Inter Miami will be keen to retain their top spot in MLS Easterm Conference when they face CF Montreal this weekend.
Lionel Messi’s much-anticipated debut in Canada headlines this weekend’s MLS action as Inter Miami venture to Saputo Stadium to take on CF Montreal, with both teams eyeing crucial points at opposing ends of the table.
CF Montreal find themselves in a precarious position following a 4-1 defeat to Nashville SC, slipping to 11th place in the Eastern Conference. Despite a promising start to Laurent Courtois’s coaching tenure, the home side has struggled to maintain momentum, enduring a three-game winless streak in league fixtures.
The home advantage at Saputo Stadium offers a glimmer of hope for CF Montreal, who remain unbeaten on their own turf this season. However, defensive vulnerabilities have plagued their campaign, conceding in all but two matches and also letting in the most goals in the Eastern Conference.
In contrast, Inter Miami arrive brimming with confidence after a resounding 6-2 victory over the New York Red Bulls, solidifying their position atop the Supporters’ Shield standings. Tata Martino’s side showcases remarkable resilience, rallying from conceding the opening goal in their last four MLS fixtures to secure victories.
The clash against CF Montreal presents an opportunity for Inter Miami to extend their record-breaking winning streak and further assert their dominance in the league. With three away victories already under their belt this season, Inter Miami aim to capitalise on their attacking depth and secure another crucial win on the road. The Hard Tackle delves into the potential elevens and tactics for this highly-anticipated clash.
Team News & Tactics
CF Montreal
Laurent Courtois faces an uphill battle as he navigates a slew of injuries plaguing CF Montreal’s roster. Striker Matias Coccaro is sidelined with a long-term knee issue, while Kwadwo Opoku’s ankle ligament tear further compounds Montreal’s woes in the attacking department. More so, Dominik Yankov’s hamstring strain adds to the injury woes.
Former Inter Miami striker Josef Martinez’s absence due to a minor knock further deprives Montreal of his attacking prowess, leaving Courtois with limited options upfront. Additionally, defensive concerns loom large with Joaquin Sosa nursing a lower leg problem, and Lassi Lappalainen’s availability uncertain due to a minor injury.
Nathan-Dylan Saliba’s sore hip and Grayson Doody’s ankle issue further exacerbate Montreal’s injury woes. Despite the challenges, Raheem Edwards and George Campbell’s milestone appearances offer a glimmer of positivity amidst the adversity.
Courtois is likely to deploy his side in a 3-4-1-2 formation, with Jonathan Sirois in goal. He should be protected by the centre-back trio of George Campbell, Joel Waterman, and Gabriele Corbo.
Samuel Piette and Mathieu Choiniere should hold the fort in the centre, with Ruan Gregorio Teixeira and Raheem Edwards providing the width. Bryce Duke should be deployed as the no. 10, with Mason Toye and Ariel Lassiter leading the line.
Probable Lineup (3-4-1-2): Sirois; Campbell, Waterman, Corbo; Teixeira, Piette, Choiniere, Edwards; Duke; Toye, Lassiter
Inter Miami
Inter Miami face their own injury woes as they prepare for the upcoming clash against CF Montreal. Jordi Alba’s continued absence due to a hamstring strain deprives Inter Miami of defensive stability, while Diego Gomez’s ankle sprain adds to their defensive concerns.
Federico Redondo remains sidelined with an LCL injury, further depleting the team’s defensive options, while Robbie Robinson’s potential knee surgery looms large, raising doubts about his availability in the foreseeable future.
More so, Shanyder Borgelin’s hamstring ailment adds to Inter Miami’s injury list, casting uncertainty over his participation in the upcoming fixture. However, there is a glimmer of hope with Serhiy Kryvtsov potentially returning to full fitness after a sore hamstring, offering a boost to the team’s defensive ranks. Meanwhile, Facundo Farias remains sidelined with an ACL tear.
Gerardo Martino is expected to line his side up in a 4-3-3 system with Drake Callender in goal. He should be protected by the backline of Marcelo Weigandt, Tomas Aviles, Nicolas Freire, and Ian Fray.
Sergio Busquets will be the pivot in central midfield, with David Ruiz and Matias Rojas playing further upfield. Luis Suarez scored a hat-trick last time out and should be ably supported by Lionel Messi and Robert Taylor.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Callender; Weigandt, Aviles, Freire, Fray; Rojas, Busquets, Ruiz; Messi, Suarez, Taylor
Ways to Watch
- Apple TV – MLS Season Pass; TSN 5, RDS
Key Stats
- CF Montreal are unbeaten in their last four home games against Inter Miami.
- With 32 goals so far, Inter Miami are by far the most prolific side in MLS this season.
- Inter Miami boast only the sixth-best defence in the Eastern Conference, having conceded 18 goals so far.
- Victory on the night will see Inter Miami win five games in a row, a franchise record.
- Inter Miami have won their last four MLS games where they have conceded first.
Player to Watch
Lionel Messi
Arguably the greatest footballer ever, Lionel Messi will be buzzing after a sensational performance against New York Red Bulls. The World Cup winner scored and assisted five more goals in what was a resounding win for Inter Miami last time out.
He is currently on ten goals this season alongside Luis Suarez as the former Barcelona duo fight it out for the Golden Boot. Whether it be as a creator or a goalscorer, Messi will be keen to mark his first foray into Canada with another scintillating performance.
Prediction
CF Montreal 1-3 Inter Miami
Inter Miami’s porous defence means CF Montreal will get opportunities of their own to leave a mark on the game. However, the visitors’ strength lies in their attack and with two of the greatest attackers in recent times in top form, Inter Miami should waltz home to a comfortable win.
