Preview: Houston Dynamo vs. Inter Miami - prediction, team news, lineups

The hosts are currently in eighth place in the Western Conference, while the visitors will be looking to end their five-game losing streak.

Match preview

Houston earned their first point on the road last time out after drawing 1-1 with the New York Red Bulls at the Red Bull Arena.

Ben Olsen's side took the lead in the 68th minute when Adalberto Carrasquilla fired past Carlos Coronel, before the Red Bulls equalised in the 89th minute as Omir Fernandez headed the ball into the back of the net from a corner from John Tolkin.

Despite the disappointment of conceding so late on, Houston are one of the few sides in the entire league that have a 100% winning record at home so far this season, having won all three matches that have took place at the Shell Energy Stadium, so there are plenty of positives for Olsen and his side to focus on coming into this contest.

The most recent outing on home turf saw the Dynamo cruise to a 3-0 victory over the Los Angeles Galaxy, after Hector Herrera opened the scoring in the first half, and Amine Bassi converted his fourth penalty in as many games to double their lead, before adding his side's third 17 minutes from time.

Houston currently sit in eighth place in the Western Conference, however Olsen's side do have a game in hand on the teams that surround them, and victory this weekend could see them move into the top six should other results go in their favour.

Meanwhile, Inter Miami made a very promising start to the MLS season, winning their first two matches, but their form has nosedived in recent weeks, leaving them outside the playoff places, although it is still very early on in the season.

The Herons are currently on a five-game losing streak, and have only scored twice during that time, with both goals coming in the 3-2 defeat to the Chicago Fire back on March 25.

Phil Neville's side have picked up just six points from their opening seven matches, leaving them in 13th place in the Eastern Conference, although they have rarely been outplayed, losing their last two matches against FC Cincinnati and FC Dallas by a single goal despite dominating possession in both games.

Perhaps more alarmingly for Neville, both of his side's victories this season have come in front of their home fans, and they are yet to pick up a single point on their travels this season.

Houston Dynamo Major League Soccer form:

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D

Inter Miami Major League Soccer form:

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Team News

Hector Herrera will return from suspension after being sent off against the Los Angeles Galaxy, while Adalberto Carrasquilla will likely round off the front three and look to cause problems after getting on the scoresheet last time out.

Luis Caicedo looks set to retain his place in the engine room alongside Herrera and Artur, while Amine Bassi will seek to continue his goalscoring form, after netting five goals in his last five matches.

As for the visitors, Neville has several injury issues to deal with heading into this weekend's game, with Noah Allen still unavailable, having picked up an MCL injury in pre-season, while Ian Fray remains absent due to a knee problem.

Brazilian midfielder Gregore has been ruled out with a foot injury and remains on the treatment table, while new signings Dixon Arroyo and Kamal Miller may have to wait to make their debuts as they await visa clearance.

Houston Dynamo possible starting lineup:

Clark; Steres, Bartlow, Hadebe, Escobar; Herrera, Artur, Caicedo; Baird, Carrasquilla, Bassi

Inter Miami possible starting lineup:

Callender; Yedlin, Kryvstov, McVey, Negri; Mota, Duke, Taylor, Pizarro, Stefanelli; Martinez

We say: Houston Dynamo 1-0 Inter Miami

We can see Houston edging this contest and preserving their 100% record at home this weekend.

Miami are struggling to turn their possession into wins, and have endured a torrid time on the road so far this season.

How to watch

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