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Sports Mole previews Saturday's MLS Playoffs clash between Inter Miami and FC Cincinnati, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

Inter Miami and FC Cincinnati will square off for the second time in under two weeks, with the hosts determined to get their pound of flesh this time around.

FC Cincy handed Lionel Messi’s Miami a humbling 3-0 defeat on July 17 and currently sit top of the MLS table, seven points ahead of the Herons, who have three games in hand.

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Match preview

Gerardo Valenzuela's opener and a second-half brace from Evander saw Cincinnati shut out Inter Miami and their stars in their last meeting, ending Miami’s six-match unbeaten run in the league and halting a streak of five consecutive MLS victories.

The Herons, however, responded emphatically, thrashing New York Red Bulls 5-1 in their next outing, with Messi scoring his sixth brace in just seven league appearances.

Having taken part in the Club World Cup, where they advanced from the group stage before falling 4-0 to PSG in the round of 16, Inter Miami have played just 21 MLS games, and that leaves them with three games in hand over the four teams above them in the Eastern Conference, where they currently sit fifth with 41 points.

Javier Mascherano’s side will now aim to string together another winning run and make their games in hand count, knowing it could propel them back to the summit of the league.

Though they have only beaten FC Cincinnati once in their last eight meetings, losing five of those, including three of the last four, their sole victory did come at home, which will offer encouragement.

FC Cincinnati, meanwhile, are aiming for a third straight win, having followed up their triumph over Miami with a 1-0 victory against Real Salt Lake, courtesy of an 87th-minute strike from substitute Luca Orellano.

That back-to-back success has taken them to the top of both the Eastern Conference and overall standings, with 48 points from 24 matches, however, they will be mindful of Inter Miami’s threat and will be keen to widen the gap.

The Orange and Blue have won six of their last seven league outings, the only blemish being a 4-2 defeat to Columbus Crew. 

Away from home, they are currently on a four-game winning run, though their record in Miami is less convincing, with just one win and three defeats in their last five visits.

Inter Miami MLS Playoffs form:

Inter Miami form (all competitions):

FC Cincinnati MLS Playoffs form:

FC Cincinnati form (all competitions):

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Team News

Messi and Jordi Alba missed the MLS All-Star Game against Liga MX and could be suspended for this match if no official injury reason is submitted, while Maximiliano Falcon is already ruled out due to yellow card accumulation.

Should Messi feature, he will be gunning for yet another brace that would take him beyond Nashville’s Sam Surridge in the MLS Golden Boot race, with both currently tied on 18 goals.

The Herons will continue to be without Noah Allen (hamstring), Drake Callender (hernia), Ian Fray (adductor), Oscar Ustari, Baltasar Rodriguez and Allen Obando (hamstring).

Cincinnati are missing Kevin Denkey and Obinna Nwobodo due to leg injuries, while Yuya Kubo is sidelined with an ankle problem.

Evander, who had scored in five consecutive matches before last weekend, will look to rediscover his rhythm, especially after bagging a brace against Miami in their last encounter.

Inter Miami possible starting lineup:

Novo; Weigandt, Aviles, Lujan, Alba; Allende, Redondo, Busquets, Segovia; Messi, Suarez

FC Cincinnati possible starting lineup:

Celentano; Robinson, Miazga, Engel; Powell, Bucha, Anunga, Orellano; Evander, Kamara, Valenzuela

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We say: Inter Miami 2-2 FC Cincinnati

 

Inter Miami may be at home and full of firepower, but FC Cincinnati have been the more consistent side across the season and are unbeaten in their last four away trips.

We expect a close contest, but with the Orange and Blue’s form helping them earn a draw against Messi and his league of stars.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.

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