Inter Miami predicted lineup vs Houston Dynamo - US Open Cup final
- Miami looking to win second ever trophy in club history
- Herons may be without Messi, Jordi Alba
- Sergio Busquets expected to return to starting lineup
Inter Miami are set to take on the Houston Dynamo in the 2023 US Open Cup final, with constant speculation surrounding the Herons' potential lineup.
The Herons are looking to capture their second ever trophy against Houston, but they may have to do so without two of their most influential players that joined the south Florida side in the summer transfer window.
Head coach Gerardo Martino confirmed last week that Messi and Alba suffered setbacks to previous injuries in the match against Toronto FC on Wednesday night. Though the former FC Barcelona players started the game, the two left the pitch before the halftime whistle. The defender has been ruled out entirely, while Messi remains questionable for the match.
With Martino desperate to bring another trophy to Miami, here's how the former Mexico national team boss' lineup could shake out...
Inter Miami predicted lineup vs Houston Dynamo ( 4-3-3 )
GK: Drake Callender - A no brainer for Martino in net for the Herons as he came up clutch in the Leagues Cup final last month.
RB: DeAndre Yedlin - He's continued to put in solid performance after solid performance for the Herons.
CB: Tomas Aviles - The young defender was taken off at halftime against Orlando and should feature from the jump vs Houston.
CB: Kamal Miller - Like Aviles, he too only played one half of football against Orlando and his experience will be key in the final.
LB: Noah Allen - With Jordi Alba unlikely to feature in the lineup, Allen looks set to take on the left-back role once again.
CM: Dixon Arroyo - He helps keep the ball rolling in the midfield and has established a solid partnership with Busquets.
CM: Sergio Busquets - After not featuring in the Herons' 1-1 draw with Orlando, expect Busquets to be back in the midfield for the final.
CM: David Ruiz - Martino will more than likely choose Ruiz over Benja Cremaschi to start due to the former playing less minutes in recent games.
RW: Facundo Farias - Constantly a threat up front, he should be included in the lineup regardless of Messi' availability as he's capable of playing on either wing.
ST: Leonardo Campana - The young striker has stepped up in recent weeks and should get the nod up front.
LW: Robert Taylor - Should Messi be unable to start, expect the Finland international to be included in the XI.
The Lionel Messi era is officially underway - watch live as history unfolds with MLS Season Pass. Click here to subscribe!