Preview: Inter Miami vs Los Angeles Galaxy - prediction, team news, lineups

Inter Miami will play host to LA Galaxy when they lock horns in their latest Major League Soccer fixture this weekend.

The Messi-led side enters this contest sitting sixth in the Eastern Conference, while the Los Angeles Galaxy are at the bottom of the Western Conference.

Match preview

Off the back of a 4-1 defeat at the hands of Orlando City in their last MLS outing, Inter Miami will be looking to get back to winning ways, as they are aiming to ensure qualification for the play-offs.

Despite that loss, Javier Mascherano’s team are still in a strong position to compete for the title, even with Lionel Messi out injured at the moment.

Even in the absence of the Argentine talisman, the Herons have held the fort, with new signing Rodrigo de Paul already bossing the midfield for his new team.

Considering the attacking output of the hosts, which has brought about half a century of goals, the second-best return in the West, they will be confident of responding to their last defeat when they file out this weekend.

Another reason for the home side to be bullish ahead of this fixture is that they are unbeaten in four league matches at home, a run which includes three wins and a draw.

Unbeaten in their last two meetings against Sunday’s visitors, the hosts will be looking to keep it that way.

Elsewhere, LA Galaxy’s woes were compounded after suffering a 4-0 annihilation against Seattle Sounders in their last league fixture.

Greg Vanney and his charges will be looking to respond in the aftermath of that loss in front of their fans.

With only three wins, seven draws, and 15 losses in the current season, the California side are experiencing one of their most tumultuous campaigns in recent times.

Even worse is their form on the road, as they are winless in the last 15 league fixtures away from their base in California.

Defensively, Vanney’s men have been found wanting, having conceded 52 times in 25 games, the worst defensive record in the top division.

Inter Miami Major League Soccer form:

Inter Miami form (all competitions):

Los Angeles Galaxy Major League Soccer form:

Los Angeles Galaxy form (all competitions):

Team News

Talismanic Argentine Lionel Messi is a major doubt for this fixture, as he is currently recovering from a muscle injury which has kept him out for a few matchdays.

Goalkeeper Drake Callender is also out injured, and he is not in contention for a place on Sunday.

Sergio Busquets and De Paul will shoulder the responsibility of anchoring the midfield, while Luis Suarez should lead the attack.

LA Galaxy, on the other hand, will be without Riqui Puig, who is currently battling a knee injury.

That said, the trio of Marco Reus, Edwin Cerrillo and Diego Fagundez should take charge of the midfield

Inter Miami possible starting lineup:

Ustari; Allen, Falcon, Alba, Fray; Busquets, Bright, Allende, De Paul, Segovia; Suarez

Los Angeles Galaxy possible starting lineup:

Micovic; Aude, Zanka, Yoshida, Cuevas; Fagundez, Cerrillo, Reus; Pec, Nascimento, Paintsil

We say: Inter Miami 2-0 Los Angeles Galaxy

Inter Miami are one of the top teams in the league this season, while LA Galaxy have been below par since the start of the season. And considering their woeful defensive record, the home side are primed for another victory despite the absence of Messi. Therefore, we predict a 2-0 win for the home team.

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