Preview: Chicago Fire vs. Inter Miami - prediction, team news, lineups

Chicago Fire will look to end a five-game winless run when they welcome Inter Miami to the Soldier Field on Saturday.

The visitors, meanwhile, are hoping to avoid a third consecutive defeat as they bid to get their playoff bid back on track.

Match preview

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After taking two points from their last five matches, Chicago have their work cut out if they are to reach the MLS playoffs.

Following three consecutive defeats, Saturday's hosts have gone on to play out consecutive goalless draws against New England and Columbus Crew.

As a result of their poor form, Ezra Hendrickson's side are in 13th position in the Eastern Conference, with seven points separating them from the playoff places.

With only 15 points left to play for, Chicago will need a miracle to qualify for the post-season, but at the very least they will be looking to end the season on a positive note.

However, if they are to end their winless five-game run they must improve in the final third after failing to score in each of their last four matches.

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Meanwhile, Inter Miami are in the hunt for playoff place, but their push for the top seven has hit a stumbling block in the last two games.

A five-game winless run was ended by a 3-1 defeat to New York Red Bulls before they lost once again last weekend against Columbus Crew.

Luis Diaz's second-half strike proved enough to condemn Inter Miami to a 1-0 defeat, leaving them three points adrift of the top seven.

Although Phil Neville's side sit in ninth place, they do hold the advantage of having a game in hand over FC Cincinnati who occupy the final playoff spot.

If the visitors are to record a victory on Saturday then they will need to improve away from home after only winning two of their 14 away games in the MLS this season.

Team News

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The hosts are unable to call upon Gaston Gimenez and Wyatt Omsberg, who are both ruled out through thigh and foot injuries respectively.

Brian Gutierrez could also be absent for Chicago after being forced off in the first half of the goalless draw against Columbus last weekend.

After featuring as a substitute in the last two games, Xherdan Shaqiri could return to the starting lineup for Saturday's contest.

As for the visitors, they are expected to be without the services of Robbie Robinson and Ian Fray, who are currently sidelined with injury issues.

After serving a one-match suspension as a result of being sent off in the 3-1 defeat to New York Red Bulls, Alejandro Pozuelo could return to the Inter Miami starting XI.

Gonzalo Higuain will look to add to his nine-goal tally for the season when he features in the forward line on Saturday.

Chicago Fire possible starting lineup:

Slonina; Sekulic, Teran, Czichos, Navarro; Herbers, Pineda; Reynolds II, Shaqiri, Mueller; Przybylko

Inter Miami possible starting lineup:

Marsman; Yedlin, Lowe, Sailor, McVey, Taylor; Lassiter, Mota, Gregore; Duke, Higuain

We say: Chicago Fire 2-2 Inter Miami

Although Inter Miami will be desperate to claim all three points to help their playoff push, their away form this season suggests that winning on Saturday could prove difficult, and we think that the visitors will have to settle for a point.

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