Orlando City vs Inter Miami: Predicted lineup, injury news, head-to-head, telecast

No Lionel Messi show in the Florida Derby

Orlando City will have high hopes of a positive outcome as they are set to host a Messi-less Inter Miami. With 50 points on the Eastern Conference table of Major League Soccer (MLS), The Lions from Orlando, Florida are currently at the second spot of the league ladder. However, they will be going into this game on the back of a 2-0 defeat against New York City.

Inter Miami have been in amazing form since Lionel Messi’s debut. But recently they were given a reality check by Atlanta United of what can happen to the scoreline without the 2022 FIFA World Cup winning captain. In the last game even though Miami won 4-0 against Toronto, Messi's substitution was alarming. He was withdrawn in the first half itself. And as confirmed by manager Gerardo Martino, Messi won't be featuring in this derby fixture due to old scar tissue.

Kick-Off:

Monday, 25 September at 12:30 AM UK (5:00 AM IST)

Location: Exploria Stadium

Form

Orlando City (in all competitions): L-W-W-D-W

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

Players to watch in Orlando City vs Inter Miami

Duncan McGuire (Orlando City)

The 22-year-old centre-forward has been rocking the MLS crowd in his very first season at Orlando City. The Lions brought Duncan McGuire on board through the homegrown SuperDraft selection. McGuire has done a pretty decent job given his low experience. He has scored 8 goals for the Lions and provided 2 assists as well.

Leonardo Campana (Inter Miami)

With Messi sidelined, somebody has to step up. Inter Miami star Leonardo Campana won the Goal of the Matchday 32 honour for his stunner skill and sleek volley against Atlanta United. Although the game didn't end in their favour. Campana did score the brace to help his side win 3-2 against Sporting KC while Messi was away on the September International break duty.

Match facts

• Inter Miami have won 3 of their last 4 games
• Orlando City have already qualified for the playoffs
• The away side will be without Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba

Injury & team news

The Lions might have to go into the game without Favian Loyola and Antonio Carlos. Loyola seemingly has a sore left arm while defender Carlos could be out with a lower leg injury on the right leg. Orlando City's coach Óscar Pareja knows this game against Inter Miami without Messi is a very good chance to come out with all three points.

A shock for every one of Inter Miami and Lionel Messi fans watching worldwide. Messi will be out dealing with an old scar tissue. He was substituted against Toronto in the first half for the same reason. Along with him Alba also was taken off just 2 minutes earlier. On the rest of the Inter Miami injury list, we have Corentin Jean, Franco Negri, Gregore and Ian Fray.

Head to Head

Total Matches – 12

Orlando City wins – 6

Inter Miami wins – 4

Draws – 2

Predicted Lineup

Orlando City predicted lineup (4-2-3-1):

Gallese (GK); Thorhallsson, Schlegel, Jansson, Petrasso; Araujo, Cartagena; Ojeda, Pereyra, Angulo; McGuire

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

Callender (GK); Yedlin, Allen, Kryvtsov, Aviles, Sailor; Ruiz, Busquets, Farias; Martinez, Campana

Match Prediction for Orlando City vs Inter Miami

Going into the Florida Derby, the most notable absentee will be Lionel Messi. Without Messi, we have seen Atlanta United forge a 5-2 victory to their name. In hindsight, we have also seen Miami cope well against Sporting KC given they won 3-2 without Messi on the 10th of September. The Orlando City team have already sealed the playoffs. While Inter Miami players know three points will help their cause to reach the playoffs. A narrow win for the away team could well be on the cards.

Prediction: Orlando City 0-1 Inter Miami

Telecast

India – Apple TV

UK – Apple TV

US –  Apple TV, Fox Sports

Nigeria – Apple TV