Inter Miami vs New York City FC: Predicted lineup, injury news, head-to-head, telecast

The Herons lost the US Open Cup finals and now they hope for MLS playoffs

Without the duo of Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba, Inter Miami failed to grab the US Open Cup trophy. It could have been a major milestone for a club making waves since Messi's arrival. However, The Herons couldn't do any significant damage to Houston Dynamo who led by 2-0 throughout the game. A late consolation goal by Josef Martínez didn't dampen any joy for the 2018 US Open Cup winners.

With Messi still a doubt, New York City FC could further subdue Inter Miami's chances of reaching the playoffs. The Pigeons have kept a clean sheet in each of their last three Major League Soccer games. In the last game, the New York-based club put past 3 goals against Toronto FC. They currently sit at the 9th spot in the Eastern Conference, a playoff spot that Miami are also eager to make in time.

Kick-Off:

Sunday, 1 October at 12:30 AM UK (5:00 AM IST)

Location: DRV PNK Stadium

Form

Inter Miami (in all competitions): L-D-W-L-W

New York City FC (in all competitions): W-W-D-D-W

Players to watch in Inter Miami vs New York City FC

Leonardo Campana (Inter Miami)

With Lionel Messi still a question for the current game, the Ecuadorian striker will be eager to help his side get all three points. Leonardo Campana couldn't help Inter Miami in the US Open Cup finals as they lost 2-1 to Houston Dynamo. But having already scored 9 goals in 2023 MLS, the forward will be looking to take his MLS goal tally to double figures.

Talles Magno (New York City FC)

The 21-year-old left winger has been part of the squad since May 2021. Talles Magno from Brazil has so far made 27 appearances in MLS this season. Magno has contributed towards the goal output as well scoring 4 and providing 2 assists along the way as well. The player last scored against visitors Orlando City on 21 September.

Match facts

• In Inter Miami and New York City FC's history, the Herons have won just once. The 3-2 win came last year in a similar MLS home fixture
• Both Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba were absent from the squad that lost the US Open Cup final and remain doubtful for this one as well
• In their last two meetings, The Pigeons won both and while keeping a clean sheet intact in each

Injury & team news

The Herons have just five games remaining to make it to the playoffs. Coach Gerardo Martino said in a press conference that Messi will be back before the season ends. So both Alba and Messi are still a major doubt for this fixture. Right back DeAndre Yedlin is suspended due to a collection of yellow cards. On the rest of the Inter Miami absentees list, we have Corentin Jean, Franco Negri, Gregore and Ian Fray. All out due to injury.

The Pigeons lost Maxi Moralez for the remaining season due to an ACL injury in the Vancouver Whitecaps game. Keaton Parks has some trouble with his ankle. Coach Nick Cushing will be pleased with the man in between the sticks. Goalkeeper Matt Freese has been exceptional in the last three games, keeping a clean sheet in all. He will once again get the nod for sure as Freese and his teammates will want to add another clean goal line in this away game.

Head to Head

Total Matches – 8

Inter Miami wins – 1

New York City FC wins – 7

Draws – 0

Predicted Lineup

Inter Miami predicted lineup (4-4-2):

Callender (GK); McVey, Kryvtsov, Aviles, Allen; Cremaschi, Busquets, Farias, Taylor; Campana, Martinez

New York City FC predicted lineup (4-2-3-1):

Freese (GK); Gray, Martins, Risa, O'Toole; Sands, Perea; Jasson, Rodriguez, Magno; Bakrar

Match Prediction for Inter Miami vs New York City FC

The Herons were unpleasant in the US Open Cup final loss to the Houston Dynamo side. Without two key players Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba, they were not that impressive and only could manage a late consolation goal. The visitors have had plenty of recovery time while Inter Miami had to play the final midweek. Given New York City FC are also on the run of three clean sheets and two back-to-back wins, they will surely trouble the DRV PNK Stadium hosts. The away side is likely to spoil the playoffs chase party for Inter Miami as they themselves look to solidify their playoff position further.

Prediction: Inter Miami 1-2 New York City FC

Telecast

India – Apple TV

UK – Apple TV

US –  Apple TV, Fox Sports

Nigeria – Apple TV