Preview: Orlando City vs Inter Miami - prediction, team news, lineups

Orlando City SC will go head-to-head with Inter Miami CF in Major League Soccer on Monday, August 11, at Spectrum Stadium.

Separated by a single point in the Western Conference table, the Florida rivals will renew hostilities in a clash that could prove pivotal in the race for playoff seeding.

Match preview

Oscar Pareja’s side have been anything but predictable in recent weeks, mixing moments of attacking brilliance with defensive lapses as they attempt to recapture the consistency that drove last season’s success.

Currently sixth in the standings, just a point and a place behind their Florida rivals, the Lions appear to be building momentum following impressive back-to-back away league wins over Columbus Crew and New England Revolution, though a lack of home form continues to undermine their progress, with just two victories in their last six outings at Spectrum Stadium.

Goals have not been the issue, as Orlando have scored in 14 straight league matches, but defensive frailties remain a concern, having failed to keep a clean sheet at home since late May; an invitation Inter Miami’s lethal attack will be eager to accept.

With 11 wins, eight draws, and six losses, Orlando remain firmly in the mix; competitive, if inconsistent—with a goal difference of +13 that highlights both their attacking threat and lingering vulnerabilities, and a win here would not only vault them above Inter Miami but also send a clear message heading into the business end of the season.

Inter Miami, meanwhile, arrive at Spectrum Stadium with revenge on their minds after suffering a humbling 3-0 home defeat in the reverse fixture back in May - a loss that still lingers and one Javier Mascherano’s men will be desperate to atone for.

Currently fifth with 42 points from 22 matches, the Herons have games in hand on the leaders and continue to position themselves as serious title contenders, even in the absence of Lionel Messi, whose muscular injury keeps him sidelined indefinitely.

In his stead, Luis Suarez has stepped up with the kind of grit and clinical touch that defined his prime, while Rodrigo De Paul, fresh from his summer arrival, has begun to assert control in midfield with increasing authority.

Their 3-1 Leagues Cup win over Pumas UNAM in midweek was further evidence of the squad’s depth and flexibility, with Suarez and De Paul both playing key roles, and despite being without Messi, goalkeeper Drake Callender, and internationals Segovia Perez, Picault, and Cremaschi, Miami showed they can adapt and still deliver.

On the pitch, their strength lies in a relentless attack that has produced 49 league goals, one of the highest tallies in the division, and they have scored at least twice in five of their last six away league matches, often using firepower to paper over defensive cracks.

The Sunshine State rivalry has been anything but predictable, with both sides enjoying spells of dominance since Inter Miami's inception. Of their six most recent MLS meetings, Orlando have emerged victorious three times, while Miami have claimed two wins, and just one of those matches ended in a stalemate.

Orlando City Major League Soccer form:

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Orlando City form (all competitions):

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Inter Miami Major League Soccer form:

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Team News

Orlando City SC will be without four players for Inter Miami’s visit; Andres Velasco (thigh), Cartagena Mendoza (Achilles), and Yutaro Tsukada (cruciate) are all sidelined, while Alex Freeman is away on international duty.

Despite the absentees, coach Oscar Pareja has a stable core; Araujo and Smith anchor the midfield, with Enrique and Muriel leading the line. New signing Tyrese Spicer may debut off the bench.

Inter Miami face their own selection issues, as Lionel Messi (muscle) and Drake Callender (groin) are out, while Segovia Perez, Picault, and Cremaschi are away on international duty.

Still, Mascherano has plenty of depth; Alba, Busquets, and new signing De Paul will anchor midfield and defence, while Suarez leads the attack, supported by Allende and Segovia in a fluid, technical setup.

Orlando City possible starting lineup:

Gallese; Freeman, Schlegel, Jansson, Brekalo; Araujo, Smith; Pasalic, Ojeda, Angulo; Muriel

Inter Miami possible starting lineup:

Rios Novo; Weigandt, Lujan, Falcon, Alba; Bright, Busquets; Allende, De Paul, Segovia; Suarez

We say: Orlando City 2-2 Inter Miami

With both teams carrying attacking threats and struggling for consistency at the back, goals should be expected. Messi's absence levels the playing field somewhat, but Suarez’s current form means Inter Miami will still fancy their chances.

Orlando, bolstered by recent wins and the confidence of that 3-0 triumph in May, should rise to the occasion. A pulsating draw feels like the most likely outcome.

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