Where to watch Chicago Fire vs Inter Miami live stream, TV channel, lineups and prediction for the MLS match

Still without Lionel Messi, Inter Miami continues their quest for the Supporters' Shield when they visit Chicago Fire on Saturday during the MLS regular season.

The Herons have been without their Argentine superstar since he suffered a nasty ankle injury in the Copa America final nearly two months ago, and he is not quite ready to return to the field, although he has resumed individual training, suggesting he is close.

In his absence, Inter Miami was able to maintain its top spot not only in the Eastern Conference but also in the MLS overall table, and its attempt to defend the Leagues Cup during his absence also failed.

Chicago, on the other hand, is having a tough season. They were eliminated in the group stages of the Leagues Cup and are 13th in the East. That sounds grim, but they are only two points out of the final playoff spot, so every possible result counts.

Chicago Fire vs Inter Miami Live Stream, TV Channel

This game was not selected for television coverage and will be broadcast exclusively through Apple TV's MLS Season Pass. Every game throughout the season is accessible through the MLS Season Pass, including the entire postseason.

MORE: Find out which MLS games are available for free on Apple TV each week

When is kickoff for Chicago Fire vs Inter Miami?

This MLS game begins at 7:30 p.m. local time on Saturday, August 31 at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois.

This is how time is converted in the different time zones in North America:

MORE: Find out which games are streaming for free each week on Apple TV's MLS Season Pass

Lineups and team news for Chicago Fire vs. Inter Miami

The only Chicago Fire players missing due to injury are Fabian Herbers who will be out for several weeks due to a leg injury, and Chase Gasper which will also be out for a while.

Chicago Fire’s expected starting lineup (3-5-2): Brady (TW) – Souquet, Teran, Czichos – Arigoni, Gimenez, Gutierrez, Acosta, Gutman – Cuypers, Haile-Selassie.

Lionel Messi is not yet ready to return to competitive sport after his ankle injury, but has already started individual training again in order to eventually return to competitive sport.

Centre-back Thomas Aviles is suspended for this match after being sent off last time out. This is the latest example of Tata Martino's increasing disciplinary problems in the Inter Miami squad. Leo Afonso is down for two months after a hernia operation, while Facundo Farias And Nicolas Freire Both are out due to cruciate ligament tears.

Inter Miami’s expected starting lineup (4-3-3): Callender (GK) – Weigandt, Kryvtsov, H. Martinez, Alba – Cremaschi, Busquets, Redondo – Rojas, Suarez, D. Gomez.

Chicago Fire vs. Inter Miami Prediction, Odds & Lines

• Result prediction: Chicago Fire – Inter Miami 1:3

Inter Miami have been rather weak away from home, but the team is strong and well-coached enough to get a result in this game, especially after they comfortably beat the Fire just before the Leagues Cup.

It's honestly shocking how evenly spread the odds are for this game considering the difference in form and talent between these teams.