Inter Miami predicted lineup vs Columbus Crew: Leagues Cup 2024

Inter Miami return to action this week to face off against Columbus Crew in Leagues Cup Round of 16 action.

The Herons came out on top against fellow MLS opposition Toronto FC in the Round of 16, winning 4-3 in front of their supporters at Chase Stadium. However, things will be a little more difficult against the reigning MLS Cup champions in Columbus at their home ground without Lionel Messi who's still recovering from an ankle injury.

Gerardo 'Tata' Martino could look to use veteran midfielder Sergio Busquets as a center-back after Hector Martinez was sent off in the first half after denying a goal scoring opportunity for Toronto. With Busquets in the backline, Martino could opt to give Yannick Bright a start in the midfield after he's impressed in recent performances.

Here's how Miami could lineup against the Crew.

Inter Miami predicted lineup vs Columbus Crew ( 4-3-3 )

GK: Drake Callender - Despite Miami conceding three goals against Toronto, Callender was hardly at fault as he came up with a few clutch saves late on.

RB: Marcelo Weigandt - Weigandt gets the nod at right-back and will look to put in an improved performance following a dull showing vs Toronto.

CB: Tomas Aviles - The young defender more than played his part in the win over TFC with several key challenges and interceptions and will have to do more of the same if Miami are to win in the Round of 16.

CB: Sergio Busquets - Busquets shifts back into the heart of defense with Martinez out through suspension.

LB: Jordi Alba - The veteran full-back is coming off his best performance in a Miami shirt with four assists against TFC.

CM: Matias Rojas - Rojas opened the scoring in the Round of 16 and will look to do the same against Columbus, finding pockets of space behind the opposing defense.

CM: Yannick Bright - Martino has given Bright chances before in high-stake matches and he may have no choice but to play the 22-year-old in the middle of the park given that Busquets is likely to start in defense.

CM: Federico Redondo - The 21-year-old is fresh off a solid performance in the midfield and he'll face a tough task going up against the veteran Darlington Nagbe.

RW: Julian Gressel - Gressel is coming off a limited showing against Toronto in which he was taken off at halftime due to the red card, but there's a good chance he'll have a bigger part to play Tuesday night.

ST: Luis Suarez - El Pistolero leads the line and will hope to get on the scoresheet once again.

LW: Diego Gomez - The Paraguay international scored on his return from the Olympic Games, picking up right where he left off as he eyes more silverware with Miami.