Preview: Inter Miami vs Nashville - Prediction, Team News
Miami’s hopes under coach Mascherano still revolve around Lionel Messi, who has scored 40 goals in 45 matches across all competitions this year, including three in this series. Allen Obando has recovered from a hamstring injury but only made the bench in the last match. Ryan Sailor remains sidelined with a knee issue and is expected to miss this fixture.
Last week, when Mateo Silvetti came on in the 54th minute, Messi moved deeper to gain more control over possession, allowing Miami to dictate the final stages of the game. This tactical shift gives Mascherano a decision to make regarding Baltasar Rodriguez’s role.
However, Luis Suarez will serve a one-match suspension handed down by MLS for violent conduct in the previous encounter, after an incident involving opposition defender Any Najar.
For the visitors, Nashville will be without Julian Gaines and Jonny Perez due to thigh injuries, while Daniel Lovitz is struggling with an ankle knock, which may open a starting spot for Josh Bauer at left-back. Coach Callaghan could also deploy Matthew Corcoran, a natural central midfielder, on the left side to help contain Miami’s captain.
Nashville’s key players Hany Mukhtar and Sam Surridge led the attack with strong performances last week, and they will once again be central to the visitors’ offensive strategy.
Author’s Summary
Both teams face injury concerns, but Miami’s reliance on Messi and Nashville’s attacking duo of Mukhtar and Surridge promise a tense and tactical MLS showdown in Florida.