Inter Miami head coach Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino won’t be looking to make too many changes to his starting lineup against Philadelphia Union after his side’s 4-0 triumph over Charlotte FC.
Lionel Messi has continued to steal the headlines in 2023 Leagues Cup, as he’s tallied eight goals and one assist in five games for the Herons. Josef Martinez has been showing signs of getting back to his 2018 form when he won the Golden Boot, and Robert Taylor has emerged as a goal-threat with Messi to elevate the levels of his Miami teammates.
Now, the Herons travel up north the eastern coast to take on Philadelphia in Messi’s second away game as a Miami player. The Union just might be the biggest test Miami and Messi have faced yet, and they’ll need their full-strength starting lineup to advance to the Leagues Cup final.
GK: Drake Callender – The 25-year-old has stepped up so far in the competition and has been reliable for Miami. While the spotlight has been primarily on Messi, Callender is definitely one to watch and has been vital for Martino’s team.
RB: DeAndre Yedlin – Not the flashiest player in the Miami squad, but he has an incredible work rate and has made several last ditch efforts to clear opponents’ crosses coming into his own penalty area. Tendency to get high up the pitch does leave a lot of space behind him, mind you.
CB: Serhiy Kryvstov – A solid center-back that gets the job done more times than not. Has struck up a good partnership with Kamal Miller.
CB: Kamal Miller – Miami’s best center-back option. He looks calm in possesion and is a commanding force in the middle.
LB: Jordi Alba – There’s no secret that Jordi Alba loves to get high up the pitch to aid with the attack. His two assists since joining Miami say it all, but he hasn’t been the best in tracking back. That being said, his link-up and chemistry with Messi is too valuable for him to not start the game.
CM: Dixon Arroyo – Another player who might not be as flashy as others but is necessary in every side. Arroyo helps Sergio Busquets in keeping the ball moving from defense to attack while cleaning up any loose balls.
CM: Sergio Busquets – He’s strolled through the midfield so far for Miami and hasn’t had to get out of first or second gear. If teams don’t press him enough – which they haven’t done so far – then he’s able to pick apart teams with clever passes.
CM: Benjamin Cremaschi – One of the more versatile players in the Herons’ squad, Cremaschi is able to play as an attacking midfielder, box-to-box midfielder, or as a winger. His skills will more than likely be utilized in the middle of the park as he plays slightly higher up the pitch compared to Arroyo and Busquets.
RW: Lionel Messi – The 36-year-old is absolutely the first name on the teamsheet for Martino and has made opposing defenders look silly so far with Miami. But will a rumored knock in training slow him down against Jim Curtin’s side?
ST: Josef Martinez – The former Atlanta United talisman has become an all-round striker with Miami, as he’s not only become his team’s designated penalty kick taker but has also linked up exceptionally well with his teammates around the opposition’s penalty area.
LW: Robert Taylor – The Finland international has transformed into an exceptional wide player that is capable of laying on assists for teammates as well as scoring well-taken goals.
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