Orlando City SC Clashes with Inter Miami: Bold Predictions and Starting XI Revealed
Inter Miami makes their comeback to MLS competition this Saturday, facing off against in-state competitors Orlando City SC in their second regular-season MLS encounter of 2025.
Both Miami and Orlando secured spots in the 2025 Leagues Cup quarterfinals during the past fortnight, but now shift focus back to MLS competition this week before resuming their battles against Liga MX opponents in the elimination rounds.
This represents a crucial encounter for Eastern Conference standings. Miami currently holds fifth place with 42 points while Orlando occupies sixth with 41, as both teams vie for better positioning in the season's final stretch before the MLS Cup Playoffs.
Either team securing victory would elevate them to fourth place in the conference, since fourth-positioned Columbus Crew SC has no fixture this weekend.
Here's your complete guide to this important clash.
What Time Does Orlando City vs. Inter Miami Kick-Off?
Orlando City vs. Inter Miami Head-to-Head Record
Current Form (all competitions)
Orlando City SC | Inter Miami |
|---|---|
Orlando City SC 5–1 Necaxa - 8/6/25 | Inter Miami 3–1 Pumas - 8/6/25 |
Orlando City SC 3–1 Atlas - 8/2/25 | Inter Miami 2–2 Necaxa (5–4 Pens) - 8/2/25 |
Orlando City SC 1–1 Pumas (Pens 3–4) - 7/30/25 | Inter Miami 2–1 Atlas - 7/30/25 |
Columbus Crew 3–1 Orlando City - 7/25/25 | Inter Miami 0–0 FC Cincinnati - 7/26/25 |
New England Revolution 1–2 Orlando City - 7/19/25 | New York Red Bulls 1–5 Inter Miami - 7/19/25 |
How to Watch Orlando City vs. Inter Miami on TV
Country | Channel |
|---|---|
USA and Worldwide | MLS Season Pass on Apple TV |
Inter Miami Team News
Inter Miami has navigated a demanding summer schedule, which continues even after securing their Leagues Cup quarterfinal berth. Nevertheless, they're approaching the conclusion of this intense period before a more manageable fixture list leading into the MLS Cup Playoffs.
This weekend will likely mark their second consecutive match without Lionel Messi following his leg muscle injury sustained during their second Leagues Cup fixture against Atlas. This setback sidelined him from the final Leagues Cup Phase One encounter versus Pumas, though the Herons managed perfectly fine, securing a 3–1 victory.
Unlike previous occasions without Messi, Inter Miami possesses the depth to cope effectively. In the Pumas match, Luis Suárez demonstrated his enduring quality with both a goal and assist, while Rodrigo De Paul netted his inaugural strike for the club.
Anticipate Tadeo Allende and Telasco Segovia receiving substantial attacking responsibilities, particularly considering Suárez's limited pace in transition. Meanwhile, this fixture should feature De Paul's first MLS minutes since his club debut in Leagues Cup competition.
Rocco Rios Novo appears set to maintain his position between the posts as Oscar Ustari and Drake Callender continue their injury recovery.
Inter Miami Predicted Lineup vs. Orlando City
Inter Miami CF Predicted Lineup vs. Orlando City SC (4-2-3-1): Novo; Weigandt, Falcón, Luján, Alba; Busquets, Redondo; Allende, De Paul, Segovia; Suárez
Orlando City Team News
Orlando City SC enters Sunday's showdown with renewed attacking confidence through their Leagues Cup campaign, where they ranked fourth among MLS participants to earn a quarterfinal matchup against Liga MX's Toluca.
However, the squad has shown inconsistency in recent MLS fixtures. While maintaining their scoring streak across the last 14 matches, they haven't recorded a home clean sheet since late May, potentially leaving them vulnerable against Miami's offensive threats even without Messi.
Their defensive structure offers plenty of positives though, appearing robust throughout Leagues Cup matches by conceding just one goal each against Necaxa, Pumas and Atlas.
Nevertheless, Orlando's attacking prowess poses the greatest threat, with Martin Ojeda, Luis Murel and Marco Pasalic rediscovering their form. They're supported by 24-year-old Argentine forward Ramiro Enrique, who has contributed seven MLS goals this campaign.
The organization also made significant transfer moves this week, acquiring experienced versatile defender Adrián Marín from Primeira Liga's Braga plus winger Tyrese Spicer from Toronto FC.
Regarding injuries, the Lions maintain a relatively healthy squad, though they'll probably miss Cartagena Mendoza and Yutaro Tsukada as they aim to build upon their regular-season record of 11 victories, eight draws and six defeats.
Orlando City Predicted Lineup vs. Inter Miami
Orlando City SC Predicted Lineup vs. Inter Miami (4-2-3-1): Gallese; Freeman, Schlegel, Jansson, Brekalo; Araujo, Smith; Pasalic, Ojeda, Angulo; Muriel
Orlando City vs. Inter Miami Score Prediction
Though this constitutes a rivalry, the intensity and hostility doesn't quite match other MLS derby encounters. Still, this could become the catalyst to ignite that passion, with vital points at stake for both sides and two attacks that have discovered success recently.
Furthermore, De Paul's debut should generate additional spotlight on Miami, while Orlando seeks to establish greater defensive stability than they've shown throughout most of this season. Given these elements, anticipate a relatively balanced contest and a stalemate between these Florida rivals.
Score Prediction: Orlando City 2–2 Inter Miami