Inter Miami predicted lineup vs Orlando City - MLS
- Miami are coming off a 1-1 draw with LA Galaxy at the weekend
- Tata Martino expected to pick a similar starting lineup to take on Orlando
- Lionel Messi scored his first goal of the 2024 campaign last time out
Inter Miami head coach Gerardo 'Tata' Martino won't be looking to make too many changes when his team clashes with Orlando City in MLS Matchday 2 on Saturday.
The Herons looked dangerous when going forward against the Galaxy, who haven't had the best of defenses in recent seasons. However, the combinations between the likes of Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba, Diego Gomez and Luis Suarez posed problems for the Galaxy with Miami leveling things up in stoppage time thanks to their Argentine superstar.
But now Miami are facing off against their toughest opponent of the season thus far in Orlando City. The Lions boast a stout and rigid defense that propelled them to a second place finish in the Eastern Conference in 2023, and a similar lineup to the one that took on LA should prove to test Orlando's resolve.
Here's how the Herons could line up for their Saturday afternoon clash with their in-state rivals.
Inter Miami predicted lineup vs Orlando City (4-3-3)
GK: Drake Callender - Even though he was dealing with an ankle problem leading up to the Galaxy clash, he still managed 90 minutes and even saved Riqui Puig's penalty attempt.
RB: DeAndre Yedlin - The Herons don't really have any other options at right-back, meaning Yedlin keeps his place in the XI after an average showing against LA.
CB: Tomas Aviles - It was a shaky performance last time out for the young center-back but Martino can't afford to take him out of the side with limited options in defense.
CB: Serhiy Kryvtsov - The veteran defender helps anchor the backline but will be under pressure to perform when Nicolas Freire is fit enough to feature.
LB: Jordi Alba - He's been near flawless for Miami through the first two games of the season and will look to continue that theme this weekend.
CM: Diego Gomez - Despite reportedly dealing with muscle cramps during the week, the Paraguay international makes the XI as Martino can't afford to play without him in the middle of the park.
CM: Sergio Busquets - The former Spain international was decent against Real Salt Lake but his levels dropped off severely against the Galaxy. Miami will need him to step up against Orlando.
CM: Julian Gressel - It's been a so-so start to life in Miami for Gressel and David Ruiz could take his place in the lineup if he continues to put in average performances.
RW: Lionel Messi - He'll be eager to add to his first goal of the season but faces a tough challenge against the Orlando defense.
ST: Luis Suarez - The former Liverpool figure has yet to look the part yet at 37 years old but has shown glimpses here and there when linking up with his teammates.
LW: Robert Taylor - Miami's limited depth sees Taylor start for the third straight game out on the left wing.
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