The next month and a half will be crucial for Inter Miami. David Beckham’s club holds the best chance to win its maiden MLS title while being at the top of the table currently. Their next stop in this journey is in Quebec, Canada, as they take on CF Montreal in their den. This is the second time both clubs have locked horns this season, with Montreal winning the last game 3-2. However, Miami will now have their captain, Lionel Messi after he missed the fixture at the Chase Stadium in March. But who else is expected to make the eleven for both teams? What injuries are they suffering? And what is the latest news regarding tomorrow’s match? Let’s take a look.
On the other hand, Montreal will look to make the playoffs this year after losing by a thin margin last time. Currently stuck at 11th, a win here will get them to 6th place on the table. But with recent injuries striking them, Laurent Courtois’ team will have an uphill task against the leaders.
CF Montreal vs. Inter Miami: All you need to know
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Injury News
Inter Miami: The club is relieved after Lionel Messi is back after suffering hamstring concerns earlier this season. However, the team was hit with a few blows, resulting in injuries to a few other youngsters. Young guns Facundo Farias and Federico Redondo will be out due to Anterior and lateral collateral Ligament issues, respectively, with the latter expected to miss a major part of the season. Midfielder Diego Gomes is also ruled out till early June due to an ankle sprain in April. However, Jordi Alba also suffered a hamstring injury last month and was back in training and possibly playing this game.
CF Montreal: The Canadian giants also suffered a major blow last month. Their top scorer this season, Matias Coccaro, is ruled out for eight to ten weeks after sustaining an injury against FC Cincinnati. Moreover, their forward Kwadwo Opoku has also been absent for the last couple of months with an ankle injury. Former Miami star Josef Martinez is also away with a knee issue, leaving their attack a bit underpar apart from their defensive concerns. Defenders Joaquin Sosa and Lassi Lappalainen are having calf and a minor hip issue.
Team news and expected eleven
Inter Miami: Even though Jordi Alba seems to have recovered, it is uncertain if he will make the starting eleven. Additionally, the Heron doesn’t look like altering any of the last game’s eleven, which thrashed NY Red Bulls 6-2. However, it may start with Rojas instead of David Ruiz.
Predicted XI: Drake Callender, Marcelo Weigandt, Tomás Avilés, Nicolas Freire, Franco Negri, Julian Gressel, Sergio Busquets, Matia Rojas, Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Robert Taylor.
CF Montreal: The hosts on the other end will look to keep a strong defense against Messi and co. and bring Victor Wanyama instead of Mathieu Choiniere.
Predicted XI: Jonathan Sirois, George Campbell, Joel Waterman, Fernando Alvarez, Ruan, Samuel Piette, Bryce Duke, Victor Wanyama, Raheem Edwards, Jules-Anthony Vilsaint, and Ariel Lassiter.
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Head-to-head and prediction
CF Montreal has a clear edge over Miami when it comes to history. Having played 9 matches against Tata Martino’s club, Montreal has won a massive 6 times, leaving only two games for Inter Miami, with one being a draw. However, with the arrival of the Argentinian captain, the tides could be in favor of the American team. And coming to tomorrow’s game, despite a home advantage, Inter Maimi still go as favorites considering their recent form.
Prediction: Inter Miami 2-1 CF Montreal
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When and where to watch Lionel Messi play against CF Montreal?
The game kicks off at Saputo Stadium at 1930hrs ET or 1630 hrs PST. Fans worldwide can stream the match via the MLS Season Pass subscription on Apple TV.