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Inter Miami Vs D.C. United: 3 tactical battles to watch – The Rodolfo Pizarro tussle

By Alex Windley

WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 29: Edison Flores #10 of D.C. United during a game between D.C. United and Colorado Rapids. The Colorado Rapids defeated D.C. Untied 2-1 during their Major League Soccer (MLS) match at Audi Field during a game between Colorado Rapids and D.C. United at Audi Field on February 29, 2020 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Jose Argueta/ISI Photos/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 29: Edison Flores #10 of D.C. United during a game between D.C. United and Colorado Rapids. The Colorado Rapids defeated D.C. Untied 2-1 during their Major League Soccer (MLS) match at Audi Field during a game between Colorado Rapids and D.C. United at Audi Field on February 29, 2020 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Jose Argueta/ISI Photos/Getty Images) /
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WASHINGTON, DC – FEBRUARY 29: Edison Flores #10 of D.C. United during a game between D.C. United and Colorado Rapids. The Colorado Rapids defeated D.C. United 2-1 during their Major League Soccer (MLS) match at Audi Field during a game between Colorado Rapids and D.C. United at Audi Field on February 29, 2020 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Jose Argueta/ISI Photos/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – FEBRUARY 29: Edison Flores #10 of D.C. United during a game between D.C. United and Colorado Rapids. The Colorado Rapids defeated D.C. United 2-1 during their Major League Soccer (MLS) match at Audi Field during a game between Colorado Rapids and D.C. United at Audi Field on February 29, 2020 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Jose Argueta/ISI Photos/Getty Images) /

As Inter Miami and D.C. United get set to face off on Saturday, both looking to avenge opening-weekend losses, here are three tactical battles to look out for.

Although they lost in their season opener to Los Angeles FC and an outrageous Carlos Vela goal, Inter Miami CF look to bounce back against a revamped D.C. United side in Week 2.

With new editions Edison Flores and Julian Gressel, United will also look to earn the three points to kickstart their season after struggling to get going during their loss against the Colorado Rapids. Given both teams’ desire to get that crucial victory, allied with several intriguing individual battles, Saturday is sure to provide plenty of interesting tactical elements to consider.

Related Story. Inter Miami Vs LAFC: 3 things we learned. light

So, with that in mind, here are three tactical battles to watch for when Miami travels to D.C. United on Saturday afternoon.

LOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 01: The referee cautions Nicolas Figal #5 of Inter Miami CF during a match with LAFC during a game between Inter Miami CF and Los Angeles FC at Banc of California Stadium on March 01, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Rob Ericson/ISI Photos/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 01: The referee cautions Nicolas Figal #5 of Inter Miami CF during a match with LAFC during a game between Inter Miami CF and Los Angeles FC at Banc of California Stadium on March 01, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Rob Ericson/ISI Photos/Getty Images) /

3. Ola Kamara vs Nico Figal

Nicolas Figal had a phenomenal game against LAFC. The 25-year-old completed 17 passes and kept LAFC’s front three largely at bay. He could’ve easily been named Man of the Match if it wasn’t for Luis Robles’ heroics in goal, and, for an MLS debut, Figal showed his ability to potentially become one of Inter Miami’s most important players as the season progresses.

Meanwhile, for D.C. United, Ola Kamara had a quiet game against Colorado with just two shots on goal. Even though he completed 80% of his passes, the 30-year-old didn’t have too much to do. He held the ball up well and ran the channels to give his side an outlet, but unfortunately, that didn’t see him get a proper shot on target as service into him was limited.

If Figal (and his center-back partner Roman Torres) can recreate what the Rapids defenders did last game, it could prove difficult for Kamara to get going once again. And D.C.’s star striker is not impacting the game, that can only spell positive things for Inter Miami.

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