Predicting Inter Miami’s starting XI against Atlanta United

Here’s a prediction of the starting XI Inter Miami will have against Atlanta United

On Sunday, Inter Miami played to a 0-0 draw to fellow expansion club Nashville SC. Miami’s next game is against a slumping Atlanta United side on September 9th; with this short resting period manager Diego Alonso will be forced to switch out some of his players due to fatigue. With another chance to get a win at home, what will Miami’s starting lineup look like vs Atlanta United?

Inter Miami Defense: Figal, Pirez, Reyes, and Sweat

Over the past two games, Inter Miami’s defense has looked promising. Against both Atlanta and Nashville, Miami held their opponent scoreless. Compared to their games at the “MLS is Back” tournament, Inter Miami has seemed to find a back four that works well together.

The signing of Leandro Gonzalez Pirez can’t be understated. Since he’s joined the club the team’s defense has significantly improved in a number of ways, including its ability to defend set-pieces and organization.

On Wednesday, expect the backline to go largely unchanged: Ben Sweat will start at left-back, Gonzalez-Pirez, and Andres Reyes as the center back duo and Nico Figal holding it down at right back. On the bench, Miami does have the options of Dylan Nealis and Brek Shea, but Alonso will look to keep his defensive line together for the sake of consistency.

Inter Miami Midfield: Matuidi and Ulloa

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In midfield, after resting against Nashville we could see Wil Trapp get the start over Victor Ulloa, but due to consistency, Ulloa should retain his starting spot. Alongside him, Blaise Matuidi who made his debut will continue to cement his spot as Miami’s midfield engine.

Against Nashville, the Frenchman showed his quality, completing 91% of his passes and keeping the midfield stable.

Although he was taken out in the 79th minute, his presence was felt. Matuidi organized the midfield, kept the offense flowing, and provided cover for Miami’s back four.

Atlanta will prove to be a more difficult test, but not an impossible one. The Five Stripes are coming off a 1-1 draw against Orlando and Miami’s continual clean sheets should help wth momentum going into this next match. Expect Victor Ulloa and Blaise Matuidi to start on Wednesday night. Their partnership looks promising and Alonso would want to keep that midfield pairing together.

Inter Miami Attack: Pizarro, Morgan, Shea, Robinson

The attack could see some new faces in the starting 11. Expect Rodolfo Pizarro to retain his spot as the team’s offensive firepower. Inter Miami’s offense flows through him and the 26-year-old has taken the initiative to put the team on his shoulders.

Alongside the Mexican international, we should see Lewis Morgan on the right and perhaps Brek Shea on the left. Morgan has been one of Inter Miami’s most steady performers, with his pace and skill on the ball, Morgan’s crossing has Miami’s main offensive threat.

On the left, although Juan Agudelo started there against Nashville, Brek Shea is a more natural winger. Against Atlanta’s overlapping fullbacks, Shea’s pace and the tendency for early crossing could help free up Miami’s number 9.

Up top, expect 21-year-old rookie Robbie Robinson to get the start. He came on as a substitute against Nashville and had more of an impact compared to his counterpart Julian Carranza who was taken out in the 54th minute. Robbie will be able to use his strength and pace to bully Atlanta’s defenders and that should provide more space for players like Pizarro and Morgan. Whoever starts, it’s clear that with a short rest period and tactical fluidity, changes will need to be made.