Inter Miami vs. Chicago Fire prediction, odds, line, start time: 2024 MLS picks, expert best bets for July 20

An Eastern Conference showdown in the MLS happens when Inter Miami CF (15-5-4) and Chicago Fire FC (6-7-11) collide on Saturday. Inter Miami are currently No. 1 in the conference with 50 total points. Meanwhile, Chicago are in the 13th spot with 25 points but have a -11 goal differential. Lionel Messi will miss this game for Miami with an ankle injury suffered during Copa America.

Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET. Inter Miami are -120 favorites (risk $120 to win $100) in the latest Inter Miami vs. Chicago odds, while Chicago Fire FC are +280 underdogs. A 90-minute draw is priced at +300 and the over/under for total goals scored is 3.5. Before locking in any Inter Miami vs. Chicago Fire picks, you need to check out what SportsLine soccer expert Jon Eimer has to say.

Eimer is a high-volume bettor who has vast knowledge of leagues and players across the globe. Since joining SportsLine, he has covered the English Premier League, Serie A, the FA Cup and much more. In 2023 he was red-hot, going 248-234-12 for a profit of $2,593 for $100 bettors.

Now, Eimer has taken a close look at the Inter Miami vs. Chicago Fire match and locked in his Major League Soccer picks. You can visit SportsLine now to see his picks. Here are the betting lines and trends for Inter Miami vs. Chicago Fire:

• Inter Miami vs. Chicago money line: Inter Miami -120, Chicago Fire +280, Draw +300
• Inter Miami vs. Chicago over/under: 3.5 goals
• MIA: Inter Miami are 3-2 in their last five games
• CHI: Chicago Fire are 7-4 in their road games against the spread
• Inter Miami vs. Chicago picks: See picks here

Why you should back Inter Miami

This group has offensive playmakers and scorers all over the field, constantly putting pressure on defenses. They are currently first in the league in assists (65) and goals (54). Midfielder Julian Gressel has superb field vision to thread the needle as a passer. He’s tied for fourth in the MLS in total assists (12) and completes 83.7% of his passes.

Defender Jordi Alba, 35, is a veteran presence on the field. Alba has great instincts on the field to find the ball but also has a knack for setting up his teammates. He’s notched three goals and seven total assists. Midfielder Robert Taylor plays with impressive timing and pace. Taylor will intercept passes and help create counterattacks. This season, he has four goals and three assists. See which team to pick here.

Why you should back Chicago Fire 

Forward Hugo Cuypers provides Chicago with an athletic and decisive presence on the frontline. Cuypers has a knack for finding his way into the penalty box but moves great without the ball. The 27-year-old currently leads the team in goals (9) along with two assists. Midfielder Brian Gutierrez is another offensive threat.

Gutierrez, 21, can be a reliable playmaker off crossers while being a solid passer. Over the past two years with Chicago, he’s recorded seven goals and 13 assists. Maren Haile-Selassie is another contributor in the midfield. Haile-Selassie owns smooth footwork to dribble past defenders as a scorer or facilitator. Thus far this season, the 25-year-old logged five goals and five assists on 38 total shots. See which team to pick here.

How to make Inter Miami vs. Chicago Fire picks

Eimer is leaning Over on the goal total and has also locked in a pair of confident best bets, including a plus-money goal-scorer bet. He’s only sharing his picks and analysis at SportsLine.

So who wins Inter Miami vs. Chicago Fire, and where does all the betting value lie? Visit SportsLine now to see which wagers have all the value, all from the soccer expert who returned almost $2,600 on soccer picks last year, and find out.