MLS first round preview, predictions, team news

Inter Miami will face Atlanta United in the first game of a best-of-three series in the first round of the Eastern Conference MLS Cup Playoffs.

The Herons broke the MLS single-season points record after their 6-2 comeback win over the New England Revolution on the final day of the regular season. Lionel Messi scored his first MLS hat-trick as Miami reached 74 points having already secured the Supporters' Shield.

Atlanta, on the other hand, narrowly missed out in the Eastern Conference wild card game, preventing CF Montréal from scoring a comeback home win. Atlanta led 2-0 in the first half, but the Canadian team equalized the score just before injury time with a penalty from Josef Martínez. Atlanta goalkeeper Brad Guzan saved a penalty in the shootout, catapulting the Five Stripes into the next round.

Here's everything you need to know ahead of Inter Miami vs. Atlanta United in the playoffs.

Last meeting: Atlanta United 2-2 Inter Miami (September 18, 2024) – MLS

Current form (all competitions)

Martino is still without the likes of Facundo Farías and Nicolás Freire after the duo suffered serious knee injuries earlier this year. David Ruiz and Oscar Ustari are both recovering from hamstring injuries and could return by mid-November if the Herons advance in the playoffs.

Matías Rojas is also unavailable due to an ankle injury. The Paraguayan could return in November.

Predicted lineup of Inter Miami vs. Atlanta United (4-3-3): caller; Weigandt, Avilés, Martínez, Alba; Busquets, Redondo, Gressel, Messi, Suárez, Gómez.

Edwin Mosquera and backup goalkeeper Quentin Westberg were both unavailable for the game against Montreal due to knee and head injuries. Both players will miss the first game against Miami. Mosquera is unlikely to return to action in 2024, while Westberg could be called up to the bench if Atlanta advances in the postseason.

Predicted Lineup of Atlanta United vs. Inter Miami (4-2-3-1): Guzan; Hernandez, Gregersen, Williams, Amador; Slisz, Fortune; Lennon, Miranchuk, Lobjanidze; Rios.

Atlanta was the last team to beat Miami at Chase Stadium in late May, winning 3-1 with Thiago Almada and Giorgos Giakoumakis on the roster. However, both players have since left the club as Atlanta is a completely different team under interim coach Rob Valentino.

The 3-1 scoreline will return, but this time it will be in Herons' favor as Martino's side take their first win against Atlanta since July 2023. Atlanta will take an early lead through Saba Lobjanidze, but Miami will bounce back with a barrage of goals to secure victory in game one.

Prediction: Inter Miami 3-1 Atlanta United

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