Inter Miami welcome struggling Philadelphia Union to the Nu Stadium in MLS this weekend.
The reigning MLS champions enter the tournament after a comfortable 2-0 win over the Portland Timbers, while Philadelphia remains deep in the Eastern Conference following a 1-1 draw with the Columbus Crew.
Miami finally managed to win at home last season and are now two points behind conference leaders Nashville SC, despite having played one more game.
Under interim manager Angel Guillermo Hoyos, the Herons continued to rely heavily on their attacking quality, but their defensive display against Portland was equally encouraging.
A second straight home win would mark the first time Miami has achieved that in MLS since October of last year.
They also have the chance to record back-to-back clean sheets in a league game for the first time since the start of 2024.
The Herons are unbeaten in their last five meetings with the Union in all competitions and have won each of the last three MLS meetings played in Florida.
Lionel Messi has scored five goals in his last four MLS games and also found the net in the win over Portland alongside Germany’s Berterame.
Inter Miami vs Philadelphia Union team news
Miami is expected to be without Tadeo Allende due to a knee injury.
Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez are both expected to start again in attack, while Rodrigo De Paul and Sergio Reguilon should continue in midfield and defense respectively.
Philadelphia has a few injury issues ahead of the trip to Florida.
Frankie Westfield, Quinn Sullivan, Japhet Sery Larsen, Eddy Davis and Jesus Bueno are all doubtful.
Olwethu Makhanya will not be present in this game due to suspension.
Expected lineup for Inter Miami vs Philadelphia Union
Inter Miami: St. Claire; Mura, Lujan, Micael, Reguilon; De Paul, Bright, Segovia; Messi, Suarez, Berterame
Philadelphia Union: Blake; Harriel, Martinez, Mbaizo, Bender; Sullivan, Lukic, Jacques, Vassilev; Iloski, Damiani
Where to watch Inter Miami vs Philadelphia Union: TV channel, live streaming
The game will be available to watch live on the MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
Kick-off is scheduled for 12:00am BST on Monday.
Inter Miami vs Philadelphia Union statistics
- Inter Miami are unbeaten in their last five meetings with Philadelphia
- Miami has won its last three MLS home games against the Union
- Philadelphia has lost nine MLS games this season
- Lionel Messi has scored five goals in his last four league games
- Union have conceded more goals in six of their eight away games
Inter Miami vs Philadelphia Union prediction
Miami’s attacking quality should be too much for a Philadelphia side that continues to struggle defensively, especially away from home. With Messi in strong form and momentum building for the Herons, the hosts will be confident of another important win.
Prediction: Inter Miami 3-1 Philadelphia Union
