Inter Miami vs Atlanta United: Preview

Inter Miami are set to take on Atlanta United this Saturday in the third match of their first-round series at Chase Stadium. In the second match of the series on Saturday, the Five Stripes rallied to beat Miami 2-1, setting the stage for this crucial game. Xande Silva scored in the last minute to help Atlanta win.

 Match Details

Match: Inter Miami vs Atlanta United

Date & Time:  Saturday, November 9, 2024 – (8:00 P.M kickoff)

Stadium: Chase Stadium

Preview

Inter Miami’s head coach Tata Martino’s team loss in Game 2 broke their impressive 12-match unbeaten streak in the league. They are still searching for their first playoff win away from Fort Lauderdale. This was the first time in 2024 that the team lost a league game after taking the lead, making the upcoming match a must-win situation. The Herons are on a nine-match unbeaten streak at Chase Stadium as they approach this crucial game, having won seven of those matches. Inter Miami hasn’t faced back-to-back losses against MLS teams since October 2023. Back then, they fell 1-0 to FC Cincinnati after a tough 4-1 defeat to the Chicago Fire.

Atlanta showed great determination and managed to keep their playoff hopes alive last Saturday, securing a second straight win at Mercedes-Benz Stadium with a goal in stoppage time. Atlanta’s interim head coach, Rob Valentino, celebrated his first career post-season victory, leading his team to their fourth win in their last five league matches. This Saturday, he could make history as the first Atlanta coach since Frank de Boer in 2019 to lead the team past the first round of the playoffs. Atlanta hasn’t won a playoff game away from Mercedes-Benz Stadium since, ironically, Martino was their head coach back in 2018. They beat New York City FC 1-0 at Yankee Stadium that year and went on to win the championship.

Inter Miami vs Atlanta United: Team News

The Herons will miss Ian Fray, who is still healing from a meniscus injury. Sergio Busquets, who missed the last game due to pneumonia, had a setback in training this week, making his availability uncertain. Facundo Farias and Nicolas Freire continue to be sidelined with ACL injuries. Leo Afonso is struggling with a sore groin, and David Ruiz and Oscar Ustari are uncertain for Miami due to hamstring strains. Inter Miami found the net in the second game last week thanks to David Martinez, marking his first goal for the club in the MLS Cup playoffs.

For the United, Stian Rode Gregersen missed game two because of a mild hamstring strain, and Brooks Lennon was out with a dislocated shoulder. Edwin Mosquera missed the game due to a knee injury, and backup goalkeeper Quentin Westberg had a head injury. Derrick Williams scored the equalizer for Atlanta in game two, and the winning goal was scored by substitute Xande Silva, who replaced Ajani Fortune just a minute before the 90-minute mark.

Inter Miami vs Atlanta United: Possible Starting Lineups

Inter Miami: Callender (GK), Aviles, Allen, Martinez, Weigandt, Rojas, Redondo, Alba, Messi, Suarez, Gomez

Atlanta United: Guzan (GK), Hernandez, Williams, Abram, Lobzhanidze, Slisz, McCarty, Muyumba, Silva, Miranchuk, Thiare

 Prediction

Inter Miami boasts a strong lineup and has shown great consistency in MLS this season. Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez have been outstanding for the Herons and must show their talents this weekend. Atlanta United may not be performing at its peak this season, but it can still deliver a strong performance when it matters. Inter Miami is the stronger team right now and should be able to win. Our prediction: Inter Miami 3-1 Atlanta United

Final Thoughts

Inter Miami is yet to make it past the first round of the MLS Cup playoffs. They lost their last knockout match in the Leagues Cup in August against the Columbus Crew, with a score of 3-2. However, the presence of Lionel Messi has made the team the best and most feared in the MLS. Tata Martino’s side are the better team and should win comfortably on Saturday.