A Florida rivalry rekindles as Inter Miami welcome Orlando City to Chase Stadium in what promises to be a high-stakes MLS encounter. With both teams vying for a stronger position in the Eastern Conference standings, the intensity is set to peak in Fort Lauderdale.
Inter Miami find themselves in a period of inconsistency, having secured just one win in their last six competitive fixtures. Javier Mascherano’s men have struggled to maintain their early-season momentum, with defensive frailties becoming increasingly evident. The Herons have conceded 12 goals in their last four MLS outings, a worrying statistic for a side that once prided itself on its defensive organisation.
However, Miami’s attacking firepower remains intact, as they have managed to score 11 goals during this period, showcasing the potency of their frontline spearheaded by Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez.
At Chase Stadium, Miami have not been the formidable force they were in previous seasons. Dropping points in half of their regular-season home matches so far, Mascherano’s side could equal their longest winless run from last season if they fail to secure maximum points against Orlando. Nevertheless, Miami can draw confidence from their recent dominance over the Lions at home, having won their last two matches at Chase Stadium by a combined score of 8-1.
Orlando City, on the other hand, appear to be gathering steam. Oscar Pareja’s men are unbeaten in their last 10 MLS fixtures, a run that has propelled them to sixth in the Eastern Conference, just one point below Miami. Their 21 points after 13 matchdays are a marked improvement from last season’s tally at this stage, indicating their steady rise in form.
While Orlando have been lethal at home, their performances away from Inter & Co Stadium have been less convincing. Despite maintaining clean sheets in their last three away league fixtures, the Lions have failed to score in each of those matches, highlighting a lack of cutting edge on the road. Still, they boast one of the better defensive records in the league, having conceded just one goal in their last three outings.
Historically, Orlando have struggled to assert themselves at Chase Stadium, with their last away win against Miami coming in 2023. However, with both teams experiencing contrasting form, Miami’s defensive woes and Orlando’s newfound defensive solidity, this could be the perfect opportunity for the Lions to end their Chase Stadium hoodoo. The Hard Tackle takes a look at how both sides could line up and what tactics they might employ on the day.
Inter Miami’s squad remains significantly impacted by injuries ahead of their all-Florida clash with Orlando City. Fafa Picault, who has been a crucial outlet on the flanks, was kept out of the lineup against San Jose due to a migraine and is a doubt for Sunday’s fixture. In midfield, David Ruiz continues to struggle with a hamstring strain, further limiting Javier Mascherano’s options in the centre of the park.
Additionally, first-choice goalkeeper Drake Callender is sidelined due to an adductor strain, which means Oscar Ustari will once again deputise between the posts in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Despite these setbacks, Miami’s attack remains potent, with Lionel Messi leading the line alongside Luis Suarez. Messi’s two-match goalscoring streak in MLS came to an end against San Jose, but the Argentine playmaker will be eager to get back on the scoresheet against a defensively solid Orlando side.
Tadeo Allende was one of the standout performers in midweek, netting a brace against the Quakes, while Maximiliano Falcon also got on the scoresheet, emphasising Miami’s ability to spread the goalscoring burden. In midfield, veteran Sergio Busquets will continue to anchor the central areas, partnering with Federico Redondo as the deep-lying playmakers.
Defensively, Gonzalo Lujan and Maximiliano Falcon will form the central pairing, with Jordi Alba operating from left-back and David Martinez occupying the right-back role. Alba’s ability to provide width and delivery from the left flank will be crucial in creating chances for the forward line.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Ustari; Lujan, Falcon, Martinez, Alba; Redondo, Busquets; Cremaschi, Messi, Allende; Suarez
Orlando City have been dealt a couple of injury setbacks ahead of their trip to face Inter Miami. Nicolas Rodriguez missed the midweek clash against Charlotte FC due to a thigh strain and remains doubtful for Sunday’s fixture. Additionally, midfielder Eduard Atuesta was unavailable due to a neck injury, further depleting the Lions’ midfield options.
Despite these absences, Orlando produced a convincing attacking display against Charlotte, with Luis Muriel finding the net after just eight minutes to set the tone. Martin Ojeda and Ramiro Enrique also got on the scoresheet, showcasing Orlando’s ability to spread the goals across multiple outlets.
In the backline, head coach Oscar Pareja is expected to stick with a five-man defence, emphasising solidity against a potent Miami attack in a 5-4-1 formation. Rodrigo Schlegel and Robin Jansson will anchor the centre-back trio, with David Brekalo and Rafael Santos operating as wing-backs. This setup will provide additional cover against the likes of Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, while also allowing for width and overlapping runs in offensive transitions.
In midfield, Dagur Dan Thorhallsson could retain his spot alongside Cesar Araujo, forming a robust partnership designed to disrupt Miami’s build-up play. Martin Ojeda and Kyle Smith will provide the width, looking to link up with lone striker Luis Muriel, who continues to be a focal point in attack.
Despite their solid defensive setup, Orlando have struggled to score on the road in recent matches, and they will be keen to address that issue, particularly against a Miami side that has conceded 12 goals in their last four MLS fixtures.
Probable Lineup (5-4-1): Gallese; Freeman, Schlegel, Jansson, Brekalo, Santos; Smith, Araujo, Thorhallsson, Ojeda; Muriel
Inter Miami have won their last two home matches against Orlando City across all competitions by a combined scoreline of 8-1, indicating their stronghold over the visitors at Chase Stadium.
Javier Mascherano’s side have conceded 12 goals in their last four MLS matches, underscoring a worrying trend at the back, particularly as they prepare to face an Orlando side that has scored three or more goals in five league fixtures this season.
Despite their impressive attacking displays at home, Orlando City have failed to score in their last three MLS away matches, a concerning trend as they prepare to face a Miami defence that has been leaking goals.
Orlando City have collected 21 points after 13 MLS matches, four more than they managed at this stage last season. They are now just one point behind Inter Miami, making this a potentially pivotal matchup in the Eastern Conference standings.
Inter Miami have managed to recover points in two MLS matches this season after conceding the opening goal, claiming four points from losing positions.
Who else but the diminutive genius to deliver the goods for the home side? Inter Milan have been dreadful in the last few weeks, and wins are coming at a premium, Javier Mascherano will look towards Messi to turn the tide when the hosts face off with Orlando City SC.
Inter Miami’s defensive instability is a major concern, especially against an Orlando City side riding high on confidence. While Miami’s attack is capable of producing goals at will, the vulnerability at the back may prove to be their undoing. Orlando’s solid away record and defensive structure under Pareja could frustrate the Herons, setting up a cagey affair.
Inter Miami’s attacking talent should ensure they find the net, but Orlando’s resolute backline and ability to snatch goals on the break could see them earn a valuable point.
