Inter Miami Clash with FC Cincinnati: Bold Predictions and Starting XI Revealed
Coming off a commanding 5–1 triumph against the New York Red Bulls, Inter Miami CF are back in MLS competition this Saturday as they face FC Cincinnati in a crucial Eastern Conference showdown.
Unfortunately, supporters anticipating a battle between two MVP candidates—FC Cincinnati's Evander and Inter Miami's Lionel Messi—will be disappointed, as MLS has suspended both Messi and teammate Jordi Alba for missing the MLS All-Star Game.
Given these key absences, Cincinnati will aim to capitalize and strengthen their position at the summit of both the Supporters Shield and Conference tables, where they currently lead with 48 points from 24 matches. Despite Miami's missing superstars, this encounter remains one of the weekend's most eagerly awaited fixtures.
Here's your complete guide to Cincinnati's trip to Miami.
What Time Does Inter Miami vs. FC Cincinnati Kick-Off?
Inter Miami vs. FC Cincinnati Head-to-Head Record (All-Time)
Most Recent Encounter: FC Cincinnati 3–0 Inter Miami—July 16, 2025 (MLS)
Recent Form (all competitions)
Inter Miami | FC Cincinnati |
|---|---|
New York Red Bulls 1–5 Inter Miami - 7/19/25 | Real Salt Lake 0–1 FC Cincinnati - 7/19/25 |
FC Cincinnati 3–0 Inter Miami - 7/16/25 | FC Cincinnati 3–0 Inter Miami - 7/16/25 |
Inter Miami 2–1 Nashville SC - 7/12/25 | FC Cincinnati 2–4 Columbus Crew - 7/12/25 |
New England Revolution 1–2 Inter Miami - 7/9/25 | FC Cincinnati 2–1 Chicago Fire. - 7/03/25 |
CF Montreal 1–4 Inter Miami - 7/5/25 | Orlando City SC 1–2 FC Cincinnati - 6/28/26 |
How to Watch Inter Miami vs. FC Cincinnati on TV
Country | Channel |
|---|---|
USA and Rest of World | MLS Season Pass on Apple TV |
Inter Miami Squad Update
Inter Miami confront a significant challenge in this fixture, missing Messi, who leads the Golden Boot race with 18 goals, and Alba, one of their limited left-back options.
With both players suspended, Miami must shuffle their lineup, relying on veteran striker Luis Suárez's experience despite his modest five-goal tally this campaign, alongside midfielder Sergio Busquets.
Additionally, seasoned MLS attacker Fafa Picault is expected to partner Suárez in attack, while Greek youth international Noah Allen may be deployed in an unfamiliar left-back role, given the Herons' shortage in wide defensive positions.
Though their streak of six victories in seven matches represents one of Inter Miami's finest periods, it has highlighted their unprecedented dependence on Messi, with the Argentine netting 10 of the team's 13 goals across five games following the FIFA Club World Cup.
Furthermore, the Herons will also miss starting center-back Maxi Falcón, who serves a suspension for yellow card accumulation. Between the posts, the club is anticipated to field third-choice goalkeeper Rocco Ríos Novo, as Oscar Ustari and Drake Callender continue their injury recovery.
Securing victory without Messi and Alba poses a significant test for Miami, though not an insurmountable one, offering players like Picault, Benjamin Cremaschi and others the chance to demonstrate their ability to succeed without the legendary Argentine.
Entering this contest, Miami occupy fourth position in the Eastern Conference on points-per-game basis and will seek to maintain their momentum despite missing two crucial contributors.
Inter Miami Expected Starting XI vs. FC Cincinnati
Inter Miami Expected Starting XI vs. FC Cincinnati (4-4-2): Novo; Weigandt, Avilés, Luján, Allen; Allende, Redondo, Busquets, Segovia; Picault, Suárez
FC Cincinnati Squad Update
FC Cincinnati possess an excellent chance to expand their advantage atop the Supporters' Shield standings as they visit a Miami team depleted of several crucial players, while being able to utilize their own star performers.
Following his captaincy of the MLS All-Stars in their 3–1 victory over Liga MX and his record-setting performance in the accuracy shooting competition at the MLS All-Star Skills Challenge, Evander aims to maintain his exceptional form and add to his impressive tally of 15 goals and seven assists.
Nevertheless, head coach Pat Noonan's squad will be without starting striker Kévin Denkey, who remains sidelined with injury despite returning to training sessions this week.
Beyond Evander, Cincinnati might utilize new Venezuelan winger Ender Echenique, who becomes available for selection for the first time since his acquisition from Caracas FC in his homeland's premier league as a U22 initiative signing.
The Supporters' Shield competition will dominate Cincinnati's focus, however, as they currently top a competitive table. Three teams sit within three points of their position with one-third of the season still to play.
FC Cincinnati Expected Starting XI vs. Inter Miami
FC Cincinnati Expected Starting XI vs. Inter Miami (3-4-3): Celentano; Robinson, Miazga, Engel; Powell, Bucha, Anunga, Orellano; Evander, Kamara, Valenzuela
Inter Miami vs. FC Cincinnati Match Prediction
Inter Miami have struggled significantly without Lionel Messi this season, showing greater dependence on him than previously. Additionally, they're reduced to playing makeshift left-backs, creating opportunities for Evander and FC Cincinnati to exploit the flanks, making them favorites for this encounter.
Prediction: Inter Miami 1–4 FC Cincinnati