Inter Miami and FC Cincinnati are still reeling from their Cup exits as they prepare to face off this weekend.
Inter Miami and FC Cincinnati are set to square off at Chase Stadium on Saturday in their return to MLS action following their respective exits from the Leagues Cup. Both sides will be eager to turn the page on their recent disappointments and secure a crucial win in what promises to be a competitive matchup.
Inter Miami’s journey in the Leagues Cup came to an unexpected end in the round-of-16, where they fell to Columbus Crew in a 3-2 defeat. Despite holding a two-goal advantage thanks to strikes from Matias Ribas and Diego Gomez, the Herons were undone by a spirited Columbus comeback, with Diego Rossi and Christian Ramirez delivering the decisive blows in the final stages of the match.
Throughout the Leagues Cup, Inter Miami’s performances were somewhat inconsistent. They managed to advance from the group stage with three points, finishing second in Group N, and narrowly edged out Toronto FC 4-3 in the round of 16 before their campaign was cut short.
Turning their attention back to MLS, Gerardo Martino’s side has shown strong form in domestic competition, winning six of their last seven league games. Despite their attacking prowess, which has seen them net 14 goals during this run, their defence has been less secure, conceding 12 goals. The only significant blemish in this period was a 6-1 defeat to FC Cincinnati in early July.
Inter Miami currently leads the Eastern Conference with 53 points from 25 matches. Their home form has been particularly impressive, with three consecutive victories at Chase Stadium. Securing a fourth straight home win would not only reinforce their position at the top but also serve as payback against a team that handed them a heavy defeat just a few weeks ago.
FC Cincinnati’s League Cup run ended in the quarter-finals with a 4-2 defeat to Philadelphia Union. Despite showing resilience to claw back from a two-goal deficit, Cincinnati ultimately fell short, with goals from Mikael Uhre, Tai Baribo, and Quinn Sullivan sealing their fate.
Before their exit, Cincinnati had shown strong form in the Leagues Cup, topping Group L with victories over Qeretaro and New York City FC and overcoming Santos Laguna on penalties in the round of 32.
However, Cincinnati has struggled in MLS recently, suffering three straight defeats to Charlotte FC, Chicago Fire, and New York Red Bulls. This downturn in form has seen them drop to second place in the Eastern Conference, five points behind Inter Miami.
Despite these setbacks, Cincinnati remains a formidable opponent on the road. They have won seven of their last eight away matches in MLS, scoring 17 goals and keeping two clean sheets during that span. This strong away form makes them a dangerous challenge for any team, even in hostile environments. The Hard Tackle delves into the potential elevens and tactics for this highly-anticipated clash.
Team News & Tactics
Inter Miami
Lionel Messi will be the most notable absentee for Inter Miami on Saturday, as the 37-year-old continues his recovery from an ankle injury sustained during his international duty with Argentina in the Copa America back in July. Messi’s absence is a significant blow for the Herons, who are also without Sergiy Kryvtsov and Nicolas Freire due to knee and ACL injuries, respectively.
Despite these setbacks, Luis Suarez has been in excellent form this season and will be expected to lead the line once again. The veteran striker, who has been involved in 24 goals across all competitions, will play a crucial role in Inter Miami’s attack as they seek to secure a vital win.
Inter Miami are expected to line up in a 3-4-3 formation, with Drake Callender in goal, providing his reliable presence between the posts. The back three will feature Marcelo Weigandt at right centre-back, Tomas Aviles in the central position, and Jordi Alba at left centre-back, forming a solid defensive unit.
In the midfield, Federico Redondo will occupy the right wing-back position, offering both defensive cover and attacking width, while Sergio Busquets will anchor the midfield in a central role, bringing his vast experience and composure. Drake Bright will partner Busquets in the engine room, contributing to both defensive duties and transitions, with Franco Rojas operating as the left wing-back, providing balance on the opposite flank.
The front three will consist of Julian Gressel on the right wing, Luis Suarez playing through the middle as the central striker, and Robert Taylor on the left wing. This attacking trio will be responsible for creating and converting chances, with Suarez expected to spearhead the attack and lead by example.
Probable Lineup (3-4-3): Callender; Weigandt, Aviles, Alba; Redondo, Busquets, Bright, Rojas; Gressel, Suarez, Taylor
FC Cincinnati
FC Cincinnati will be missing several key players as they take to the pitch on Saturday. Goalkeeper Alec Kann, who has been out since July with a hip injury, will remain sidelined. Additionally, American defender Nick Hagglund has been unavailable since suffering an injury against New England Revolution on June 23, and 29-year-old Matt Miazga continues his extended spell on the sidelines, leaving Cincinnati with some gaps to fill in their defence.
The visitors are expected to line up in a 3-4-3 formation, with Roman Celentano in goal, providing stability and leadership from the back. The defensive trio will consist of DeAndre Yedlin at right centre-back, Ian Murphy in the central defensive role, and John Nelson Keller at left centre-back, forming a resilient back line.
In midfield, Yuya Kubo will occupy the right wing-back position, offering both defensive support and attacking width, while Obinna Nwobodo and Pavel Bucha will operate as the central midfield pairing, tasked with controlling the tempo and facilitating transitions. Harrison Halsey will take up the left wing-back position, providing balance and additional width on the opposite flank.
The attacking trio will feature Milton Valenzuela on the right wing, Brenner playing as the central striker, and Dominique Badji on the left wing. This forward line will be responsible for creating and capitalising on scoring opportunities, with Santos leading the attack as the focal point in Cincinnati’s offensive setup.
Probable Lineup (3-4-3): Celentano; Yedlin, Murphy, Keller; Kubo, Nwobodo, Bucha, Halsey; Valenzuela, Santos, Kelsy
Ways to Watch
Key Stats
- Inter Miami have scored 56 goals in MLS this season, the most of any side across both Conferences.
- Inter Miami is currently on a strong run at home, having won their last three MLS matches at Chase Stadium. Another victory would make it four consecutive home wins.
- FC Cincinnati has been strong on the road, winning seven of their last eight away MLS matches.
- Both teams have conceded more than a goal per game this season in MLS.
Player to Watch
Luis Suarez
Luis Suarez is set to be the player to watch in this high-stakes clash between the top two teams in the MLS Eastern Conference. As Inter Miami’s leading goal contributor, Suarez has been in exceptional form this season, playing a pivotal role in their ascent to the top of the standings. With 24 goal involvements across all competitions, his clinical finishing and sharp instincts in front of the goal make him a constant threat to any defence.
Facing off against FC Cincinnati, the second-best team in the conference, Suarez’s experience and ability to perform in big games will be crucial for Inter Miami. His leadership on the pitch, combined with his knack for scoring in crucial moments, will be vital as Miami looks to maintain their lead at the summit of the Eastern Conference.
Moreover, with Lionel Messi sidelined due to injury, the responsibility of leading the attack falls even more heavily on Suarez’s shoulders. His ability to link up with teammates, create opportunities, and convert chances will be key to breaking down a Cincinnati defence that, while resilient on the road, is missing key players.
Prediction
Inter Miami 2-1 FC Cincinnati
Given the context of the last three meetings between these teams, where Inter Miami has suffered defeats, including a crushing 6-1 loss in the reverse fixture in July, the Herons will undoubtedly be motivated to seek redemption.
Gerardo Martino’s men will likely go all out to overturn their recent misfortunes against FC Cincinnati and make a statement in front of their home crowd. Despite FC Cincinnati’s resilience and strong away form under Pat Noonan, Inter Miami’s home advantage and determination to bounce back could see them edge out a narrow victory.
