The arrival of October reminds us that we are getting closer and closer towards the end of the 2024/25 MLS campaign. Concerning the Eastern Conference, looks like Inter Miami is ready to take all the time to win the Supporters’ Shield. With just three matches remaining, the Herons stand clear over the possibility of finishing as toppers in their respective group.

Facing the first of three challenges in October, Inter Miami has an away fixture against Columbus as they travel to Ohio’s Lower.com Field. The home side recently overtook FC Cincinnati for second place, with just a one-point difference. Despite a tally of 57 points [16W-2D-5L], Columbus has a lot of ground to make up against the league leaders, Inter Miami, who sit 8 points ahead with a total of 65 points [19W-8D-4L].

Columbus is coming off a 2-2 draw against DC United over the weekend, a result that does little to ease the sting of their recent defeat in the Campeones Cup against Club America—an annual North American match between the winners of the MLS Cup and the Campeón de Campeones from Liga MX. The game ended 1-1 before Columbus lost 4-5 in a penalty shootout.

Meanwhile, Inter Miami’s form has dipped since Lionel Messi’s return for a 3-1 victory over Philadelphia. They have drawn their last three matches, against Atlanta United (2-2), New York City, and Charlotte (1-1).

Columbus vs Inter Miami: Team news

Injuries

Columbus

Goalkeeper Evan Bush remains out of the picture as he continues to nurse his arm injury. Joining him in the recuperation room is midfielder Sean Zawadzki who is out due to a torso blow. The rest of the squad looks fit to face Lionel Messi and Co. nor there are any suspensions.

Inter Miami

The injury list almost remains the same even though a few have successfully recovered. Starting off with the defensive duo Facundo Farías and Nicolás Freire are out with a knee injury. Conversely, attacking star Leo Afonso and defender David Martinez are dealing with a groin issue, while reserve goalkeeper CJ dos Santos is out hand injury.

Predicted lineups

Columbus[3-4-2-1]: Schulte; Amundson, Camacho, Moriera; Arfsten, Nagbe, Matan, Farsi; De Rossi, Russell-Rowe; Hernandez

Inter Miami[4-3-3]: Callendar; Weigandt, Aviles, Busquets, Alba; Gressel, Busquets, Bright; Messi; Suarez, Gomez

Head-to-head stats and prediction for MLS

Total matches: 8

Won by Columbus: 3

Won by Inter Miami: 4

Draw: 1

Both sides enter the match with a draw and it looks like things will remain pretty much the same between both sides. We reckon the score will be Columbus 1-1 Inter Miami.

Watch Columbus vs Inter Miami MLS on TV Channels and livestream

Columbus vs Inter Miami will kick off at 20:00 PM EDT. 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. On the other hand, UK fans have fewer options, with Apple TV’s MLS season pass being the primary way to watch the game live.