Club action finally returns after a week of international break for the month of September. Some exciting fixtures are lined up in the MLS, with Inter Miami vs Philadelphia Union being one of them. The Herons will do the honors of hosting their Eastern Conference rivals at Chase Stadium and will try to cement their chances of winning the shield.

Tata Martino and Co. are sitting at the top of their division with over 59 points, 8 points clear of the second place Cincinnati FC. It’s just a matter of time before they are crowned the Eastern Conference kings. Having been forced to play without Lionel Messi for almost two months now, they are coming with an emphatic 1-4 victory over Chicago.

Meanwhile, Philadephia Union continues to face a poor season. They currently sit in 11th place in the Eastern Conference with just 30 points in hand. Jim Curtin’s side enters this fixture with a confident booster 0-2 victory over the New York Red Bulls. They must be looking forward to stopping Miami’s emphatic run.

Inter Miami Vs Philadelphia Union: Team news

Injuries and suspensions

Inter Miami

Injuries have taken a toll on Inter Miami. However, there is some positive news about Lionel Messi. After being sidelined for over a month due to an ankle injury sustained during Copa America, the captain has officially returned to training. It’s doubtful he will play in the upcoming match, as Tata Martino is unlikely to take any risks with him, even for a few minutes.

As for other absentees, defenders Facundo Farías and Nicolás Freire are both out with knee injuries. Additionally, Leo Afonso is recovering from a groin issue, and Lawson Sunderland is healing from a hamstring injury. While the injury list stops there, Tomas Aviles will miss the Chicago game after receiving a red card in the first half of the previous match.

Philadelphia Union

There are no significant injury concerns for the Philadelphia Union. However, center-back Kai Wagner and left-back Jack Elliott are just one caution away from getting a suspension or a fine. Let’s hope either of the stars doesn’t end up getting in the referee’s book.

Predicted lineups

Inter Miami [4-3-3]: Callender; Weigandt, Martinez, Kryvtsov, Alba; Bright, Busquets, Redondo; Rojas, Suarez, Gomez

Philadelphia Union[4-1-2-1-2]: Blake; Wagner, Elliot, Glesnes, Mbazio; Jacques; McGlynn, Bedoya; Gazdag; Uhre, Baribo

Head-to-head stats and prediction

Total matches played: 10

Won by Inter Miami: 4

Won by Philadelphia Union: 4

Draw: 2

Tata Martino’s side is surely in remarkable form and will give their all to make it yet another three-point winner. However, they may face several challenges in doing so. We reckon the score will be Inter Miami 2-1 Philadelphia Union.

Watch Inter Miami Vs Philadelphia Union MLS on TV and live stream

Fans in the United States and the United Kingdom can watch the action live on Apple TV (MLS Season Pass).