Inter Miami's Season Hangs in the Balance as They Face NYCFC in Crucial Playoff Showdown

Inter Miami face New York City FC at Citi Field this Wednesday as they continue their crucial late-season campaign to secure an MLS Cup Playoff position.

Most notably, the Herons will see the return of Luis Suárez. The Uruguayan forward served a three-match ban in Major League Soccer following an incident involving a Seattle Sounders staff member after the Leagues Cup final.

A victory or tie would guarantee Inter Miami's place in the MLS Cup Playoffs. The Herons remain focused on improving their Eastern Conference position before the regular season concludes. Entering this fixture, they possess two matches in hand over NYCFC and three additional games compared to the conference's top trio: Philadelphia Union, FC Cincinnati and Charlotte FC.

Should Miami claim victory in their remaining fixtures, they would capture the conference's top seed. However, their primary concern is avoiding a repeat of last season's premature elimination by Atlanta United.

Here's the anticipated Herons formation against NYCFC.

Inter Miami Predicted Lineup vs. NYCFC (4-3-3)

GK: Oscar Ustari—Ustari aims to record Miami's first shutout since July 26.

RB: Marcelo Weigandt—Weigandt maintains his starting role as Mascherano seeks to establish his optimal defensive unit for the playoffs.

CB: Gonzalo Luján—Luján succeeded in six of his 10 challenges in the previous match.

CB: Maxi Falcón—The Uruguayan defender continues his partnership alongside Luján.

LB: Jordi Alba—Following his wing deployment against D.C. United, Alba reverts to his preferred left-back role.

CM: Rodrigo De Paul—De Paul has recorded three assists across six MLS appearances since joining the Herons.

CM: Sergio Busquets—Busquets anchors the midfield, orchestrating play as he has throughout his distinguished career.

CM: Yannick Bright—Bright rounds out the three-man midfield.

LW: Tadeo Allende—Allende shifts to the left flank after finding the net in the last outing.

RW: Lionel Messi—With three goal contributions in his most recent appearance, Messi's fitness remains crucial for the Herons' trophy aspirations. The Argentine shares the MLS Golden Boot lead with Denis Bouanga, both having netted 22 goals.

ST: Luis Suárez—Suárez rejoins Miami's starting formation following his extended suspension stemming from the Leagues Cup final incident.