The domestic season may have concluded in Europe, but it is in full swing in the United States. Major League Soccer will fill the time with some interesting matches on the horizon. Among them is the impending weekend clash between Philadelphia Union and Inter Miami. The Herons will travel to Pennsylvania on Sunday night to Subaru Park in search of the crucial three points.

Tata Martino’s side is currently at the top of the Eastern Conference table with 35 points, two points clear of second-placed Cincinnati. In their previous fixture, they played a thrilling 6-goal match against St Louis, which ended in a 3-3 draw, courtesy of goals from Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, and Jordi Alba. However, they are now heading into this fixture without the presence of Messi and Suarez, leaving their attacking ranks depleted.

On the other hand, Philadelphia is trailing behind Inter Miami, sitting in 8th place with just 20 points. Unfortunately, they are in rather stumbling form, having played three consecutive draws, with the last one being a 2-2 score against Montreal.

Philadelphia Union vs Inter Miami: Team news

Philadelphia Union: As the clash nears. Injuries seem to be haunting a few key players in the Philadelphia team. The first one is their first-choice goalkeeper, Andre Blake. The Jamaican recently underwent a meniscus surgery that is set to keep him out of action for 4-6 weeks. Union boss Jim Curtin also won’t have Daniel Gazdag, who left for Euros to be with Hungary, as well as Jose Martinez, who is representing Colombia in Copa America. Julian Carranza, Isaiah LeFlore, and Holden Trent missed the previous clash, and it remains to be seen if they will play this one. Additionally, defender Jack Elliot will miss the clash after he was sent off in the previous game against Montreal. The remaining players will be available at Curtin’s disposal.

Inter Miami: The biggest question fans will ask is about the presence of star duo Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez. Unfortunately, both of the former Barcelona forwards won’t be available at Miami’s disposal as they are currently with their national teams for the impending Copa America. Both are expected to miss a few more games as well. Meanwhile, as for injuries, Nicolas Freire, Ian Fray, and Facundo Farias are still nursing their ACL injuries. Furthermore, Diego Gomez is still out with his ankle injury while Robbie Robinson remains unavailable because of a knock in his knees.

Predicted Lineups

Philadelphia Union predicted starting lineup (3-5-2): Semmle; Glesnes, Harriel, Makhanya; Mbaizo, McGlynn, Bedoya, Flach, Wagner; Donovan, Uhre

Inter Miami predicted starting lineup (4-3-3): Callender; Weigandt, Aviles, Kryvtsov, Alba; Redondo, Busquets, Bright; Campana, Afonso, Taylor

Philadelphia Union vs Inter Miami: Head-to-head and Prediction

Total matches played: 10

Won by Philadelphia Union: 5

Won by Inter Miami: 3

Draw: 2

There’s no doubt that the Philadelphia Union’s form has been shaky in their last three matches. However, Inter Miami have also been struggling to keep clean sheets and get goals. Also, the absence of Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez adds to their woes. Hence, we reckon the score will be Philadelphia Union 1-1 Inter Miami.

Fans in the United States as well as across the globe can catch the action live on Apple TV+. That being said, will you be tuning in despite the absence of Messi and Suarez? Let us know in the comments.