Look who it is! It’s the MLS Supporters’ Shield winners Inter Miami, coming from Florida to play their second-last regular season fixture against Toronto FC at BMO Field. The last time both sides faced each other ended up in a 7-goal thriller with the David Beckham-owned club securing a remarkable victory. In fact, the Canadian side has failed to win the last three matches against the Pink side.
Things haven’t been well for Toronto this season. Taking about their previous clash, they endured a 1-4 thrashing at the hands of New York Red Bulls. The defeat keeps their MLS Playoff hopes in danger as they sit in 9th place, sharing 37 points with 10th and 11th-placed Philadelphia Union and DC United. A victory is needed if they wish to make their case for the Champions Cup.
Meanwhile, Inter Miami doesn’t need an introduction. The Herons secured a close yet remarkable 2-3 victory over Columbus Crew at Lower.com Field that helped them secure the Supporters’ Shield with a tally of 68. However, that doesn’t mean the remaining matches are being played for obligation; Tata Martino and Co. are keen to end the season as record point holders in the history of MLS before they carry forward their Cup action.
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Toronto vs Inter Miami: Team news
Injuries
Toronto
There are no major injuries for Toronto but John Herdman may face some issues over selecting his best XI. That’s because a few of his stars are questionable for the Miami clash. While the forward duo of Lorenzo Insigne and Charlie Sharp are facing issues in their lower leg area, the defender duo of Nicksoen Gomis and Henry Wingo might stay out too. The rest are fit and fine to face the clash.
Inter Miami
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Will Messi's magic be enough to lift Inter Miami against Toronto FC's determined squad?
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The injury list remains largely unchanged, although a few players have successfully recovered. Starting with the defense, Facundo Farías and Nicolás Freire are sidelined due to knee injuries. Meanwhile, forward Leo Afonso and defender David Martinez are nursing groin injuries, and backup goalkeeper CJ dos Santos is out with a hand injury.
Even though both Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez are fine like wine, they will be rested for the match. It’s unknown whether Tata Martino will take the duo to Canada to at least keep them on the bench or will let them enjoy this week at least.
Predicted lineups
Toronto [3-4-2-1]: Johnson; Rosted, Long, Petretta; Laryea, Coello, Flores, Spicer; Kerr, Etienne; Owusu
Inter Miami [4-3-3]: Callender; Weigandt, Fray, Allen, Alba; Bright, Busquets, Ruiz; Gressel, Campana, Gomez
Head-to-head stats and prediction
Total matches played: 10
Won by Toronto: 2
Won by Inter Miami: 10
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Draw: 0
While Inter Miami is buzzing with their Shield victory, Toronto is undoubtedly grappling with their previous matches. Hence, we reckon even in the absence of Lionel Messi or Luis Suarez, the Florida-based club will manage to come out on top. Our prediction, the score will be 1-2 favouring Inter Miami.
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Watch Toronto vs Inter Miami MLS on TV Channels and live stream
Toronto vs Inter Miami will kick off at 23:30 UTC. Fans in the US can catch the action live on Apple TV with an MLS season pass, or stream it on FS1, Fubo, Fox Deportes, and Sling TV. On the other hand, UK fans have fewer options, with Apple TV’s MLS season pass being the primary way to watch the game live.
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Will Messi's magic be enough to lift Inter Miami against Toronto FC's determined squad?