New York City FC will be bidding to return to winning ways in the MLS when they make the trip to Florida on Saturday to take on Inter Miami.
The visitors are currently second in the Eastern Conference, three points behind leaders Philadelphia Union, while Inter Miami occupy ninth position, 12 points behind their opponents in this contest.
Match preview
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Inter Miami have finished 10th and 11th in the Eastern Conference during their two seasons in the MLS, so they are currently on course to enjoy their best-ever campaign.
Indeed, a record of eight wins, six draws and 10 defeats from 24 matches has brought them 30 points, which is enough for ninth spot in the table, just three points behind fifth-placed Columbus Crew.
There are actually only four points separating sixth-placed Cincinnati from Atlanta United in 12th, which is an indication of how quickly things can change in the division, and Phil Neville's side will be bidding to extend their unbeaten run to four matches on Saturday night.
Inter Miami suffered a 2-0 defeat to New York City on July 23 but have taken five points from their last three matches, drawing with Cincinnati and Montreal, in addition to recording a 1-0 win over San Jose Earthquakes.
The Herons, who were only founded in January 2018, have certainly shown improvement in recent matches, and a positive result on Saturday would lead them nicely into their next game with Toronto on August 20.
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New York City finished fourth in the Eastern Conference last season and ultimately went on to win the MLS Cup, overcoming Atlanta United, New England Revolution and Philadelphia Union before beating Portland Timbers on penalties in the final to win the trophy for the first time in their history.
The Blues are now enjoying another strong season, with a total of 42 points from 23 matches leaving them second in the table, just three points behind leaders Philadelphia Union, who have played a game more.
Nick Cushing's side won four straight league matches between July 8 and July 23, but they were held to a goalless draw by Montreal at the end of last month before suffering a 3-2 defeat to Columbus Crew in their last match on August 6.
The last two results have been slight setbacks, but the club are still in a strong position in the table, and they will fancy their chances of picking up strong results in their final five games of the month against Inter Miami, Charlotte FC, Chicago Fire, Orlando City and DC United.
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Team News
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Inter Miami will be missing three players for this weekend's match through injury, with Robbie Robinson, Brek Shea and Ian Fray on the sidelines.
Neville's side did not pick up any fresh issues in their 2-2 draw with Montreal last time out, but there could be a couple of changes to the starting side, with Indiana Vassilev pushing for a spot in midfield.
Gonzalo Higuain will again feature in the final third of the field, but the experienced striker could have a new partner in attack, with Emerson Rodriguez potentially replacing Alejandro Pozuelo.
As for New York City, Keaton Parks remains on the sidelines due to a calf problem, but the visitors are otherwise in good shape heading into this contest.
Interim head coach Cushing is expected to resist the temptation to shuffle his pack following the defeat to Columbus Crew last weekend.
However, there could be a change at the back, with Anton Tinnerholm pushing to be involved from the first whistle, while Maximiliano Moralez is in contention for a spot in the final third of the field.
Inter Miami possible starting lineup:
Callender; Yedlin, Mcvey, Mabika, Sailor, Taylor; Gregore, Vassilev, Duke; Rodriguez, Higuain
New York City FC possible starting lineup:
Johnson; Tinnerholm, Martins, Gallens, Amundsen; Morales, Acevedo; Pereira, Rodriguez, Magno; Heber
We say: Inter Miami 1-1 New York City FC
Inter Miami will have been boosted by their recent three-game unbeaten run, and we are backing the home side to claim a point here. New York City won 2-0 in the reverse fixture towards the end of July, but the title hopefuls might be forced to settle for a share of the spoils in this contest.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
