Inter Miami and Nashville SC meet again in a MLS regular-season match, after the Herons triumphed in GEODIS Park just weeks ago to lift the Leagues Cup trophy.
The red-hot Herons (14th place in Eastern Conference with 21 points) will welcome the rematch against Nashville after coming out on top against New York Red Bulls, 2-0 on Saturday. Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets both started the game on the bench, before coming on later in the game to seal the victory for David Beckham’s club as Messi added yet another goal to his impressive tally.
Nashville, on the other hand, probably won’t be looking forward to the game, as they followed up their Leagues Cup final loss by with a 4-0 defeat against Atlanta United.
The series history has been just about even between the two sides in their nine meetings. Miami have claimed victory on three occasions, while Nashville have picked up four wins over their southern rivals. The two sides have played to a draw just twice so far in their young rivalry, and who knows what might be in store this time around…
Inter Miami vs Nashville SC H2H record ( Last Three Games )
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🗣️🗣️ – Kamal Miller pic.twitter.com/8jJGzchCLn
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) August 27, 2023
Jean Mota appears to have recovered from his LCL injury as he featured in the starting lineup against FC Cincinnati in the US Open Cup. He could be in line for some playing time against Nashville after playing for 58 minutes in the semi-final.
Ahead of the Eastern Conference clash, Miami head coach Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino stated that Messi and Busquets will more than likely start the game after being rested in the first half of their win against Red Bulls.
Inter Miami predicted lineup vs Nashville SC ( 5-3-2 ): Callender; Yedlin, Aviles, Kryvstov, Miller, Jordi Alba; Arroyo, Busquets, Cremaschi; Messi, Martinez.
After missing out against Atlanta United, Walker Zimmerman is still dealing with a hip injury and his status for the game is in the air. Should Zimmerman be fit enough to take part in the game, it would be a huge boost to the visiting side’s chances of winning the game.
The Herons will be favorites at home, and rightfully so given their impressive record at DRV PNK Stadium since Messi has joined Miami. Gary Smith’s side will be out for revenge after Miami denied Nashville of winning their first ever trophy in team history in the Leagues Cup final, but Miami will be tough to stop with all the momentum they’ve built up in recent weeks.
There will be plenty of goals scored, and Nashville might have a few chances on the counter-attack given Miami’s possession-heavy style of play. But as we’ve seen over the last month or so, the greatest player in the history of the game will have the final say.
Prediction: Inter Miami 3-1 Nashville SC
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