Following their most significant defeat of the season, a 3-1 loss to the Vancouver Whitecaps resulting in elimination from the Concacaf Champions Cup, Javier Mascherano must refocus his Inter Miami squad as they return to MLS action. Recovering after a high-stakes knockout loss, arguably the biggest in Miami`s history to date, can be challenging, but the season is far from finished.
Miami is set to participate in the Club World Cup and the Leagues Cup this summer, making a return to MLS form and reigniting Luis Suarez`s scoring crucial. With two consecutive losses across all competitions, things could quickly deteriorate if `the Herons` fail to overcome the Red Bulls at home.
Here`s a look at the key aspects, viewing information, and more:
How to watch Inter Miami vs. New York Red Bulls, odds
- Date: Saturday, May 3
- Location: Chase Stadium, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
- Live stream: MLS Season Pass
- Odds: Inter Miami -170; Draw +320; New York Red Bulls +425
Last Meeting
These teams last met almost a year ago, in a memorable match. The New York Red Bulls held a narrow one-goal lead at halftime courtesy of Dante Vanzier before Lionel Messi took control in the second half. With one goal and five assists, Messi guided Miami to an eventual 6-2 victory, which also featured a second-half hat trick from Luis Suarez. This history could provide a boost entering this match, particularly with Suarez needing to end a nine-game scoreless streak.
What the Coaches Are Saying
For Miami, finding another reliable attacking threat beyond Messi is essential, a point Javier Mascherano acknowledges. In his pre-match press conference, he discussed the dependence on Messi and the necessity for the team to receive help from other players in crucial moments. Last season, Leonardo Campana, Robert Taylor, and Suarez provided this support, but this season, no one has consistently filled that second or third attacker role.
`In other words, when you have a player like Messi, you`re clearly going to develop a dependency on him. It`s impossible not to depend on him,` Mascherano stated. `It`s clear that there are days when the team perhaps helps him more and other days when it helps him less.`
The team will naturally look to Messi, which is expected, but given Messi`s willingness to pass, more `Herons` players need to position themselves effectively to capitalize on that. Miami remains in a reasonable league position, but they must regain form sooner rather than later, given the high expectations surrounding the team.
Predicted Lineups
Inter Miami: Oscar Ustari, Jordi Alba, Noah Allen, Gonzalo Lujan, Marcelo Weigandt, Yannick Bright, Sergio Busquets, Benjamin Cremaschi, Tadeo Allende, Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez
New York Red Bulls: Carlos Miguel, Omar Valencia, Noah Eile, Sean Nealis, Kyle Duncan, Peter Stroud, Filipe Carballo, Cameron Harper, Emil Forsberg, Wikelman Carmona, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting
Player to Watch
Luis Suarez, Inter Miami: Last season, Suarez was a Golden Boot contender with 21 goals and nine assists in league play. This season, he currently has one goal and five assists in the league. While his creativity has been useful, it was more impactful earlier in the season when Tadeo Allende was scoring frequently. Like Miami`s overall form, Suarez`s goal production has cooled off. At 38, and with a history of chronic knee issues, a nine-match scoreless run raises concerns. This can be quickly resolved with a few goals, but both Suarez and Miami need them soon.
Storyline to Watch
Is this a temporary blip or a deeper rut for the Herons? After a significant loss to the Vancouver Whitecaps, it`s crucial for Miami to demonstrate this isn`t becoming a pattern. Their recent MLS loss to FC Dallas could be somewhat excused as it fell between Concacaf Champions Cup matches, but facing the Red Bulls requires full focus with no immediate distractions ahead. Miami has dropped to fifth in the Eastern Conference during this slump. Even winning their game in hand would only lift them to second place, which would still be disappointing for a team expected to win every competition they enter.
Prediction
While the Red Bulls have shown defensive strength this season, their lack of goals is likely to be their undoing here. Miami`s defensive struggles have primarily occurred against teams with potent attacks, which the Red Bulls do not possess. Even if only Messi finds the net, one goal should be sufficient for a home victory.
Predicted Score: Inter Miami 1, New York Red Bulls 0
