Chicago Fire host Inter Miami in direct clash for the Eastern Conference's top spots

Some games are played for three points, others for something more: the pride of sitting near the top. This Wednesday, at Soldier Field, both are on the line as Chicago Fire host Inter Miami in a direct duel for the Eastern Conference's top spots.

This is no ordinary matchup. Chicago arrives with 38 points and sits in third place in the standings, while Lionel Messi's side trails close behind in second place with 43 points. The gap isn't huge, and that's exactly what gives the match its edge: a home win could push the Illinois side closer to the top, while an away victory would let Inter Miami breathe easier near the summit.

So how do both teams actually arrive at this game? Neither is coming off a win, and that matters too. Chicago Fire posted a wild 4-4 draw against Toronto, the kind of game where the back line was left fairly exposed but that still let them grab a point and hold their place among the East's best. Inter Miami, for its part, salvaged a point on the road against Atlanta United, a 1-1 result that didn't leave them fully satisfied but also didn't cost them ground in the bigger fight.

A clash with plenty on the line

For Chicago, making home field advantage count is close to a must if they want to keep pace with the teams battling at the top. The club knows that playing at home, in front of its fans, can be the difference against a rival that arrives with more points in the bank. On the other side, Inter Miami can't afford another slip if it doesn't want to see the gap to the top of the conference shrink from behind while things get tighter above.

The way both teams have been playing lately, with defensive lines that have shown cracks in recent matches (the eight combined goals between Chicago and Toronto confirm as much), points to a game where both goals could be under threat. Neither coach will want to play it too safe: both sides need the win, and that usually makes for an open game.

The match is set for 8:30 p.m. Chicago time (9:30 p.m. in Argentina and Uruguay; 7:30 p.m. in Colombia, Peru and Ecuador) and can be watched live on Apple TV. A direct showdown, with Messi in the mix and the Eastern Conference table hanging on what happens at Soldier Field.