Inter Miami has secured a spot in the MLS Cup playoffs following their victory over D.C. United this past weekend. The team is now set to welcome back Luis Suarez after he completed his League Cup suspension for spitting. During Suarez`s three-game absence, Jordi Alba was effectively deployed on the wing, contributing a goal and two assists across three matches, helping the Herons win two of them.
Alba will likely revert to his natural left-back position, but Javier Mascherano should consider the option of pushing him forward if the team encounters difficulties. Historically, the team has lacked tactical flexibility when struggling, so utilizing Alba in an advanced role could prove beneficial in their pursuit of first place, currently held by Philadelphia Union. With only six matches remaining, the Herons are eight points behind the Eastern Conference leaders. They control their destiny with three games in hand, yet dropping points in even one of these could significantly alter their standing in this tight race.
Eastern Conference Top Five
| Pos | Team | GP | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Philadelphia Union | 31 | 18 | 6 | 7 | 50 | 33 | +17 | 60 |
| 2 | FC Cincinnati | 31 | 18 | 4 | 9 | 47 | 39 | +8 | 58 |
| 3 | Charlotte FC | 31 | 17 | 2 | 12 | 51 | 42 | +9 | 53 |
| 4 | New York City FC | 30 | 16 | 5 | 9 | 46 | 35 | +11 | 53 |
| 5 | Inter Miami CF | 28 | 15 | 7 | 6 | 60 | 46 | +14 | 52 |
Despite significant investment in the Miami squad and their success in the Club World Cup, the season overall can hardly be termed successful, given their failure to win the Concacaf Champions Cup and the Leagues Cup. The expectation for Miami was to claim multiple trophies this season, a feat still achievable by winning the Supporters` Shield and MLS Cup. However, the team has shown a tendency to struggle under pressure.
How to Watch New York City FC vs. Inter Miami, and Betting Odds
- Date: Wednesday, Sep. 24 | Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
- Location: Citi Field — New York, New York
- Live stream: MLS Season Pass
- Odds: NYCFC; +130; Draw +260; Inter Miami +180
The Leagues Cup final serves as a prime example, where tensions flared as the Herons were outplayed by the Seattle Sounders. For a team whose players have achieved success in domestic leagues, the Champions League, and the World Cup, such displays are unacceptable. As more crucial moments approach, Mascherano must maintain firm control over his squad, starting with this midweek clash against New York City FC, where securing three points is paramount.
