Gameweek is here and Inter Miami continues to stand at the top of the Eastern Conference standings. While fans expected them to put on a clinical display this season, no one expected them to come flying right through the gate. The Herons have already picked up 10 points from their five games and have the chance to maintain their pole position as they travel to the Red Bull Arena this Saturday to take on the New York Red Bulls. However, did you know the match was close to getting canceled?

Miami has been hit with a massive setback right before the game, as half of their first-team players have been ruled out of the clash. This is an enormous blow for the side, considering the NY Red Bulls are no slouches and will take the away side to their limit. With a lot at stake in this high-voltage game, it will be interesting to see if Inter Miami has what it takes to prove they are a top contender for the MLS title!

NY Red Bulls vs Inter Miami: Head-to-head record

The two MLS sides have faced each other eight times across all competitions. The NY Red Bulls seem to have the upper hand over their opponents, with the home team winning five of the eight encounters. Meanwhile, Inter Miami is currently standing with three wins, with no matches between the two clubs ending in a draw. The matches between these two teams usually witness high-scoring affairs, with 22 goals scored during the eight fixtures between the clubs.

The NY Red Bulls lost 3-0 in the most recent encounter between the two sides. Lionel Messi’s side has scored a minimum of 2 goals in their last 3 MLS games.

New York Red Bulls vs. Inter Miami team update: Will Lionel Messi play?

The home side will be without the services of Serge Ngoma, Curtis Ofori, and Dante Vanzeir, with the players absent because of injury blows. Carlos Miguel, Noah Eile, Cory Burke, and Emil Forsberg are currently on international duty and will be unavailable for selection. Daniel Edelman will also miss the game after picking up a one-game suspension during the game against New Columbus.

Similarly, Tata Martino’s side has multiple absentees on its hands. Lionel Messi’s availability is uncertain for the game, with the player yet to be cleared, despite attending the team’s latest training session. This will be the third straight MLS game Messi will be missing. Martino said, “He’s getting better every day… Messi has been practicing for the last four days.”

“Benjamin Cremaschi, Facundo Farias, Robbie Robinson, Ian Fray, Franco Negri, and Nicloas Freire are also expected to miss the game, with the players sidelined with injuries. In addition, Drake Callender, Diego Gomez, Federico Redondo, David Ruiz, Shanyder Borgelin, and Israel Boatwright will miss the game because of international commitments.

NY Red Bulls vs. Inter Miami: Expected line-ups

NY Red Bulls predicted lineup: (4-4-2) Meara; Duncan, Reyes, Nealis, Harper; Gjengaar, Amaya, Stroud, Carmona; Manoel, Morgan.

Inter Miami predicted lineup: (4-3-3) Dos Santos; Allen; Aviles; Kryvstov; Alba; Sunderland; Busquets; Gressel; Taylor; Suarez; Campana.

New York Red Bulls vs. Inter Miami was almost canceled

It was reported that the NY Red Bulls reached out to Miami coach Martino to cancel Saturday’s match since both sides had many players missing due to the FIFA international window. But the U.S. Soccer Federation denied it.

Martino mentioned, “We received a request from Red Bulls to postpone this match and we agreed. But, the federation didn’t approve. It’s something that will have to be considered, the league will have to continue assessing…”

NY Red Bulls vs. Inter Miami: When and where to watch

The match between the NY Red Bulls and Inter Miami will broadcast live from the Red Bull Arena at 2:00 p.m. EST. Viewers in the United States can catch the live coverage of the game on Apple TV and Fox Sports. Meanwhile, fans worldwide can catch the live coverage of the game exclusively on Apple TV.

READ MORE: Inter Miami Injury Update: Lionel Messi Back in Training But 7 Players Ruled Out Vs. New York Red Bulls