Inter Miami - Chicago Fire 01-10-2025

The MLS playoffs are approaching, and tonight's game could help decide the fate of the visitors from Chicago. The season ends in three games, and the top nine will be allowed to participate in the prestigious playoffs in the United States. 

While teams like Inter Miami are fighting to win the title of best team in the Eastern Conference, they face opponents who are strongly motivated to prevent another league title for Lionel Messi. 

Inter Miami – One step closer to the league title

The home team is coming off a disappointing draw on the road. The long distances between the teams add to the stress on the players, who are constantly having to travel long distances several times a week. Fortunately for Javier's men, this match is safely at home in Miami. 

With Suárez back up front, Messi has only one task: to tip the ball into the back space to Suárez, who either puts the ball in the goal himself or creates dangerous scoring chances. Even though the previous match ended in a draw, Miami was clearly the better side. 

The pink-clad team is now 3-1-1 and has scored an average of 2.2 goals in their last five games. I think the statistics are a bit misleading, as the team is actually in great shape and could score 3-4 goals in each game. Unfortunately, there are too many wasted chances, and the youngsters in the team don't have the same overview and interaction as the old Barcelona legends. Their chemistry is on a completely different level. 

Miami's philosophy is simple: use the wings, open up the field and pass the ball to Messi, who chips it into the back for the runs of his teammates. If you count how many times this happens in a game, you'd need an abacus. It's incredibly difficult to defend against these balls, and if you slow down the team, you'll end up with shots on goal from the penalty spot. 

There are few injuries in the squad, so Miami is at its best against the visitors from Chicago – for now. But Chicago is no easy nut to crack. I think the odds are a bit too strong in favor of the home team and therefore choose to be cautious about whether Miami will get three new points. 

As mentioned, there has been a lot of travel lately, and this is the third game in a very short period of time. With older players and tired legs, it could mean that the stars are unable to play the full 90 minutes. That's scary, as Miami often scores on purpose late in games when the experienced offensive players are needed. It's worth taking into account before betting heavily on a Miami win. 

Chicago Fire – Playoff qualification

A new and exciting team I've been following lately are the visitors from Chicago. With former Bodø/Glimt player Philip Zinckernagel on the left wing, Chicago Fire have a good and offensive team. They are very good at counterattacking, which could punish the weak defense of the hosts tonight. 

As mentioned, it's about playoff qualification, and the visitors need to pick up points if 10th-placed NY Red Bulls win their next three games. That motivation can help us predict the match better. 

Motivation is extremely important in football. Even the biggest underdogs can win if the reward for victory is big enough – and this is precisely the motivation the visitors from Chicago have. 

Chicago is now 3-0-2 and has scored 1.9 goals per game in its last five games. Almost identical numbers to the home team. But as we know, numbers can be misleading depending on the opposition. What we do know, however, is that the team has enough motivation to be a threat – and the statistics support that they can score too. Unfortunately, the bookmakers are often ahead in the big leagues, so the odds on goals are low. 

Suspensions can always affect a game, and while there aren't many, there is one important player to mention: center back Sam Rogers will have to sit out after a red card. It weakens Chicago's defense. Otherwise, it's not much to mention, but the loss of an experienced center back could be exploited by the opponent. 

Bet Choice – Corners or Goals?

It will probably be a fast-paced game, as it often is when Inter Miami plays. But I can't support a clean bet on a home win, even though they should definitely win with the squad they are fielding. The reality is that they face a good team that can match the pinks from Miami. 

My first thought was a goal bet, but the odds aren't particularly high. It's decent, but I want to exploit the match picture and motivation even more than just a standard goal bet. 

When I saw the good odds on corners for the visitors, I was convinced. Here we get a good bet with higher odds than goal bets. Corners often occur when teams use the wings wide, or when defenders are pressured to put the ball out after dangerous counterattacks. This is exactly what can happen when Chicago counterattacks against a high-ranking Miami. 

I therefore land on corners for the guests as the main bet, but also present alternative bets: 

Main game: 

• MLS at 01:30: Inter Miami - Chicago Fire: Over 3.5 corners to Chicago Fire (1.80) 

Alternative games: 

• MLS at 01:30: Inter Miami – Chicago Fire: Over 2.5 goals + both teams to score (1.61) 

• MLS at 01:30: Inter Miami - Chicago Fire: Suárez scores a goal (2.10) 

Betbuilder: 

• MLS at 01:30: Inter Miami - Chicago Fire: Over 2.5 goals + both teams score + over 3.5 corners for Chicago Fire (2.63)