Fresh off a Leagues Cup title, Inter Miami are just one game away from another final as they take on fellow MLS side FC Cincinnati in the US Open Cup semi-final.
Cincy, who are first in the Eastern Conference and Supporters’ Shield standings with 51 points from 24 games played, were unable to match Columbus Crew’s level in their 3-0 loss away from home at Lower.com Field. But as Pat Noonan’s side are so close to a final, will they be able to put that shocking result behind them to go toe-to-toe with Miami and Lionel Messi?
On the other side of the matchup, Miami couldn’t be in a more desirable position – at least in terms of recent result. While head coach Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino’s side are dead-last in the Eastern Conference with 18 points from 22 games played, the morale within the squad must be at an all-time high with Messi and Co. leading them to Leagues Cup glory.
Interestingly enough, Miami qualified for the semi-final of US Open Cup without Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba – an impressive feat given the number of injuries in the squad and former head coach Phil Neville being sacked days before their quarterfinal victory against USL side Birmingham Legion FC.
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The @leaguescup is in safe hands 🧤🏠 pic.twitter.com/kyaeKIo9bK
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) August 20, 2023
A trio of Miami players have picked up injuries, including Ryan Sailor, Robbie Robinson and Nicolas Stefanelli. Sailor, who’s featured in seven MLS games in 2023, is recovering from a hamstring injury and should be back in action in the middle of September.
Robinson’s calf injury sees him sidelined also until the middle of next month, while Stefanelli’s leg injury sees him out of action until next month as well.
Will Martino rest Messi in a semi-final? Many fans have speculated, but the Miami boss made it clear ahead of the big game: “We said that at some point he would have to rest because of the load of minutes played. Clearly, Wednesday is not going to be that day. If he does not tell me he wants to rest, he will continue to play.”
Inter Miami predicted lineup vs FC Cincinnati ( 4-3-3 ): Callender; Yedlin, Kryvstov, Miller, Jordi Alba; Arroyo, Busquets, Gomez; Messi, Martinez, Taylor.
Cincy will be eager to get back into action after their poor showing against Columubus. Although Miami have become quite difficult to play against with their possession-based style of play under Martino (having Messi in your team also helps), there’s no denying that their backline can be shaky at times.
The likes of Brandon Vazquez, Luciano Acosta and Aaron Boupendza will look to create chances against the Miami defense, particularly when the Herons are high up the pitch, leaving plenty of space in behind to launch a counter-attack. It’ll be a close one, but just as Messi has shown us so far, he’ll be the difference maker to propel Miami to the final.
Prediction: FC Cincinnati 2-3 Inter Miami
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