Inter Miami predicted lineup vs. Philadelphia Union – Lionel Messi, Busquets, and more
Image Source: Getty
This weekend, Inter Miami will be looking to turn things around after a recent downturn, and the Union is just trying to keep space in the playoff picture. Inter Miami hopes to turn its season around with the return of star forward Lionel Messi, while Philadelphia aims to build on its unbeaten home streak.
Both teams are going to go with robust lineups in what shapes up as a high-stakes and intense encounter with playoff implications on the line.
Inter Miami's projected lineup and key players
Expect coach Javier Mascherano to set up a 4-4-2. Oscar Ustari, the veteran goalkeeper, is the natural choice to start between the sticks. Potentially also in the backline: Ian Fray at right-back, Tomas Avilés and Noah Allen as center-backs, and Jordi Alba on the left. Sergio Busquets is expected to anchor the midfield along with Yannick Bright in the center, with Benjamin Cremaschi and Telasco Segovia outside him.
Luis Suárez will spearhead the attack, with Lionel Messi coming back from a slight adductor strain to perhaps partner him up front.
Here's the projected Inter Miami CF lineup:
Formation: 4-4-2
Goalkeeper:
Oscar Ustari
Defenders:
Right-back: Ian Fray
Center-back: Tomas Avilés
Center-back: Noah Allen
Left-back: Jordi Alba
Midfielders:
Central Midfield: Sergio Busquets
Central Midfield: Yannick Bright
Right Midfield: Benjamin Cremaschi
Left Midfield: Telasco Segovia
Forwards:
Luis Suárez
Lionel Messi (returning from minor adductor injury)
Luis Suárez has been the most consistent offensive performer for FC Cincinnati despite those recent challenges. Messi can add a layer of creativity to bring Inter Miami back to form.
Philadelphia Union's form and potential threats
Philadelphia Union comes into the match having not lost in six matches and will likely be organized and difficult to break down.
Striker Tai Baribo has been in incredible form, with seven goals in league play and 12 in his last 11 competitive games. A good sign for Union attackers is that after sitting out a week and a half ago with a minor hamstring issue, he fully recovered in time for this match.
A big boost for the Union defensively comes from the return of Olwethu Makhanya, who is back from suspension. He being there should strengthen the defense against the Inter Miami offense.
Also Read:
Lionel Messi finally reveals one goal that means the most in his iconic career
Experienced players like Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez's presense will be key for Inter Miami to find their way back on track, while Philadelphia Union will set sights on making the most out of their current form to grab a crucial win. This match will be one of the most exciting clashes of the MLS weekend.
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