Columbus Crew vs Inter Miami Prediction: Columbus Crew is likely to secure a narrow 2-1 victory over Inter Miami in this Leagues Cup Round of 16 match.
The Leagues Cup heats up as Columbus Crew host Inter Miami in a highly anticipated Round of 16 clash at Lower.com Field. Both sides come into this matchup with momentum, setting the stage for an enthralling encounter.
Match Preview
Columbus Crew enter this fixture brimming with confidence after a commanding 4-0 victory over Sporting Kansas City in their previous Leagues Cup outing. The Crew’s attacking prowess was on full display, with Diego Rossi netting a brace and Derrick Jones and Dylan Chambost adding to the scoresheet.
Inter Miami, meanwhile, survived a nail-biting 4-3 thriller against Toronto FC to advance. Despite playing with 10 men for over an hour, the Herons showcased their resilience and offensive firepower.
Projected Columbus Crew vs Inter Miami Lineups and Formations
Columbus Crew Lineup (4-2-3-1): Rossi, Zawadzki, Hernandez, Ramirez, Moreira, Schulte, Amundsen, Farsi, Camacho, Nagbe, Matan.
Inter Miami Lineup (4-3-3): Weigandt, Alba, Redondo, Suarez, Gressel, Aviles, Busquets, Kryvtsov, Gomez, Rojas, Callender.
Columbus is likely to stick with their successful 4-2-3-1 formation, while Inter Miami may opt for a 4-3-3 to maximize their attacking options.
Key Players to Watch
Columbus Crew
- Diego Rossi: The Uruguayan forward’s recent brace highlights his goal-scoring threat.
- Darlington Nagbe: His midfield control will be crucial in dictating the game’s tempo.
Inter Miami
- Luis Suarez: The veteran striker’s experience and clinical finishing could be decisive.
- Sergio Busquets: His ability to control the midfield and distribute the ball will be key to Miami’s success.
Injury and Availability Report
Columbus Crew
Injured:
Evan Bush (wrist injury)
Doubtful:
Taha Habroune (recently returned from international duty)
Suspended:
None reported
Inter Miami
Injured:
Lionel Messi (ankle injury)
Nicolas Freire (ACL injury)
Facundo Farias (ACL injury)
Suspended:
David Martinez (red card in previous match)
Returning from International Duty:
None reported
This list provides a clear overview of the players who are definitely out, those who are doubtful, and any suspensions affecting both teams. It’s worth noting that Lionel Messi’s absence is particularly significant for Inter Miami, while Columbus Crew’s injury list is comparatively shorter.
Where to Watch Live?
Fans can catch this exciting Leagues Cup matchup on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV. The kick-off is scheduled for 11:30 PM ET on August 13, 2024.
Columbus Crew vs Inter Miami Live Streaming and TV Schedule for Other Countries
- USA: MLS Season Pass
- Canada: MLS Season Pass
- UK: MLS Season Pass
- Germany: MLS Season Pass
- France: MLS Season Pass
- Spain: MLS Season Pass
- Italy: MLS Season Pass
- Australia: MLS Season Pass
- Japan: MLS Season Pass
- Brazil: MLS Season Pass
Form Guide
Columbus Crew: WWWDLW
Inter Miami: WWWLWW
Both teams enter this clash in good form, with Columbus unbeaten in their last four matches and Miami winning five of their last six.
Head-to-Head Record
In their recent encounters, Inter Miami holds a slight edge:
- Inter Miami wins: 2
- Columbus Crew wins: 1
- Draws: 1
Their last meeting in June 2024 saw Inter Miami secure a 2-1 victory at home.
Standings Impact
While this Leagues Cup fixture doesn’t directly affect league standings, a win for either side would be a significant boost in their quest for silverware and provide momentum for their respective MLS campaigns.
Who Will Win?
Given the recent form and head-to-head record, this match promises to be a closely contested affair. Columbus Crew’s home advantage and their impressive 4-0 win in the previous round give them a slight edge. However, Inter Miami’s resilience and attacking prowess cannot be underestimated.
Columbus Crew vs Inter Miami Prediction: Columbus Crew 2-1 Inter Miami
The Crew’s solid home record and Miami’s potential fatigue from their previous intense match could be deciding factors. Expect an entertaining game with goals from both sides, but Columbus may just edge it in front of their home crowd.
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