Inter Miami Eyes Revenge Against Seattle Sounders in High-Stakes Leagues Cup Clash

Inter Miami must navigate a rapid schedule change as they welcome the Seattle Sounders for a midweek Major League Soccer encounter.

The Florida-based club confronts a packed calendar with Decision Day approaching, necessitated by postponed fixtures due to their involvement in the FIFA Club World Cup, Leagues Cup, and Concacaf Champions Cup throughout the campaign. Inter Miami have completed only 26 regular-season matches at this stage while many other clubs have already reached 30 total games.

Adding to the challenges, manager Javier Mascherano continues managing a depleted roster due to injuries and disciplinary issues.

Should Miami secure victories in their four outstanding matches, they would leap to the Eastern Conference summit. This is more challenging than it appears, though, as they must play eight fixtures between Sept. 16 and Oct. 18. Their opening challenge: a Leagues Cup championship rematch versus Seattle.

Luis Suárez remains sidelined completing his ban following his involvement in a post-game altercation while Tomás Avilés received a red card during the weekend clash with Charlotte.

Here's the potential Herons formation against Seattle.

Inter Miami Predicted Lineup vs. Seattle Sounders (4-4-2)

GK: Oscar Ustari—The veteran 38-year-old goalkeeper maintains his position seeking a shutout against Seattle's potent offensive unit.

RB: Marcelo Weigandt—Weigandt entered as a halftime replacement in the previous outing

CB: Gonzalo Luján—Luján rejoins the first eleven having featured in 20 matches during this MLS campaign.

CB: Maxi Falcón—The Uruguayan defender partners with Luján as has been customary this season.

LB: Noah Allen—Allen provides Jordi Alba with recovery time following the rapid turnaround from Saturday's defeat.

RM: Rodrigo De Paul—De Paul begins on the right wing operating in similar areas as he did versus Charlotte. The Argentine must elevate his performance given the shortage of attacking options.

CM: Sergio Busquets—The former Barcelona star has featured in all but one MLS fixture this season, sustaining excellent fitness and performance levels.

CM: Yannick Bright—Bright earns another midfield start alongside Busquets.

LM: Telasco Segovia—Segovia, representing Venezuela internationally, seeks his first MLS strike since July 19.

ST: Lionel Messi—Messi aims to close the gap in the MLS Golden Boot race, pursuing Sam Surridge for the honor.

ST: Tadeo Allende—Allende leads the attack once more while Luis Suárez completes his suspension.