Preview: Inter Miami vs. FC Cincinnati - prediction, team news, lineups

The Orange and Blue head into the weekend on a run of two consecutive defeats in their last two away games against Phil Neville's men and will look to end this dry spell.

Match preview

Inter Miami continue to struggle for results away from home as they suffered a 2-0 defeat at the hands of New York City FC when the sides squared off last Sunday.

In an action-packed affair at the Yankee Stadium, Maxi Moralez struck inside the opening 12 minutes to put the hosts ahead before 30-year-old Heber netted in the 75th minute to make sure of the result.

Inter Miami have now failed to taste victory in each of their last eight games on the road across all competitions, picking up two draws and losing six since April's 1-0 win at Miami FC in the US Open Cup.

Neville's side now returned home where they have lost two of their last three outings, including a 6-0 thrashing at the hands of La Liga giants Barcelona in a friendly fixture two Wednesdays ago.

The Herons have now picked up seven wins, four draws and lost 10 of their 21 games so far to collect 25 points and sit 11th in the Eastern Conference standings, three points off Saturday's visitors in the final playoffs spot.

Like the hosts, FC Cincinnati failed to find their feet in the Eastern Conference as they were held to a disappointing 1-1 draw by Nashville when the sides met at the TQL Stadium last weekend.

After falling behind to Teal Bunbury's sixth-minute opener, the Orange and Blue upped the ante in the second period as former Nashville man Brandon Vazquez struck seven minutes into the second period to force a share of the spoils.

Pat Noonan's side have now failed to win any of their last six games, claiming five draws and losing once while since a 1-0 home victory over Orlando City on July 25.

This somewhat disappointing run has been owing to their struggles at the defensive end of the pitch, where they have shipped 12 goals and failed to keep a clean sheet since their victory over the Lions.

While Cincinnati will be looking to end this dry spell and return to winning ways, they take on an opposing side who have won four of their last five home games in the league and are unbeaten in seven of their last eight since April.

Inter Miami Major League Soccer form:

Inter Miami form (all competitions):

FC Cincinnati Major League Soccer form:

Team News

Inter Miami will take to the pitch without the defensive duo of Brek Shea and 19-year-old Ian Fray, who are currently recuperating from shoulder and ACL injuries.

They are joined on the Herons' injury table by 23-year-old winger Robbie Robinson, who sustained a hamstring problem back in May's game against Portland Timbers.

Costa Rican forward Ariel Lassiter, who has three goal involvements this season, is also set to sit out his sixth consecutive game through a muscle injury.

With his leveller against Nashville last time out, Vazquez now has 11 goals and four assists under his belt this season and we expect the 23-year-old to spearhead the Cincinnati attack once again, alongside Alvaro Barreal and Brazilian international Brenner.

On the injury front, Noonan will be unable to call upon 29-year-old Dominique Badji, who is currently nursing a leg problem, while defender Ronald Matarrita has been sidelined due to a tendon injury.

Inter Miami possible starting lineup:

Callender; Yedlin, Mcvey, Sailor, Gibbs; Mota, Gregore; Taylor, Pozuelo, Vassilev; Higuain

FC Cincinnati possible starting lineup:

Celentano, Cameron, Hagglund, Murphy; Powell, Kubo, Barreal, Nwobodo, Nelson; Vazquez, Brenner

We say: Inter Miami 2-1 FC Cincinnati

Inter Miami return home where they will be looking to restore some pride following their humbling defeat at the hands of Barcelona. They have won four of their last five home matches in the league and we are backing them to continue this fine run and claim all three points against a floundering Cincinnati side.

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