After a surprise midweek test, Inter Miami resumes in the action MLS on the weekend. As Wednesday’s Florida derby against Orlando City ended in a stalemate, the Herons return to seek redemption of three points against DC United on Saturday night at their very own Chase Stadium. Star player Lionel Messi was sidelined in the previous game and fingers are crossed on his return in this one.
Even though a draw against Orlando denied Tata Martino and Co. of extending their winning streak, they can still keep up their last 6 games unbeaten feat alive. Miami is still at the top of the Eastern Conference with 28 points. Meanwhile, the away side enters into this fixture with a 1-4 thrashing against NY Red Bulls. Troy Lesesne’s side occupy the 8th place with just 17 points, falling to keep a clean sheet in 7 outings.
Team news: Injury update on Lionel Messi for Inter Miami vs DC United
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Inter Miami: Addressing the elephant in the room, there has been some development regarding Lionel Messi’s knee injury. In the latest update given by journalist Gaston Edul, the Argentinian superstar is believed to be fit to face DC United. This is further supported by the post-match comments of Tata Martino, who revealed that even though Messi felt discomfort in his knee, ‘the studies were very good’ concerning his injury.
Most likely he will start the match, if not, then definitely as a substitute. Meanwhile, speaking to his other teammates, Facundo Farias and Robbie Robinson are a big no to face the Washington side with the knee injury as well. While Ian Fray remains a doubt, new signing Federico Redondo is also out of action due to a similar knock. Meanwhile, Diego Gomez is nursing his ankle sprain.
DC United: Despite missing the previous fixture due to health concerns, Russell Canouse might miss the trip to Magic City again. Another big injury scare for the Black-and-Red is Conner Antley, who is likely bound to miss the rest of the season due to a torn ACL. Rest players are fit to pack their bags to Miami.
Inter Miami vs DC United: Predicted lineups
Inter Miami expected starting XI (4-3-3): Callender; Weigandt, Kryvtsov, Freire, Alba; Gressel, Busquets, Ruiz; Rojas, Suarez, Messi
DC United expected starting XI (5-3-2): Bono; Herrera, McVey, Bartlett, Peltola, Jeahze; Pirani, Rodriguez, Klich; Ku-DiPietro, Benteke
Inter Miami vs DC United: Head-to-head and prediction
Total matches played: 8
Won by Inter Miami: 2
Won by DC United: 4
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Draw: 2
If Messi had been a doubt for the upcoming clash, Miami would definitely have struggled against DC United. But since he is expected to grace the pitch with his presence, the home side can improve their head-to-head history against the visitors. If the Florida side also manages to keep a solid backline, we predict Inter Miami will win 2-1 against DC United.
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Where to watch and stream Inter Miami vs DC United?
Fans across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom can tune into the match via Apple TV – MLS Season Pass.