Inter Miami and FC Cincinnati are set to clash for the second time in under two weeks, with the home side eager to settle the score. On July 17, FC Cincinnati handed Lionel Messi and company a humbling 3-0 defeat and currently sit atop the MLS standings with a seven-point cushion over Miami, though the South Florida side still holds three games in hand.
Now, Miami faces the return fixture without Mess and Jordi Alba, who are both serving a mandatory one-match suspension for missing this week's MLS All-Star Game. But with their games in hand, Inter Miami have a golden opportunity to close the gap and make a serious push toward the top of the Eastern Conference.
Cincinnati, meanwhile, come into the weekend full of momentum. Following their convincing win over Miami, they edged out Real Salt Lake 1-0 thanks to a late goal from substitute Luca Orellano in the 87th minute. That result marked their second straight victory and solidified their position at the summit: 48 points from 24 matches lead both the East and the overall league table.
Here's everything you need to know about New England Revolution vs. Inter Miami
How to watch Inter Miami vs. FC Cincinnati
Time: Saturday, July 26, 7:15 pm ET
Venue: Chase Stadium (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.)
TV & streaming: Apple TV+, MLS Season Pass, FS1, FOX Deportes
Inter Miami vs. FC Cincinnati projected lineups
In addition to the absences of Messi and Alba, manager Javier Mascherano is facing mounting concerns at the back.
Defenders Noah Allen and Ian Fray, along with midfielders Yannick Bright and Baltasar Rodríguez, remain sidelined through injury. Goalkeepers Óscar Ustari and Drake Callender are also unavailable, while Fafa Picault is suspended due to yellow card accumulation.
The string of absences leaves Inter Miami’s backline severely depleted ahead of their crucial rematch with Eastern Conference leaders FC Cincinnati.
The Orange and Blue have solidified their status as one of MLS’s elite in recent seasons, finishing 10th, 1st, and 5th in the overall standings over the past three years. This season, their attacking duo of Kevin Denkey and Evander has been electric, combining for 27 goals. However, Cincinnati will be without Denkey and Obinna Nwobodo due to leg injuries, while Yuya Kubo is ruled out with an ankle problem.
Still, the midfielder Evander remains a major threat. Currently his team’s top scorer, the Brazilian had scored in five consecutive games before coming up empty last weekend. He’ll be especially motivated to rediscover that form, having netted a brace in the recent 3-0 victory over Inter Miami. Once again, all eyes will be on him as Cincinnati look to repeat that dominant performance.
Inter Miami projected lineup (4-5-1, right to left)
Ríos Novo (GK); Marcelo Weigandt, Gonzalo Lujan, Tomas Aviles, Noah Allen; Tadeo Allende, Fede Redondo, Sergio Busquets, Benjamin Cremaschi, Telasco Segovia; Luis Suarez
Inter Miami player status report
Jordi Alba - Suspension (Out), Drake Callender - Sports Hernia (Out), Ian Fray - Adductor (Out), Lionel Messi - Suspension (Out), Allen Obando - Hamstring (Questionable), Baltasar Rodriguez - Hamstring (Out), Oscar Ustari - Hamstring (Out), Noah Allen - Hamstring (Questionable).
FC Cincinnati projected lineup (3-4-1-2, right to left)
Roman Celentano (GK); Miles Robinson, Matt Miazga, Lukas Engel; DeAndre Yedlin, Pavel Bucha, Tah Anunga, Luca Orellano; Evander; Gerardo Valenzuela, Sergio Santos.
FC Cincnnati player status report
Kévin Denkey - Leg (Out), Yuya Kubo - Ankle (Out), Obinna Nwobodo - Quad (Out), Paul Walters - Foot (Out).
Inter Miami vs. FC Cincinnati prediction
Despite two high-profile absences, there’s plenty on the line for both clubs. Inter Miami are aiming to solidify their playoff position, powered by a red-hot attack. FC Cincinnati, meanwhile, are looking to stay ahead of a chasing Nashville side as they push to remain top of the East.
With Messi out, most eyes will focus on Luis Suarez in the Miami attack, but it's Telasco Segovia who is in form coming off a brace last weekend. And while Miami might be shorthanded, don't underestimate the possibility they will also have some extra energy because they feel wronged by the league's decision.