MLS 2023: LAFC vs Inter Miami: Predicted lineup, injury news, head-to-head, telecast

Inter Miami were held to a draw in an unusual sighting last game

The 2022 MLS reigning champions will have a very tough visitor. Since Lionel Messi has been included in the Inter Miami starting lineup, the team has remained unbeaten. The home side LAFC came off a loss against Charlotte FC last Saturday. Now given they will play at their home, the BMO stadium, the crowd could help them overcome the mighty Messi's Inter Miami.

Inter Miami will be looking to make the gap between the playoffs a bit less. Since a 10-point gap remains for that, the Herons will be looking to get back to winning ways after suffering an unusual sighting of a draw last time around. Actually, Nashville SC were able to hold them on for a goalless draw. The next few games will be crucial for David Beckham's Miami side who are looking to enter playoffs.

Kick-Off:

Sunday, 3 September at 10:00 PM (ET)

Monday, 4 September at 7:30 AM (IST)

Location: BMO Stadium

Form

LAFC (in all competitions): L-W-L-W-W

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

Players to watch

John McCarthy (LAFC)

The 31-year-old former Inter Miami goalkeeper could come back to haunt his former employers. John McCarthy has been quite pleasant recently, more so at home games. At the BMO stadium in the last four games, McCarthy has been able to rack up three clean sheets showing his abilities at full stretch. This calibre could come in handy as Messi and Co are set to pay a visit.

Lionel Messi (Inter Miami)

Without a doubt, the seven-time Ballon d’Or holder once again is going to be the main man for Inter Miami. Since arriving in the United States, the 2022 FIFA World Cup winner has mesmerized the fans and mostly left the opposition bewildered. The Argentian skipper has already scored a total of 11 times. However, for the first time in 88 days, Messi was unable to phantom a goal or an assist when they faced Nashville.

Match facts

• A win or draw for Inter Miami will extend their unbeaten run to 11 consecutive games in all competitions
• To date, LAFC has played only two competitive matches against visitors. Both of which they won without even conceding once
• Lately, Nashville SC were able to hold the goalscoring exploits of the Inter Miami side. Halting their continuous winning run of 9 games. Also a hint towards the fact they are not invincible

Injury & Team news

Coach Steve Cherundolo will have a few players on a miss for LAFC. Diego Palacios will miss out due to personal reasons while Diego Rosales has some fitness concerns to deal with. We could however see Jesus Murillo being handed a few minutes who seemingly is also a doubt for the game.

Inter Miami on the other hand has the likes of Corentin Jean, Franco Negri and Ian Fray sidelined. And even the Brazilian midfielder Gregore will miss out due to a foot injury. The squad should have no worries for the rest as Messi will look to get back in the goalscoring and assists chart after a blank last time.

Head to Head

Total Matches – 2

LAFC wins – 2

Inter Miami wins – 0

Draws – 0

Predicted Lineup

LAFC predicted lineup (4-3-3):

McCarthy (GK); Duenas, Maldonado, Chiellini, Hollingshead; Acosta, Sanchez, Bogusz; Vela, Bouanga, Biuk

Inter Miami predicted lineup (5-3-2):

Callender (GK); Yedlin, Aviles, Kryvtsov, Miller, Alba; Busquets, Gomez, Mota; Messi, Campana

Match Prediction for LAFC vs Inter Miami

Lionel Messi has been firing on all cylinders be it scoring a goal or providing an assist since joining Inter Miami's camp. However, Nashville SC were able to keep it together securing a draw against the high-flying Messi and his new club. For LAFC, the home crowd at BMO Stadium is expected to be on their feet all night long as Lionel Messi and Co have a really good squad backed by their recent performances. A narrow win for the away side can be the final outcome.

Prediction: LAFC 2-3 Inter Miami

Telecast

India – Apple TV

UK – Apple TV

US –  Apple TV, Fox Sports

Nigeria – Apple TV