Preview: Inter Miami vs. Orlando City - prediction, team news, lineups

Both sides are currently outside the playoffs in the Eastern Conference, with the hosts in 11th place and the visitors one place higher, currently sitting in 10th.

Match preview

Inter Miami made a disastrous start to the MLS season, losing six games on the bounce from the middle of March until near the end of April, but their results have started to improve recently.

The Herons responded with five victories on the spin in all competitions, until they came unstuck against Nashville SC last time out, in a game where they never really managed to threaten their opponents.

Phil Neville's side were defeated 2-1 at GEODIS Park, but the scoreline was a little flattering, given that their opponents were on top for vast swathes of the game, and a much-improved performance will be needed this weekend.

On their day, it is clear that Inter Miami have what it takes to go toe-to-toe with some of the better sides in the Eastern Conference, defeating second-placed New England Revolution 2-1 in their last home match.

The Herons just need to be a little more consistent if they are going to challenge near the top end of the table this season, starting on Saturday, when they will be able to leapfrog their opponents and move into the playoffs with a victory.

Orlando City will be glad to be back on the road against this weekend, given that they once again struggled at home last time out, drawing 1-1 against New York City FC after Gabriel Segal netted a late equaliser.

The Lions have the worst home record of any side in the Western Conference, but they have largely looked solid on their travels, losing just one away match up to this point, which came against CF Montreal earlier this month.

Oscar Pareja's side are now without a win in their last three games in the MLS, while they also crashed out of the US Open Cup against Charlotte Independence, failing to register a shot on target in the entire match.

Although Orlando City are not in the best of form, they are still within touching distance of the playoffs, while they have also played one fewer game than the two teams immediately above them in the table, who they could rise above with a victory on Saturday.

Inter Miami Major League Soccer form:

L

L

W

W

W

L

Orlando City Major League Soccer form:

W

L

W

L

D

D

Team News

Inter Miami midfielder Gregore will not be available due to a foot injury, while forward Robbie Robinson is also likely to miss out, despite making progress in his recovery from a muscle issue.

Leonardo Campana is now without a goal in his last three games, meaning Josef Martinez could be brought in at striker, while the more familiar face of DeAndre Yedlin may be brought back in at right-wing back, replacing Harvey Neville.

Orlando City also have a notable absentee, with left-back Luca Petrasso still sidelined due to a thigh issue, so Kyle Smith could keep his place in the side, having been brought into the team against NY City FC last time out.

Striker Ercan Kara has now scored in his last two games, and the Austrian is set to lead the line again, with Facundo Torres playing just in behind, in what should be a 4-2-3-1 system.

Inter Miami possible starting lineup:

Callender; McVey, Sailor, Miller; Neville, Arroyo, Ulloa, Negri; Cremaschi, Taylor, Martinez

Orlando City possible starting lineup:

Gallese; Halliday, Antonio, Jansson, Smith; Araujo, Cartagena, Angulo, Torres, Gonzalez; Kara

We say: Inter Miami 2-1 Orlando City

Just one point separates Inter Miami and Orlando in the MLS table, indicating they are very evenly-matches sides, but we expect the hosts to emerge with a narrow victory.

The Herons have won their last three games at the DRV PNK Stadium, the most recent of which coming against a very strong New England Revolution side, so they should have enough about them to take all three points on Saturday.

How to watch

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