As Inter Miami continues the hunt for the MLS Supporters’ Shield, they can expect a significant boost at home. Lionel Messi is fit to feature in the squad for the first time since suffering his ankle injury in the Copa America final this summer. The Herons were absent for four games due to that injury and have had time to learn how to play without Messi, but his return will still be welcome. In a run of four straight wins, getting a player with twelve goals and nine assists back into the eleventh could be just what is needed to continue the streak.
Here are our storylines, how to watch the match and more:
How to watch and odds
- Date: Saturday September 14 | Time: 7:30 PM ET
- Location: Chase Stadium – Fort Lauderdale, Florida
- Live stream: MLS Season Pass
- Chances: InterMiami +230; Sign +380; Philadelphia Union +550
Storylines
InterMiami: Without Messi, it was Luis Saurez walking through Miami. With 16 goals and five assists so far this season, Suarez has not only inserted himself into the MLS Golden Boot conversation, but is also in the thick of the MVP discussion. Yannick Bright has also stepped into midfield. A product of the MLS SuperDraft, Bright is one of the keys to the Herons’ midfield and highlights the varied paths to professional soccer in America.
Philadelphia Union: Star goalkeeper Andre Blake has been ruled out of the game and it feels like the Union’s streak of making the playoffs in six straight seasons is in jeopardy. Currently two points out of a play-off spot, the Union can catch up, but to do so they will have to go through the top of the Eastern Conference. There’s a point where it feels like the lift might be too much for Jim Curtin’s men and a lopsided loss to Miami might be that point.
Prediction
With two teams heading into the game in different directions, it’s hard to see anything happening other than Miami putting the wrong number on the scoreboard. Choose: InterMiami 4, Philadelphia Union 0
