Inter Miami Clashes with D.C. United: Bold Predictions and Starting XI Revealed
Inter Miami has an opportunity to secure their MLS Cup Playoffs berth when they host the already-eliminated D.C. United at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale on Saturday evening.
Following a 3–0 defeat to Charlotte FC, the Herons recovered on Tuesday evening with a 3–1 victory over Seattle Sounders FC, the identical squad that defeated them in an intense Leagues Cup Final just under three weeks earlier.
Although Lionel Messi netted two goals in that contest and created additional opportunities, Miami's limited squad depth troubled them once more, with only 15 players and two goalkeepers available on the bench, significantly below the MLS matchday roster requirement of 20 players.
The victory restored their momentum after a frustrating series of matches and established an opportunity to secure an MLS Cup Playoff position for back-to-back seasons for the first time in franchise history when they face D.C. United.
Miami would secure a playoff berth with a victory over D.C., provided the New York Red Bulls lose or tie against CF Montréal or with a tie against D.C., and a Red Bulls defeat to Montreal.
As for D.C. United, they face an uncertain future after separating from sporting director Ally Mackey earlier this week.
Here's all the information you need regarding this matchup.
What Time Does Inter Miami vs. D.C. United Kick-Off?
Inter Miami vs. D.C. United Head-to-Head Record
Current Form (All Competitions)
Inter Miami | D.C. United |
|---|---|
Inter Miami 3–1 Seattle Sounders FC - 9/16/25 | D.C. United 1–1 Orlando City - 9/13/25 |
Charlotte FC 3–0 Inter Miami - 9/13/25 | New York City FC 1–2 D.C. United - 8/10/25 |
Seattle Sounders FC 3–0 Inter Miami - 8/31/25 | D.C. United 1–1 Inter Miami - 8/23/25 |
Inter Miami 3–1 Orlando City - 8/27/25 | D.C. United 1–1 CF Montréal - 8/16/25 |
D.C. United 1–1 Inter Miami - 8/23/25 | New England Revolution 2–0 D.C. United - 8/9/25 |
How to Watch Inter Miami vs. Seattle Sounders on TV
Country | Channel |
|---|---|
United States and Rest of World | MLS Season Pass on Apple TV |
Inter Miami Team News
Inter Miami hasn't achieved consecutive victories since July, but will aim to accomplish that against a D.C. United team that has managed just one win in their previous 13 matches.
Head coach Javier Mascherano will have slightly more squad choices than he possessed on Tuesday against Seattle, with center back Tomas Aviles returning from a red card suspension he received in last week's match against Charlotte FC.
Nevertheless, the team will continue without forward Luis Suárez due to suspension following a spitting incident in the Leagues Cup final aftermath, as well as attacker Fafa Picault, who remains sidelined recovering from an injury sustained during international duty with Haiti.
Additional unavailable players due to injuries include Baltsar Rodriguez, Allen Obando, David Ruiz, and Telasco Segovia.
Throughout this campaign, the Herons have discovered their dependence on Messi. Unlike other MLS franchises, their roster construction is unbalanced, and outcomes frequently hinge on whether the 38-year-old Argentine delivers an exceptional performance.
Fortunately for them, reports surfaced this week indicating he will commit for another two seasons, extending his stay until age 40 and keeping him with the franchise through the 2026 World Cup, which includes matches in Miami.
This campaign, however, has eight matches remaining, and the encounter with D.C. represents the third in a stretch that will ultimately feature nine games in merely 27 days—undoubtedly, a demanding amount of soccer for Miami's veteran core.
Nevertheless, Mascherano could gain more rotation flexibility in the future should Miami secure a playoff position against D.C., reducing pressure on the final seven matches and allowing the squad to be more refreshed entering the season's most crucial phase.
Inter Miami Predicted Lineup vs. D.C. United
Inter Miami Predicted Lineup vs. D.C. United (4-1-2-3): Ustari; Weigandt, Falcon, Aviles, Allen; De Paul, Busquets, Bright; Allende, Messi, Alba.
D.C. United Team News
It has been a challenging campaign for D.C. United and they find themselves simply competing for honor through their remaining four regular season fixtures, having already been eliminated from MLS Cup Playoff consideration.
After separating from former head coach Troy Lesesne earlier this season, the original MLS powerhouse took another step, parting with sporting director Ally Mackay following five disappointing seasons in charge. On Friday, they appointed Erkut Sogut as their new sporting director, after the former agent for Mesut Özil assisted in the coaching search for René Weiler.
D.C. has managed only one victory in their last 13 fixtures. Simultaneously, they have scored an MLS-worst 27 goals, while allowing 55, the poorest in the Eastern Conference.
Striker Christian Benteke remains the centerpiece for the Black and Red, but has experienced a considerable decline since scoring 23 goals to win the 2025 MLS Golden Boot, finding the net just eight times this season.
While some young talents like 21-year-old midfielder Jackson Hopkins have enjoyed strong campaigns, it hasn't been sufficient to make D.C. a genuine contending team in MLS.
This weekend, they will be without Canadian center-back Lukas MacNaughton after he received a red card in last week's fixture vs. Orlando City. Head coach René Weiler will also be unable to utilize Dominique Badji, Kristian Fletcher and Randall Leal, who remain sidelined with long-term injuries.
D.C. United Predicted Lineup vs. Inter Miami
D.C. United Predicted Lineup vs. Inter Miami (4-3-3): Barraza; Antley, Bartlett, Rowles, Schnegg; Hopkins, Servania, Peltola; Pirani, Benteke, Peglow
Inter Miami vs. D.C. United Score Prediction
Inter Miami may possess veteran stars and a thin bench, but they discovered some momentum against the Sounders midweek and should be capable of handling one of MLS's weakest teams this season with relative ease.
Unlike some weeks, it might not even require a masterful display from Lionel Messi. With a victory, they'll hope the New York Red Bulls drop points against CF Montréal, which would guarantee them a position in the MLS Cup Playoffs.