New York Red Bulls vs Inter Miami - MLS preview: TV channel, team news, lineups and prediction

New York Red Bulls are all set to play host to a Lionel Messi-less Inter Miami this Saturday at Red Bull Arena.

The visiting Herons rock up to Harrison, New Jersey sitting atop the Eastern Conference table with 10 points from five games played. Despite their Argentine superstar missing out against DC United last weekend, a brace from Luis Suarez propelled Miami to their third win of the MLS season.

On the other side of the matchup, Red Bulls were hoping to win their third straight game when they faced off against reigning MLS Cup champions Columbus Crew -- but they were soundly defeated last weekend at Lower.com Field. Prior to their defeat to Cucho Hernandez and co, Red Bulls managed two 2-1 victories over FC Dallas and Houston Dynamo to seat themselves in sixth place in the Eastern Conference standings with seven points from four games played.

Here's 90min's preview of the early afternoon clash between the Eastern Conference giants.

What time does New York Red Bulls vs Inter Miami kick-off?

• Location: Harrison, New Jersey
• Stadium: Red Bull Arena
• Date: Saturday 23 March
• Kick-off Time: 14:00 ET / 11:00 PT / 18:00 GMT

New York Red Bulls vs Inter Miami H2H record (Last Five Games)

• New York Red Bulls: 3 wins
• Inter Miami: 2 wins
• Draws: 0

• Last meeting: New York Red Bulls 0-2 Inter Miami (MLS) - 26 August 2023

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How to watch New York Red Bulls vs Inter Miami on TV and live stream

New center-back Nicolas Freire, who's on loan from Liga MX outfit Pumas, is also nursing a hamstring problem and is a doubt for the contest. Miami boss Gerardo 'Tata' Martino will look to rely on the likes of Tomas 'Toto' Aviles and Serhiy Kryvstov to anchor the defense in Freire's absence.

The likes of Diego Gomez, Federico Redondo, David Ruiz and Drake Callender will all be on international duty with their respective countries, which gives Martino a huge headache when it comes time for him to choose his starting lineup.

New York Red Bulls team news

Both Dante Vanzeir and Serge Ngoma are dealing with hamstring injuries like Miami's duo of Freire and Messi. Elias Manoel is expected to start up front for the Red Bulls in Vanzeir's absence while Dennis Gjengaar could fill in for Ngoma on the right-wing.

New York will also be without key figures like Emil Forsberg, Cory Burke, Carlos Coronel, Noah Eile, Daniel Edelman and John Tolkin as they'll be representing their respective countries during the international break.

New York Red Bulls predicted lineup vs Inter Miami

New York Red Bulls predicted lineup vs Inter Miami (4-2-3-1): Meara; Duncan, Sean Nealis, Reyes, Dylan Nealis; Amaya, Stroud; Carmona, Gjengaar, Morgan; Manoel.

Inter Miami team news

The Herons will be without their superstar at Red Bull Arena this weekend, looking to replicate their performance against DC United with Suarez leading charge once again. Messi is still recovering from a hamstring injury suffered in Miami's Champions Cup second leg clash with Nashville and is unable to take part in Argentina's friendlies this international break.

Inter Miami predicted lineup vs New York Red Bulls

Inter Miami predicted lineup vs New York Red Bulls (4-4-2): Dos Santos; Allen, Aviles, Kryvstov, Alba; Gressel, Sunderland, Busquets, Taylor; Campana, Suarez.

New York Red Bulls vs Inter Miami score prediction

Even though Miami have a lot less firepower without Messi in the side, they still have plenty of talent within their ranks to take three points back home to south Florida. The likes of Suarez, Jordi Alba and Leo Campana can all will the team to victory on the road against an improved Red Bulls side.

The hosts will make things tricky for the Herons but it won't be enough to take a point away from the contest, with Miami edging out a narrow triumph at the death thanks to a late strike from Suarez.

Prediction: New York Red Bulls 1-2 Inter Miami

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