fire his new team further up the table as they are five points behind Miami in third, and 10 points off the pace at the top of the Eastern Conference.
It would represent their joint-best finish this century, although there is still a long way in the season to go for Gregg Berhalter's team.
Nonetheless, they will fancy their chances against Miami here, given their excellent away record compared to Miami's on home soil.
Inter Miami vs. Chicago Fire form guide & betting tips
| Inter Miami | vs | Chicago Fire |
|---|---|---|
LWWWW |
Form | LLWWW |
| 12 | Points | 9 |
| 2nd | Form Table | 4th |
| 20 | Goals For | 10 |
| 13 | Goals Against | 8 |
LWWWW |
Form (All Comps) | LLWWW |
Whispers predicts: Inter Miami 2-2 Chicago Fire
Miami are 21/20 (2.05) favourites to win, but given their poor home record and Chicago's need to keep on their tails in the title race, we are backing a Draw at 16/5 (4.20).
Over 3.5 goals at 10/11 (1.91) is our next pick, which has come through in four of Miami's last five games as they have been involved in some very high-scoring matches.
With Lewandowski's debut much anticipated and over 600 club goals to his name, Lewandowski to score anytime at 5/4 (2.25) could be a final bet worth placing.
Overall, we are predicting a 2-2 draw, which is available at 10/1 (11.00).
> Over 3.5 goals at 10/11 (1.91) | Likelihood: Probable
> Lewandowski to score anytime at 5/4 (2.25) | Likelihood: Possible
> Draw at 16/5 (4.20) | Likelihood: Outsider