D.C. United vs Inter Miami Preview
With two wins and a draw from their opening four games, Inter Miami sit at the top of the Eastern Conference thanks to a superior goal difference. However, the fact that the Herons have played four games is the only reason they’re sitting pretty in first place as New York Red Bulls, Toronto FC, Columbus Crew and CF Montreal also have seven points. DC United, on the other hand, have only played three games but are still unbeaten and have five points to their name.
It does make things interesting when Inter Miami visit the Audi Stadium to play DC United as even the form chart won’t tell fans much. The Herons are on a three game winless run (2 draws and 1 loss) while the Black-and-Red have drawn their last two games, winning only their opening weekend fixture. It does mean that both sides have a lot to improve upon and with a few key stars coming back from injury things could potentially change.
However, with only four games played, the 2024 MLS season is still in it’s infancy which means that there’s more than enough time for both sides to right their wrongs. Either way, expect goals from this fixture as Inter Miami have netted ten in their four and conceded four while DC United have scored 5 in three games and conceded three.
D.C. United vs Inter Miami team news
DC United team news
Unfortunately, DC United will be without a list of players which only adds to manager Troy Lesesne’s headaches. Christian Benteke is the latest as the Belgian missed on his side’s last match with a minor thigh injury but could be fit to play against Inter Miami. There has been no confirmation of that as of yet but the club will need their top scorer back against a tough Miami side.
The same goes for Russell Canouse (ankle) who might be subject to a late fitness test in order to face the Herons although it is likely he misses out on the final squad. However, Steven Birnbaum (knee), Mohanad Jeahze (thigh) and Tyler Miller (shoulder) are out for the foreseeable future with no update released on either player as of yet.
Inter Miami team news
The biggest news is that Lionel Messi is fine. Inter Miami boss Tata Martino said “[Leo] is fine. Everyone is fine” and thus the Heron fans are overjoyed. Franco Negri (knee) could also play a part against DC United as he has returned to full team training after a knee injury. Martino confirmed the same but asserted caution as the midfielder is taking things “day-to-day”. The team will, however, be without Benjamin Cremaschi (sports hernia), Facundo Farias (knee), Ian Fray (knee) and Robbie Robinson (medical evaluation).
D.C. United vs Inter Miami Predicted lineups
DC United
With Tyler Miller still injured and Christian Benteke doubtful, there is a chance that Lessner makes only a few changes to the squad that drew to FC Cincinnati.
Predicted XI: Alex Bono; Aaron Herrera, Christopher McVey, Lucas Bartlett, Pedro Santos; Matti Peltola, Mateusz Klich; Jared Stroud, Gabriel Pirani, Theodore Ku-DiPietro; Cristian Dajome
Inter Miami
Lionel Messi’s return to full fitness does mean that Tata Martino will probably return to a 4-3-3 instead of the 3-5-2 he played against CF Montreal.
Predicted XI: Drake Callender; Harvey Neville, Tomas Aviles, Sergiy Kryvtsov, Jordi Alba; Sergio Busquets, Julian Gressel, Diego Gomez; Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Robert Taylor.
D.C. United vs Inter Miami Head-to-Head
Played: 7; DC United: 4, Inter Miami: 1, Draw: 2
DC United 2-2 Inter Miami (MLS)
Inter Miami 1-2 DC United (MLS)
DC United 2-3 Inter Miami (MLS)
Inter Miami 2-2 DC United (MLS)
DC United 1-0 Inter Miami (MLS)
D.C. United vs Inter Miami Prediction
If Christian Benteke and Lionel Messi do not start, and the chances of that happening are high then few would give either side a chance. Neither have quite found their attacking rhythm without in the absence of talismans with that especially applying to Inter Miami. It’s probably why even the oddsmakers have given them an equal chance of winning this tie.
Prediction: DC United 1-1 Inter Miami
D.C. United vs Inter Miami Betting tips
Betting Tips
Both teams to score: Yes
Under three goals
Half-time/Full-time: Draw/Draw
Odds:
DC United: 1.6
Draw: 2.75
Inter Miami: 1.6
D.C. United vs Inter Miami Timings and Telecast
Audi Field – March 16th 2024 – 2 p.m. ET
India: MLS Season Pass
United Kingdom: MLS Season Pass
US: Apple TV.
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