Inter Miami predicted lineup vs Nashville SC - Leagues Cup
- Starting lineup unlikely to change for Gerardo Martino's side
- Miami looking to lift first trophy in club's short history
- Lionel Messi the player everyone is expecting to deliver
Following their 4-1 triumph over Philadelphia Union in the Leagues Cup semi-final, Inter Miami boss Gerardo 'Tata' Martino won't be looking to make too many changes to his starting lineup for the final against Nashville SC.
The Herons are coming off a clinical performance against the Union, scoring four goals from just five shots at goal. Philadelphia might've been unlucky in the second half as they peppered Drake Callender's goal with shots aplenty, and it further exposed Miami's 'bend but don't break' defensive philosophy, which could be exploited by Gary Smith's side.
However, Miami's current strongest starting XI is the one that dismantled Philadelphia. Jordi Alba scored his first goal for the club, and the Herons didn't have to get out of first gear going forward. Barring any last-minute injury scratches, Martino will more than likely pick the same 11 that got the job done in the semi-finals.
Inter Miami predicted lineup vs Nashville SC (4-3-3)
GK: Drake Callender - In the first half against Philadelphia, it seemed like Callender wouldn't have much to do on the night as his team had a commanding 3-0 lead. But he would end up making three saves in total to keep the Herons in front by a healthy lead.
RB: DeAndre Yedlin - Continues to show his quality on both ends of the pitch and has the right-back position locked down as his.
CB: Serhiy Kryvstov - Didn't have the best few games in the beginning of the tournament, but has gradually improved with each passing game with Sergio Busquets in front of him on the pitch.
CB: Kamal Miller - No surprises here. Has continued to improve like Kryvstov as the Herons dominate games with possession.
LB: Jordi Alba - His defensive positioning and awareness could spell trouble for Miami at times, but his attacking prowess is vital with his excellent crossing and cut-back passes.
CM: Dixon Arroyo - Continues to get the job done in the middle of the park for Miami. Not the flashiest of players, but is necessary for his side to not get overrun in the midfield.
CM: Sergio Busquets - Martino's Rolls Royce midfielder has been transformative in the midfield, constantly making passes before anyone else sees them.
CM: Benjamin Cremaschi - Didn't have the best of performances last time out, but that shouldn't see him dropped from the starting lineup. He provides great versatility to play in a box-to-box role as well as filling in as another forward in attack.
RW: Lionel Messi - The Argentine legend has scored nine goals in six games and looks set to continue his goalscoring ways in the final and in MLS.
ST: Josef Martinez - The 2018 MLS Golden Boot winner has shown glimpses of his form when he captured the top scoring award several years back, and put Miami in front with an exceptional finish early on against Philadelphia.
LW: Robert Taylor - Aftet assisting Jordi Alba's goal after weaving in and out of the midfield, Taylor continues to make the left-wing position his own.
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