Seeking the club's first-ever Supporters' Shield, Inter Miami face a tough home test as they face the visiting Philadelphia Union in south Florida on Saturday.
Lionel Messi returns to the Herons' squad for the first time since suffering a nasty ankle injury in the Copa America final over two months ago. Head coach Tata Martino hinted that he will be back either here or on Wednesday at Atlanta United, and he's fit to jump in for tonight's match.
With or without Messi, Inter Miami have been one of the best teams in MLS, currently sitting not only atop the Eastern Conference standings but leading the overall race for the regular season championship as well. They have a seven-point lead on the LA Galaxy for the coveted award, and hold a game in hand on their west coast challengers as well.
The Union, meanwhile, are in a precarious position. They sit two points outside the final playoff spot, but have a game in hand on the current eighth-placed side D.C. United. Yet with seven matches remaining, they don't quite control their own destiny, as Atlanta United sit between them and the playoffs and also have only played 27 games.
LIVE BLOG: Follow along as Inter Miami and the Philadelphia Union meet in Lionel Messi's return
Inter Miami vs. Philadelphia Union live stream, TV channelDate: Saturday, September 14, 2024Time: 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PTTV channel: NoneStreaming: MLS Season Pass from Apple TVThe MLS match between Inter Miami and the Philadelphia Union will be available exclusively to MLS Season Pass subscribers on Apple TV.
With the home stretch in view, MLS Season Pass on Apple TV is now offering its lowest price of the season. Fans can sign up for a seasonal subscription to MLS Season Pass for just $9.99 to catch the remainder of the 2024 season, including the MLS Cup playoffs. Existing Apple TV+ subscribers can sign up for a seasonal subscription to MLS Season Pass for free for the remainder of the 2024 season and playoffs.
What time is Inter Miami vs. Philadelphia Union kickoff?This MLS regular season match kicks off from Chase Stadium on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. local time in Ft. Lauderdale, FL.
Here's how that time translates across the time zones in North America:
DateKickoff timeEastern TimeSat, Sep. 147:30 p.m.Central TimeSat, Sep. 146:30 p.m.Mountain TimeSat, Sep. 145:30 p.m.Pacific TimeSat, Sep. 144:30 p.m.MORE: Find out which games are streaming free on MLS Season pass from Apple TV each week
Inter Miami vs. Philadelphia Union lineups & team newsLionel Messi is fit to return for Inter Miami in this match, and he slots straight into the starting XI for Tata Martino.
Inter Miami are missing the likes of Nicolas Freire, Leo Afonso, and Facundo Farias to long-term injuries, while Matias Rojas is out for another few weeks with an ankle injury. Tomas Aviles will return from his red card suspension.
The Herons' midfield has surprising depth, with Benjamin Cremaschi and David Ruiz seemingly in rotation with the likes of Yannick Bright and Federico Redondo. Meanwhile, Sergio Busquets has played both in the middle and along the back line this season.
Inter Miami starting lineup (3-4-3): Callender (GK) — Aviles, Busquets, H. Martinez — Weigandt, Redondo, D. Gomez, Alba — Messi, Suarez, Gressel.
The September international break turned into a nightmare for the Philadelphia Union. Playmaking wizard Daniel Gazdag had to withdraw from international duty with Hungary due to a muscle injury, but he's ok to see the field here. Unfortunately, the same can't be said for star goalkeeper Andre Blake who picked up a groin problem with Jamaica and misses out. That's the Union's two most important players with recent fitness concerns.
Striker Tai Baribo didn't make it through warmups with the Israel national team against Italy, cropping up with a hamstring issue, but is fit to take part in this match. Jean Jacques wasn't so lucky, injuring his ankle while playing for Haiti and is likely to miss out.
Now 37 years old, club captain Alejandro Bedoya needs constant management of his minutes. He rotates in and out of the starting lineup, and having started each of the last two matches, he could fall back into a bench role here, replaced by Quinn Sullivan.
Philadelphia starting lineup (4-4-2 diamond): Rick (GK) — Harriel, Glesnes, Elliott, Wagner — Bueno — Sullivan, McGlynn — Gazdag — Baribo, Uhre.
Inter Miami vs. Philadelphia Union prediction, betting odds & linesScore prediction: Inter Miami 3-1 PhiladelphiaThe Union have struggled for consistency this season, with little to distinguish when they play better or worse. Their road win over the New York Red Bulls was their first victory in nearly a month, unable to couple positive defensive performances with strong attacking displays.
Inter Miami are a strong side with or without Lionel Messi, and they play even better when at home. The Herons should snatch the there points here and position themselves on the precipice of confirming the Supporters' Shield.
BetMGM(USA)Inter Miami win-190Draw+340Philadelphia win+425Both teams
to scoreY: -175
N: +120Over / Under
3.5 goalsO: +115
U: -165Inter Miami
-1.5 goals+130Philadelphia
+1.5 goals-185
