MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota — For the first time in three weeks, Inter Miami CF go enter one matchday after a full week of recovery as dem dey prepare to face Minnesota United this Saturday afternoon. After a slight dip in form, Messi and Suárez led Miami back to victory on Matchday 11, snapping a three-match losing streak across all competitions.
Head coach Javier Mascherano’s side return to the pitch facing Minnesota, one of the strongest defensive teams in the league, as dem enter dis weekend clash with a solid defense that don allow just 10 goals in 11 games, ranked second among all 30 teams in MLS. Dis match go mark the first time Miami go face a player dem recently trade, as former key midfielder join Minnesota in April after falling out of favor with Mascherano’s staff.
Inter Miami and Minnesota United don meet only once before, with Miami taking the win 2-1 back in 2022 thanks to a brace from current Philadelphia Union midfielder, Indiana Vassilev. Drake Callender and Ryan Sailor remain the only Herons from that squad.
On Saturday at Allianz Field, Messi go face Minnesota for the first time as dey look to extend their winning momentum. Mascherano tell reporters on Friday say Luis Suárez fit no dey available for selection due to personal reasons, but Miami still remain a strong opponent even without him. Expect key players like Jordi Alba, Fafa Picault and Yannick Bright to shine as dem dey ready for the challenge.
The match no go easy for Miami as dem face Minnesota’s quick counterattack, led by dynamic attackers Kelvin Yeboah and Tani Oluwaseyi. Mascherano’s defenders, likely to be Maxi Falcon and Noah Allen, go need to step up to stop Minnesota from exploiting any chance during transition.
With a win, Miami fit leap into second place in the Eastern Conference, trailing Columbus Crew SC and FC Cincinnati by just one or two points. Inter Miami’s predicted lineup for the match is Ustari; Weigandt, Allen, Falcon, Alba; Allende, Busquets, Bright, Picault; Obando, Messi.
On the other hand, Minnesota United don establish demself as a team that focus on quick breaks and counterattacks, often allowing opponents to hold possession. Their attacking duo, Yeboah and Oluwaseyi don combine for nine of Minnesota’s 15 goals so far this season. With Yeboah expected to return after injury, he will join Joaquín Pereyra and Bongi Hlongwane in likely team formation: St Clair; Boxall, Romero, Diaz; Hlongwane, Harvey, Trapp, Markanich; Pereyra, Oluwaseyi, Yeboah.
Despite the home advantage for Minnesota, dem go still face a tough test against Inter Miami, a team that seldom gives up possession unless they face persistent high pressing. The pressure go be real for both teams as dem seek to cement their places in the playoff mix.
Do you have a news tip for NNN? Please email us at editor@nnn.ng
