Inter Miami can take another step towards the Supporters’ Shield when they take on New York City FC on Saturday.
New York City FC will look to end their current winless streak in MLS when they host league leaders Inter Miami at Yankee Stadium on Saturday. Despite their recent struggles, NYCFC remains in contention for a playoff spot, holding onto sixth place in the Eastern Conference. However, their form has been concerning, as they head into this matchup on the back of an eight-match winless run, including a heavy 5-1 defeat against Philadelphia Union midweek.
With only five games left in the regular season, the Pigeons have a comfortable seven-point cushion above the playoff line but will need to rediscover their winning ways if they hope to secure their spot in the post-season. A victory against Miami would also see them surpass last year’s home win tally of eight, having already conceded 19 goals at home this season.
NYCFC’s record against Inter Miami at Yankee Stadium will provide some confidence, as they have won all four previous home encounters against the Herons without conceding a goal. Nick Cushing’s side will be keen to maintain this perfect home record and get back to winning ways against one of the strongest sides in the league.
Inter Miami, meanwhile, missed a chance to further strengthen their grip at the top of the Eastern Conference after a 2-2 draw with Atlanta United. Despite the dropped points, they still hold the best record in MLS and are eight points clear at the summit. With five matches left, Miami need seven more points to secure home-field advantage in the playoffs officially.
Tata Martino’s side is not only aiming for home-field advantage but is also closing in on their first-ever Supporters’ Shield title. The Herons have never lost consecutive MLS away matches this season and will be eager to return to winning ways after a slight stumble in form.
They have a poor record against New York-based teams away from home, not having won in the city since August 2023, and will be looking to break that trend. The Hard Tackle delves into the potential elevens and tactics for this highly-anticipated clash.
Team News & Tactics
New York City FC
New York City FC enter Saturday’s match against Inter Miami with some injury concerns. Defender Birk Risa missed his second consecutive match on Wednesday due to an injury he sustained during the warmup before their clash against DC United.
Malachi Jones is still sidelined as he recovers from a broken tibia, and his absence continues to limit the defensive options for head coach Nick Cushing. Julian Fernandez, who was available after serving his suspension, was an unused substitute in their last game, while Agustin Ojeda was the only newcomer in the starting lineup, stepping in for Maxi Moralez.
Despite these setbacks, NYCFC’s top scorer Alonso Martinez, continues to be a bright spot for the team. He netted his 12th goal of the season in their recent defeat against Philadelphia Union, further solidifying his importance in the attacking setup for the Boys in Blue.
In their probable 4-2-3-1 formation, Matt Freese is expected to start between the sticks. The back four will likely include Mitja Ilenic at right-back, with Strahinja Tanasijevic and Thiago Martins forming the central defensive partnership, and Christian McFarlane on the left side of the defence.
James Sands and Keaton Parks are set to hold down the midfield, offering protection to the defence while supporting the attack. Hannes Wolf, Santiago Rodriguez, and Jovan Mijatovic will play in the advanced midfield roles, looking to provide creativity and goalscoring opportunities. Up front, Alonso Martinez is expected to lead the line as the central striker, aiming to add to his impressive goal tally for the season.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Freese; Ilenic, Martins, Tanasijevic, McFarlane; Sands, Parks; Wolf, Rodriguez, Mijatovic; Martinez
Inter Miami
Inter Miami head into Saturday’s match with a few injury concerns from their midweek clash. Diego Gomez missed out due to a knock, while Noah Allen was unavailable after sustaining a head injury. Matias Rojas continues to deal with a sore ankle, and CJ dos Santos is recovering from an issue with his hand.
Additionally, Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez came off the bench in midweek, suggesting they may not yet be at full fitness. The team is also without Nicolas Freire and Facundo Farias, who are both recovering from ACL injuries. Lawson Sunderland remains out with a sore hamstring, and Leo Afonso is recovering from a groin strain.
However, there is good news for Miami as Sergio Busquets and Tomas Aviles are eligible to return to the squad after serving suspensions for yellow card accumulation. David Ruiz opened the scoring for Miami in their last game just before the half-hour mark, while Leonardo Campana added his sixth goal of the MLS season, showcasing the team’s attacking prowess even in the absence of some key players.
In a likely 4-3-3 formation, Drake Callender is expected to start in goal. Marcelo Weigandt could take up the right-back position, with Sergio Busquets and Tomas Aviles partnering in central defence. Jordi Alba is anticipated to slot in at left-back, providing experience and creativity from the back.
The midfield trio could consist of David Ruiz, Yannick Bright, and Federico Redondo, who will look to control the game and provide service to the forwards. Julian Gressel, Luis Suarez, and Lionel Messi are set to lead the attack, with Gressel offering width and Messi and Suarez providing the main goal threat.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Callender; Weigandt, Busquets, Aviles, Alba; Ruiz, Bright, Redondo; Gressel, Suarez, Messi
Ways to Watch
Key Stats
- New York City FC have won all four of their home matches against Inter Miami, including regular season and playoff games, without conceding a single goal.
- New York City FC are currently on an eight-match winless run in the MLS, marking their longest streak without a victory this season.
- Inter Miami have won only one of their last three MLS away matches, but they have not dropped points in consecutive away games throughout the 2024 campaign.
- Since Lionel Messi’s arrival at Inter Miami, the team has seen a significant increase in their scoring rate, averaging 2.5 goals per game when he plays.
- New York City FC have conceded 19 goals at home this season, 15 of which have come at Yankee Stadium, highlighting their defensive vulnerabilities on their own turf.
Player to Watch
Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi remains the focal point for Inter Miami, even when not at peak fitness. His ability to change the course of a game with a single moment of brilliance makes him the player to watch in this encounter. With his impeccable vision, dribbling skills, and finishing prowess, Messi will be crucial in unlocking New York City’s defence.
After coming off the bench midweek, he is likely to be more involved in this game, and his presence will undoubtedly lift the entire team’s performance. Whether it is scoring or creating opportunities for his teammates, Mess’’s influence on the pitch will be a key factor for Miami.
Prediction
New York City FC 1-3 Inter Miami
Despite New York City FC’s solid home record against Inter Miami, the current form and attacking prowess of Inter Miami, especially with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, give them the edge in this encounter. NYCFC’s defensive issues and Miami’s urgency to solidify their position in the standings suggest that the visitors might just clinch a narrow victory.
