Inter Miami predicted lineup vs Toronto FC - MLS
- Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba likely to miss match against Toronto
- Herons must win after 5-2 loss to Atlanta United
- Leonardo Campana to retain start over Josef Martinez
Inter Miami will face Toronto FC on Wednesday night at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, likely without Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba.
Head coach Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino confirmed the two former FC Barcelona players completed training, but their availability will continue to be analyzed given the team’s busy schedule. The Herons take on Toronto on Wednesday, Orlando City on Sunday and the Houston Dynamo next week in the US Open Cup final.
And with a playoff spot on the line, every game counts. Martino must opt for the strongest starting 11 possible after falling 5-2 to Atlanta United on Saturday and closing in on their margin of error. The team currently sits in 14th place on the Eastern Conference table, seven points shy from a postseason position.
Though Toronto FC may appear like the weaker opponent, especially as they stand in last place of the table, Miami cannot take any match for granted.
Inter Miami predicted lineup vs Toronto FC ( 4-3-3 )
GK: Drake Callender - He may continue making mistakes in goal, but Miami have no experienced backup to inspire competition for the spot.
RB: DeAndre Yedlin - Again, the former captain will retain his spot. Not necessarily due to skill, but rather a lack of options.
CB: Tomas Aviles - Still a lot to improve but will earn the start against Toronto.
CB: Kamal Miller - No real debate on this one. He's been a consistent starter throughout the 2023 MLS campaign.
LB: Noah Allen - It remains unclear whether Jordi Alba will be fit to start against Toronto, but given the US Open Cup final in a week, Martino will likely opt for Allen again.
CM: Dixon Arroyo - Struggled to find space against Atlanta, but may be easier for him against Toronto.
CM: Sergio Busquets - He will continue to start until he physically cannot.
CM: Benjamin Cremaschi - He may have faded into the background against Atlanta, but Martino will need him to shine against Toronto.
RW: Robert Taylor - He's back and should be featuring for Martino against Toronto as Miami need a win after losing against Atlanta.
ST: Leonardo Campana - The only positive against Atlanta. He'll earn the start over Josef Martinez once again given his recent numbers.
LW: Facundo Farias - Like he did against Atlanta, Farias will kick off on the left to impulse Campana to goal-scoring opportunities.
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