Inter Miami will be eyeing a spot in the next round of MLS playoffs when they face Atlanta United this Saturday.
Atlanta United and Inter Miami are set for a thrilling showdown in the second leg of their MLS Cup playoff series, with everything on the line for both teams. Inter Miami have a slight edge, having secured a 2-1 victory in the first game, marking their first-ever post-season win. A second victory would see them advance to the second round of the playoffs for the first time in club history.
However, Atlanta United’s impressive home record and determination to extend their season make them a formidable opponent. Atlanta United find themselves in a familiar situation, facing elimination for the second time in just over a week.
Despite a hard-fought performance in game one, Rob Valentino’s squad struggled to maintain possession, managing only 34% and mustering just two shots on target. Atlanta United will need to show more attacking intent at home if they hope to overturn the deficit.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium has been a fortress for Atlanta in the playoffs, as they have not lost a postseason match there since 2019. Atlanta United’s most recent home playoff win came last year, with a 4-2 victory over the Columbus Crew.
This season, they have also maintained an unbeaten record at home against Inter Miami, including a 2-2 draw on Matchday 32. Given their recent win against the New York Red Bulls and their solid form at home, the Five Stripes will look to leverage home advantage and remain alive in the playoffs.
While Inter Miami may not have been at their best in game one, Tata Martino’s side managed to secure the win, displaying a level of resilience and efficiency that has characterised their recent performances. Miami is currently on a 12-game unbeaten streak in MLS play, a testament to their remarkable turnaround since the regular season. Notably, they have won their last three games in which they scored first, highlighting their ability to hold onto leads.
Since a 3-2 home loss to CF Montreal in March, Miami have been undefeated in 22 league games when scoring multiple goals. Their recent dominance over Eastern Conference opponents is also a significant boost, with four consecutive victories and no losses against Eastern sides since early July.
However, Miami’s record at Mercedes-Benz Stadium is less encouraging, as they have only won there once, back in 2020. Still, with momentum on their side, the Herons are poised to make history with a win that would send them to the second round. The Hard Tackle delves into the potential elevens and tactics for this highly-anticipated clash.
Team News & Tactics
Atlanta United
Heading into the second leg against Inter Miami, Atlanta United are dealing with a couple of injury concerns. Edwin Mosquera missed the opening match due to a sore knee, while Quentin Westberg was sidelined with a head injury. These absences have left Atlanta with limited options in certain areas, though Saba Lobzhanidze stepped up admirably, scoring his second goal in three MLS matches to temporarily draw his team level last Friday.
In a likely 4-2-3-1 formation, Atlanta United are expected to start with Brad Guzan as the goalkeeper. The backline could feature Brooks Lennon at right-back, with Stian Rode Gregersen and Miles Robinson as the central defensive pair and Pedro Amador taking up the left-back position.
In midfield, Dax McCarty and Bartosz Slisz are expected to form a defensive midfield partnership, providing stability and cover in front of the defence. Saba Lobzhanidze will likely play on the right wing, with Aleksei Miranchuk in a central attacking role and Ajani Fortune operating on the left. Up front, Daniel Ríos is expected to lead the attack as the lone striker, looking to create scoring opportunities and break down Miami’s defensive line.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Guzan; Lennon, Gregersen, Williams, Amador; McCarty, Slisz; Lobzhanidze, Miranchuk, Fortune; Rios
Inter Miami
Inter Miami will be missing several key players due to injuries as they head into the second leg against Atlanta United. Defenders Nicolas Freire and Facundo Farías are ruled out for the rest of the season with ACL injuries. Additionally, David Ruiz and Oscar Ustari are both dealing with hamstring issues and are unlikely to feature in this match. Ian Fray, who limped off toward the end of game one, is also questionable for this encounter.
Despite these setbacks, Miami’s frontline proved decisive in game one, with Luis Suarez scoring just two minutes in and Lionel Messi assisting Jordi Alba’s winning goal around the hour mark. This attacking trio will be crucial as Miami aims to secure a spot in the second round.
In a probable 4-3-3 setup, Inter Miami are expected to start with Drake Callender in goal. In defence, Marcelo Weigandt is likely to occupy the right-back position, with Tomas Aviles and Victor Martinez forming the central defensive partnership, and Jordi Alba on the left side of the backline.
In the midfield, Miami could line up with a trio comprising Benjamin Cremaschi, who will offer energy and support, veteran Sergio Busquets in the deep-lying playmaker role, and Matias Rojas as an additional central presence, providing the balance between attack and defence.
Up front, Julian Gressel may take up the right wing, with Luis Suarez leading the attack as the central striker and Lionel Messi operating from the left, where he will look to influence play, create chances, and link up with Suarez and Alba. This potent frontline is expected to be Miami’s primary weapon in securing progression to the next round.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Callender; Weigandt, Aviles, Martinez, Alba; Bright, Busquets, Rojas; Gressel, Suarez, Messi
Ways to Watch
Key Stats
- Inter Miami are one victory away from reaching the second round of the MLS Cup playoffs for the first time in their history. They won their first-ever playoff game last week, defeating Atlanta United 2-1.
- Atlanta have a strong home record in the playoffs, having not lost a postseason match at Mercedes-Benz Stadium since 2019. They won their only playoff game at home last year, defeating the Columbus Crew 4-2.
- Atlanta United are unbeaten in their last five home games against Inter Miami, including a 2-2 draw during matchday 32 of the regular season.
- Miami are on a 12-match unbeaten streak in domestic play, including five consecutive games away from their home ground in Fort Lauderdale. Since March, they are unbeaten in 22 matches in which they scored multiple goals.
- Miami have won their last four encounters against Eastern Conference opposition and have not lost to an Eastern team since July, when they were defeated 6-1 by FC Cincinnati.
Player to Watch
Lionel Messi
As Inter Miami seek to secure their spot in the next round of the MLS Cup playoffs, all eyes will be on Lionel Messi, who has transformed their fortunes since his arrival. His experience, creativity, and vision make him a vital asset, especially in high-stakes matches. Messi’s impact was evident in game one, where he orchestrated Inter Miami’s winning goal, assisting Jordi Alba with a perfectly timed pass that split the defence.
Messi’s influence goes beyond his assists; his mere presence on the field draws defenders, creating space for teammates like Luis Suarez and Julian Gressel to exploit. His playmaking ability in tight spaces, coupled with his exceptional control and dribbling, allows him to orchestrate attacks and dictate the tempo of the game. Messi’s partnership with Suárez has rekindled memories of their prolific days in Barcelona, and their chemistry could be the difference-maker once again.
Against Atlanta United’s strong home form, Messi’s experience in handling intense atmospheres and high-pressure situations will be crucial. Whether it is through set pieces, pinpoint passes or an individual moment of brilliance, Messi has the skill set to turn the game in Miami’s favour. If he’s on top of his game, Atlanta’s defence will face a daunting challenge in containing one of the world’s greatest talents.
Prediction
Atlanta United 2-2 Inter Miami
Given Atlanta United’s strong home form and Miami’s impressive unbeaten streak, this clash is likely to be closely contested. Atlanta’s playoff record at Mercedes-Benz Stadium suggests they won’t go down without a fight, but Miami’s resilience and form in recent weeks may give them the edge. Expect a high-intensity game with both teams pushing for goals.