Can Messi Extend His Goal-Scoring Rampage as Inter Miami Face FC Cincinnati?
Inter Miami CF are looking to secure their sixth consecutive MLS win as they travel to face FC Cincinnati on Wednesday night.
Following their comprehensive defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the FIFA Club World Cup round of 16, Javier Mascherano's squad has displayed outstanding form. They have defeated CF Montreál, New England Revolution and Nashville SC to climb to fifth place in the Eastern Conference. A victory would guarantee they close the gap on either Nashville or Columbus Crew positioned above them, as these two teams will clash against each other.
The Herons are managing several defensive injury concerns, but Mascherano is expected to stick with a similar lineup to the one that overcame Nashville over the weekend. Inter Miami's world-class attacking unit will once again be relied upon to deliver the winning performance.
Here is their potential starting formation for Wednesday's match.
Inter Miami Predicted Lineup vs. FC Cincinnati (4-4-2)
GK: Oscar Ustari—Ustari delivered outstanding performances during the Club World Cup but is yet to record his first clean sheet since returning to league play.
RB: Marcelo Weigandt—Defensive injuries have given Weigandt consecutive starting opportunities and the Argentine has delivered strong performances recently. He will need to contain the dangerous Luca Orellano operating on Cincinnati's left wing.
CB: Maximiliano Falcón—Will be responsible for neutralizing the prolific Kevin Denkey, who has netted 12 MLS goals this campaign and scored in four of his previous seven league appearances.
CB: Hector Martínez—Martínez earned a rare starting role against Nashville in the previous match and may keep his position due to Inter Miami's current injury situation.
LB: Jordi Alba—Injury concerns restricted Alba's contribution at the Club World Cup, but the Spanish defender has returned to peak condition after starting the past three fixtures. He delivered a reliable performance against Nashville recently.
RM: Tadeo Allende—The Celta Vigo loan signing has been a standout performer on the right wing since joining Miami. He has accumulated seven goals across 16 total MLS appearances.
CM: Benjamin Cremaschi—Cremaschi shone against Nashville with a dynamic box-to-box performance, proving to be the ideal partner alongside the veteran Busquets.
CM: Sergio Busquets—The sophisticated veteran will mark his birthday by making the trip to Ohio and will be eager for three points as his present. Inter Miami's consistent midfielder has been crucial to their recent improvement in results.
LM: Telasco Segovia—The Venezuela international has made a positive impression under Mascherano since joining Miami earlier this year, though he must bounce back from a subdued showing against Nashville when visiting TQL Stadium.
ST: Lionel Messi—Messi is in phenomenal form having netted doubles in his past three matches, including decisive two-goal performances in Inter Miami's last two victories. Unsurprisingly, he shares the lead as the league's top goalscorer this season.
ST: Luis Suárez—Cincinnati rank among just four teams ahead of the Herons in the Eastern Conference, but their recent defensive displays have been somewhat concerning. Suárez will look to capitalize against a backline that recently allowed four goals to Columbus Crew.