Charlotte FC welcome Inter Miami to Bank of America Stadium for a Saturday night showdown in MLS Matchday 38 – Decision Day.
Miami don’t have too much to play for given that they’ve already been eliminated from 2023 MLS Cup playoffs contention, but they’ll be looking to finish the season on a high note. Their season was a downward spiral until the club parted ways with head coach Phil Neville, and despite finishing near the bottom of the Eastern Conference, the south Florida side still managed to pick up silverware while adding superstars such as Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba along the way.
On the other hand, Charlotte still have everything to play for at home. If they are to qualify for the postseason, they’ll not only need to pick up three points against Miami, who’ll likely have Messi and Alba take to the field at some point, but they’ll also need two of the following to drop points in their Decision Day contests: New York Red Bulls (at Nashville SC), CF Montreal (at Columbus Crew) and Chicago Fire (at New York City FC).
Miami currently sits in 14th place in the Eastern Conference table with 34 points, while Charlotte hope to leap into a playoff spot from their 12th place with 40 points behind Karol Swiderski’s 12 goals in 2023. The two sides met earlier this week on Wednesday in a makeup clash, and it ended all square in a 2-2 draw after Miami’s Robbie Robinson found a late equalizer to snatch a point for the Herons.
Charlotte FC vs Inter Miami H2H record
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Messi himself confirmed while on international duty with Argentina that he will suit up one last time for Miami in MLS in 2023. As he played the full 90 against Peru, it wouldn’t be a shock if the 36-year-old starts from the jump against Charlotte.
Alba could also feature in the starting lineup after coming on for the last half-hour in the reverse fixture on Wednesday.
Serhiy Kryvstov is expected to miss out on the contest due to a muscle injury, but he should be back with the team for their international tour to China for a pair of friendly games.
Inter Miami predicted lineup vs Charlotte FC (4-3-3 ): Callender; Yedlin, Aviles, Miller, Alba; Gregore, Busquets, Cremaschi; Messi, Campana, Farias.
A leg injury will more than likely keep Vinicius Mello out of this one, while Ben Bender is also sidelined with a knee injury for the next few weeks and could get back in the mix should Charlotte punch their ticket to the playoffs.
Charlotte will give this one their all due to the circumstances, but it probably won’t be enough to ensure three points and give themselves a chance at MLS Cup glory. The Crown will put away a couple of chances at home in what will more than likely be a huge crowd, but Miami and Messi’s potent attack gives them a chance in any game, no matter who or where they’re playing.
The home side will miss out on the playoffs in an entertaining 2-2 draw and will therefore join the Herons on the couch for 2023 MLS Cup playoffs. There’s always next year, as they say.
Prediction: Charlotte FC 2-2 Inter Miami
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