Inter Miami will be returning to action against a similar opponent but on a different soil. The Herons will travel to Atlanta, Georgina-based Mercedes-Benz Stadium to face Atlanta United for the second time. Having faced the Five Stripes last time at Chase Stadium, Lionel Messi and Co. secured a close 2-1 victory.

The Supporters Shield victors were already ahead within 2 minutes into the game, thanks to a decent finish from Luis Suarez. While Atlanta responded before the end of the first half to level things, the hour mark saw Jordi Alba score a winner for Tata Martino and Co. The win helps Miami to make a strong case in the playoffs.

However, the return match isn’t expected to be an easy one. David Beckham-owned side can be surprised by the home side this time in their away fixture. Certainly, Rob Valentino and Co. must have prepared well for the second clash.

Atlanta United vs Inter Miami: Team news

Injuries

Atlanta United

Rob Valentino will be missing just two players. Midfielder Edwin Mosquera is unavailable due to a knee injury, while goalkeeper Quentin Westberg is sidelined due to mandatory concussion protocol. Fortunately, the rest of the squad is fit and ready to take on Lionel Messi and co.

Inter Miami

The team is contending with some injury setbacks ahead of the match. David Martinez continues to recover from a groin injury and is likely to extend his return. Similarly, C. Dos Santos is out with a hand injury, while Leonardo Afonso is also sidelined with a groin injury, with both players expected back around late October. Nicolas Freire, however, remains a long-term absentee after a season-ending ACL injury.

Predicted lineups

Atlanta United [4-2-3-1]: Guzan; Hernandez, Rode Gregersen, Williams, Amador; Slisz, Fortune; Lennon, Miranchuk, Lobzhanidze; Thiare.

Inter Miami [4-3-3]: Callender; Weigandt, Aviles, Kryvtsov, Alba; Gomez, Busquets, Rojas; Gressel, Suarez, Messi.

Head-to-head stats and prediction

Total matches: 15

Won by Inter Miami: 6

Won by Atlanta United: 5

Draw: 4

Tata Martino’s squad is once again the favorite in this matchup, but we can’t overlook the quality of Rob Valentino’s side, who might be aiming to surprise the Florida team. That said, we expect Lionel Messi and his teammates to come out on top just as they did before. Our predicted score: Inter Miami 3-1 Atlanta United

Watch Atlanta United vs Inter Miami MLS playoffs on TV Channels and livestream

Inter Miami vs Atlanta United will kick off at 19:30 ET. Fans in the US can catch the action live on Apple TV with an MLS season pass, or stream it on FS1, Fubo, Fox Deportes, and Sling TV. Meanwhile, UK fans have fewer options, with Apple TV’s MLS season pass being the primary way to watch the game live.