Inter Miami will be looking to make it 10 wins on the bounce when they take on Nashville SC at the DRV PNK Stadium on Wednesday evening.
The hosts have been in inspired form since the arrival of Lionel Messi but currently sit 14th in the Eastern Conference, while the visitors are up in seventh place.
Match preview
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After a very slow start to the season, Inter Miami are second-bottom in the Eastern Conference, having taken just 21 points from their opening 23 games, but they could still make a late push for the playoff places.
As it stands, the Herons are currently 11 points behind ninth-placed Chicago Fire, but they have two games in hand at their disposal, and their recent form suggests they could be capable of closing the gap.
Since the arrival of Messi, Gerardo Martino's side have been nothing short of sensational, winning their last nine games on the spin in all competitions, and progressing to two finals while the MLS season has been on hold.
After winning every one of their Leagues Cup games, Inter Miami lifted the trophy for the first time, defeating Nashville SC in a penalty shootout in the final, and they have since made it to the final of the US Open Cup.
The Herons again emerged victorious on penalties, this time against FC Cincinnati in the semi-final, after overcoming a two-goal deficit to draw 3-3 in regular time, setting up a final against Houston Dynamo at the end of September.
Until then, Martino's side will be focussing on the MLS, and Messi got off to the perfect start in the league, scoring the second in a 2-0 victory against New York Red Bulls last time out.
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Nashville will be keen to avenge their defeat in the Leagues Cup final earlier this month, having also exhibited some very promising signs while the MLS has been on hold, defeating the likes of FC Cincinnati, Club America and Minnesota United.
However, the Boys in Gold's form in the league leaves a lot to be desired, losing six of their last seven MLS games, and they have not won away from home since the beginning of June.
Although there has been a major dip in form, Gary Smith's side remain in a solid position to finish in the top seven, currently sitting three points clear of third-placed CF Montreal, but they will need to start picking up positive results quickly.
After impressing in the Leagues Cup, Nashville SC immediately reverted to type in the MLS in their most recent match, losing 4-0 away at Atlanta United in a game where they never looked like scoring, recording just one shot on target.
Team News
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Inter Miami rested Messi for the first hour against New York Red Bulls, but the 36-year-old made a huge impact off the bench, scoring his 11th goal in his last nine games, and he is poised to return to the starting lineup on Wednesday.
Corentin Jean is expected to miss out with a knee injury, while Franco Negri and Gregore have also been suffering with long-term issues, which means neither will be available for selection in the upcoming match.
Nashville SC have just one player out with injury, with Nick DePuy still sidelined, but Smith may choose to make a few changes to his side anyway, given that they were soundly beaten against Atlanta United last time out.
Teal Bunbury may come in at striker, where he is likely to be accompanied by Sam Surridge, who has scored three goals in his last five games.
Inter Miami possible starting lineup:
Callender; Yedlin, Aviles, Kryvtsov, Miller, Alba; Busquets, Gomez, Mota; Messi, Campana
Nashville SC possible starting lineup:
Willis; Moore, Macnaughton, Maher, Lovitz; Shaffelburg, Davis, Godoy, Muyl; Surridge, Bunbury
We say: Inter Miami 2-1 Nashville SC
Inter Miami have been simply phenomenal since Messi arrived from Paris Saint-Germain, while Nashville SC have been in very poor form in the MLS, losing six of their last seven games.
When the two sides met in the Leagues Cup final at Geodis Park, it was a tight affair, but Inter Miami ultimately came out on top, and we expect them to make it two wins on the spin against their opponents on Wednesday.
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Top tip
Dominic Lund
