Two top MLS teams face off when Inter Miami travel to Columbus Crew on Saturday.
The spotlight will be firmly fixed on Huntington Bank Stadium this Saturday as two of the Eastern Conference’s early title contenders go head-to-head in a clash that could have major implications in the race for MLS supremacy. Columbus Crew, flying high at the summit, welcome a dangerous but slightly inconsistent Inter Miami side in what promises to be a high-stakes encounter between two unbeaten sides.
Wilfried Nancy’s Columbus Crew have been the picture of resilience and tactical maturity this season. With five wins and three draws, they remain unbeaten and top of the Eastern Conference with 18 points. What’s more impressive is their ability to grind out wins in difficult scenarios, coming from behind to beat St. Louis City 2-1 last time out thanks to goals from Steven Moreira and Diego Rossi.
Nancy will be slightly concerned by his team’s tendency to concede early, as they did in Missouri, but their composure and flexibility have been key in turning matches around. At home, the Crew have been formidable, taking 11 points from a possible 15 and maintaining an impressive unbeaten streak at Huntington Bank Field.
A win on Saturday would mark four straight MLS victories for the Crew and could see them pull five points clear at the top, should other results fall their way. But with just three points separating them from Miami, a slip-up could be costly, potentially dropping them as low as fourth if rivals like Charlotte and Cincinnati capitalise.
On the other hand, Inter Miami are also undefeated in league play, but Javier Mascherano’s men haven’t always looked convincing. They’ve drawn three of their last four MLS matches, including back-to-back stalemates against Toronto FC and Chicago Fire, both of which left fans underwhelmed, especially considering Miami’s attacking power.
Mascherano’s side remain a threat in transition, but their inability to break down more compact teams has been evident, and their attacking rhythm has shown signs of stagnation in recent weeks. With just one away win in over a month, the Herons will have to dig deep to leave Ohio with a result.
This game represents a litmus test for Miami’s title credentials. They remain just three points off top spot with a game in hand, but failure to win here could see them fall into the congested playoff pack. The Hard Tackle takes a look at how both sides could line up and what tactics they might employ on the day.
Team News & Tactics
Columbus Crew
Wilfried Nancy will be without a few key names for Saturday’s high-stakes showdown. Rudy Camacho and Nicholas Hagen remain sidelined with long-term injuries, both of whom continue their recovery away from the pitch.
In addition, Lassi Lappalainen, who typically offers pace and width down the left flank, is also expected to miss out due to ongoing fitness concerns. While there are no fresh suspension worries, Nancy will need to rely on his squad depth to maintain the club’s unbeaten momentum at the top of the Eastern Conference.
In terms of setup, Columbus Crew are expected to line up in their customary 3-4-2-1 formation. Patrick Schulte will retain his spot in goal, shielded by a back three of Steven Moreira, Sean Zawadzki, and Malte Amundsen. The defensive unit will be tasked with containing a dangerous Inter Miami frontline, likely focusing on cutting off transitional opportunities.
On the flanks, Maximilian Arfsten is tipped to return to the left wing-back role in Lappalainen’s absence, while Mohamed Farsi will operate on the right. The midfield engine room should feature captain Darlington Nagbe alongside Dylan Chambost, forming a disciplined and mobile double pivot to control the tempo and distribute forward.
In the attacking midfield roles, Diego Rossi and Aziel Jackson are expected to play just behind the striker, offering clever movement, creativity, and goal threat in support of Jacen Russell-Rowe, who will lead the line as the primary centre-forward. Columbus will look to impose their style through possession control, overloads in wide areas, and sharp interchanges in the final third.
Probable Lineup (3-4-2-1): Schulte; Moreira, Zawadzki, Amundsen; Farsi, Nagbe, Chambost, Arfsten; Rossi, Jackson; Russell-Rowe
Inter Miami
Javier Mascherano will be pleased to enter Saturday’s top-of-the-table showdown with a clean bill of health across his squad. Inter Miami have no fresh injury or suspension concerns, giving the manager the freedom to field his strongest possible XI.
That includes the return of Lionel Messi, who has been at the heart of Miami’s unbeaten start to the campaign. With both Luis Suarez and Telasco Segovia available and fit, Mascherano is expected to lean heavily on his veteran stars and rising youth to try and disrupt the Crew’s unbeaten home run.
Inter Miami are set to deploy a 4-3-3 formation, with Oscar Ustari maintaining his position in goal. In front of him, the back four should consist of Gonzalo Lujan and Noah Allen as full-backs, both of whom will be encouraged to push forward and provide width in the attacking phase. Tomas Aviles and Maximiliano Falcoon are likely to pair up at the heart of the defence, bringing a balance of youthful energy and composure.
The midfield three should include Sergio Busquets at the base, orchestrating play and offering defensive cover, flanked by two emerging talents: Federico Redondo and Benjamin Cremaschi. This trio brings a blend of experience, technical ability, and vertical running, key traits for controlling transitions against a high-pressing Columbus side.
In attack, Mascherano is expected to unleash Lionel Messi on the right of the front three, with Luis Suarez through the middle and Telasco Segovia on the left. The interplay between Messi and Suarez remains a potent weapon, while Segovia’s ability to cut inside and exploit space could stretch Columbus Crew’s backline.
With depth and fitness on their side, Inter Miami will likely focus on soaking up pressure and striking with pace and precision in the final third. Their biggest threat will come through midfield overloads and moments of brilliance from their attacking trio, especially in transition scenarios.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Ustari; Lujan, Aviles, Falcon, Allen; Cremaschi, Busquets, Redondo; Messi, Suarez, Segovia
Ways to Watch
Key Stats
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Columbus Crew are unbeaten in their last 11 home MLS matches, dating back to 2024, with eight wins and three draws in that stretch, making Huntington Bank Stadium a fortress in league play.
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Inter Miami have drawn three of their last four league matches, including back-to-back stalemates against Toronto and Chicago Fire. Their unbeaten run stands at seven games, but only four of those are wins.
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Columbus Crew have scored in every MLS match this season, netting 17 goals in eight games, averaging 2.1 goals per game, one of the best attacking returns in the league.
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Inter Miami have failed to win any of their last two away matches, drawing 0-0 with Chicago and losing 1-0 to LAFC in the Champions Cup, highlighting vulnerability on the road.
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Lionel Messi has contributed to a goal in every MLS match he has played in this season, either scoring or assisting, he remains Inter Miami’s most consistent creative force.
Player to Watch
Lionel Messi
In a match brimming with title-race tension, Lionel Messi remains the undeniable focal point. The Argentine icon has made a seamless transition into the 2025 MLS season, contributing either a goal or an assist in every league appearance thus far, proof that even at 37, his influence remains unmatched.
Messi’s ability to dictate the tempo, drift into pockets of space, and unlock compact defences with a single touch will be crucial against a disciplined Columbus Crew side that thrives on structure. Whether dropping deep to orchestrate or lurking in and around the penalty area, Messi’s mere presence alters opposition game plans.
What makes him particularly dangerous in this fixture is the stakes involved. With both teams jostling near the summit of the Eastern Conference, Messi is no stranger to pressure, and his penchant for turning games in crucial moments makes him the one to watch. If Inter Miami are to break Columbus Crew’s unbeaten home record and reclaim top spot, expect Lionel Messi to be at the heart of it all.
Prediction
Columbus Crew 2-1 Inter Miami
Given Columbus Crew’s solid home record and their ability to respond under pressure, the edge leans toward the Crew in what could be a tightly contested affair. Inter Miami have enough quality to threaten, especially if Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez are in rhythm, but their recent attacking struggles and away form suggest they might fall short.
