Match preview for Charlotte FC v Inter Miami
Inter Miami return to MLS action on Sunday when they travel to Bank of America Stadium to face an in-form Charlotte FC.
The Herons are looking to bounce back from their Leagues Cup final disappointment, while the Crown are chasing a record-breaking ninth consecutive league win.
Charlotte’s Leagues Cup campaign ended in the group stage after defeats to Juarez and Guadalajara, but they have responded incredibly well.
A 2-0 win over Monterrey closed out their tournament, and since then, Dean Smith’s side have won four straight MLS matches, extending their winning streak in the competition to eight.
That run has lifted them to third in the Eastern Conference, within sight of leaders Philadelphia Union.
Last time out, Idan Toklomati struck late to secure a 2-1 win over New England Revolution, their fourth consecutive one-goal victory.
Smith will not be on the touchline here due to suspension, but Charlotte’s momentum makes them dangerous opponents for any side right now.
Inter Miami, meanwhile, fell 3-0 to Seattle Sounders in the Leagues Cup final earlier this week, with Javier Mascherano’s men also losing Luis Suarez to suspension following the post-match fallout.
The Herons are sixth in the East with 46 points from 25 matches, but crucially they hold multiple games in hand on the teams above them, leaving their hopes of finishing top very much alive.
Defensive frailties remain an issue, though, with Miami conceding in nine straight matches and falling behind in five of their last seven.
With Charlotte known for fast starts at home, Mascherano’s men must improve at the back if they are to avoid successive defeats for the first time since May.
Team news for Charlotte FC v Inter Miami
Charlotte remain without Pep Biel (knee) and Harry Toffolo (muscle), while goalkeeper Drake Callender is sidelined with a groin injury.
Rising star Idan Toklomati, who has delivered direct goal contributions in three straight matches, is expected to feature once more in attack.
For Inter Miami, Mateo Silvetti is still waiting to make his debut as he recovers from a foot problem, while Fafa Picault is out after suffering an injury on international duty with Haiti. Luis Suarez is suspended, meaning Tadeo Allende will lead the line despite his current six-game goal drought.
Expected line-ups for Charlotte FC v Inter Miami
Charlotte FC: Kahlina; Byrne, Ream, Malanda, Marshall-Rutty; Westwood, Diani, Bronico; Zaha, Toklomati, Calderon
Inter Miami: Ustari; Alba, Lujan, Falcon, Fray; De Paul, Busquets; Bright, Cremaschi, Messi; Allende
The stats for Charlotte FC v Inter Miami
- Charlotte are on an eight-game MLS winning streak
- The Crown sit third in the Eastern Conference, seven points behind Philadelphia
- Inter Miami are sixth in the East but have four games in hand
- Miami have conceded in each of their last nine matches
- The Herons have not lost back-to-back games since May
Prediction
Charlotte are flying right now and have home advantage, while Inter Miami arrive low on confidence after their Leagues Cup final defeat.
With Suarez suspended and defensive issues persisting, this could be another tough outing for Mascherano’s side.
Prediction: Charlotte FC 2-1 Inter Miami
