Inter Miami returns to this week’s second MLS action against Chicago Fire on Saturday night. The Herons successfully bounced back from their 6-1 thrashing from Cincinnati by clinching an emphatic 3-1 win over Toronto FC on Wednesday. The biggest talking point of this remarkable victory remained the absence of their star player, Lionel Messi.

On the other hand, Chicago Fire is entering this fixture by doing a big favor to Inter Miami. Frank Klopas’ side clinched a narrow victory over 10-men Cincinnati in their previous fixture. Instead, this saw Tata Martino’s side go up to the table with a tally of 50, maintaining a two-point lead over their arch-rivals Cincinnati. Meanwhile, despite clinching crucial three points, Chicago is in 13th place with a tally of 25.

Inter Miami vs Chicago Fire: Team news

Injuries

Inter Miami: Lionel Messi remained the key absentee in the previous game after having sustained an ankle injury during the Copa America final. A disappointing update was shared regarding the injury status of the Argentinian superstar, as he is set to miss at least a month of action for the Florida-based club.

Messi isn’t alone, as Nicolas Freire and Facundo Farias will also continue their absence from the previous match to nurse their ACL issues. Meanwhile, Benjamin Cremaschi has left Fort Lauderdale for international duty. Sergio Busquets, however, will play against the Fire after serving his red card suspension against Toronto.

Chicago Fire: The list of absentees is quite big for Chicago Fire. Head coach Frank Klopas won’t be able to use Chase Gasper, Andrew Gutman, Federico Navarro, and Carlos Terán, who all are out nursing their leg injuries. Additionally, Xherdan Shaqiri is also not available to face Inter Miami but surely not due to injury reasons.

Predicted lineups

Inter Miami predicted lineup (4-3-3): Callender; Fray, Aviles, Kryvtsov, Alba; Redondo, Busquets, Ruiz; Taylor, Suarez, Gomez

Chicago Fire predicted lineup (3-4-2-1): Brady; Souquet, Omsberg, Czichos; Gutierrez, Acosta, Gimenez, Dean; Mueller, Haile-Selassie; Koutsias

Inter Miami vs Chicago Fire: Head-to-head and prediction

Total matches played: 6

Won by Inter Miami: 1

Won by Chicago Fire: 4

Draw: 1

There’s no denying that Inter Miami would be favorites to win this one. But they shall not forget that the Chicago Fire are entitled to buzz with confidence as they come off a victory against a team that literally battered the David Beckham-owned side. Though the Fire is expected to present Miami with a set of challenges, Martino and Co. may overcome them naturally. We reckon the final score will be Inter Miami 2-1 Chicago Fire.

How to watch Inter Miami vs Chicago Fire on TV and livestream?

Fans in the United States as well as the United Kingdom can catch the action live on Apple TV (MLS Season Pass).