Tensions will be high in Florida on Sunday, as rivals Orlando City and Inter Miami face off in a pivotal clash for the playoffs. With just a point between them and the shocking outcome of the reverse fixture in May, this is a match you cannot miss.
With both teams making it to the Top 4 of the League Cup MLS group, there is a real chance they meet in the semi-finals again, a few weeks from now. Both sides showed their most dominant side mid-week, as Orlando crushed Necaxa 5-1 and Inter Miami beat UNAM Pumas 3-1.
For the Lions, it was their fourth win in their last five competitive games. While their attack was at its best, it was also their 10th consecutive match conceding at least one goal, which should boost Inter Miami's confidence.
No Lionel Messi? No problem. Luis Suarez took the reins and produced a world-class performance with a goal and two assists. With Messi's return potentially getting postponed by another week, Suarez may once again have to carry his team to victory.
How the bookies view it: Did they underestimate the Herons?
We understand that home advantage makes a huge difference in the MLS, but the odds seem a bit extreme. Bookmakers gave Orlando City a massive advantage at 3/4, while Inter Miami are available at 3/1. Alternatively, the draw has been priced at 31/10.
Recent head to head: The Lions stole the three points in May
As one of the biggest rivalries in the MLS, Orlando City and Inter Miami often produce highlight fixtures. The first one of this season was as shocking as they come, since the Lions won the three points via a 3-0 away from home. But the overall picture shows a tie in recent results between the two teams. Both sides won three each in the last 10 H2Hs.
Players to watch: Ojeda is carrying Orlando
How incredible has Martin Ojeda been this season? The Argentinian has been putting out MVP-esque numbers, with 25 goal contributions in 25 appearances in the MLS (G13, A12). In fact, he has scored or assisted at least one goal in 12 consecutive fixtures in all competitions, including 11 in his last five matches. Back in May, he provided the pass for the second goal against Inter Miami.
Probable line-ups
Orlando City: Gallese, Brekalo, Jansson, Schlegel, Freeman, Araujo, Pasalic, Smith, Muriel, Angulo, Ojeda
Inter Miami: Rios Novo, Alba, Falcon, Lujan, Weigandt, Bright, Busquets, De Paul, Allende, Suarez, Segovia
Anything else catch the eye?
Based on the recent performances of the two teams, we can expect a completely different type of match. This will not be a one-sided clash, and we will definitely not see a 3-0 for either side. Both teams have been extremely clinical and have been scoring multiple goals per match.
In Orlando's case, they've had 10 games in a row with both teams scoring goals. And in Inter Miami's case, the Herons had nine out of 10 games with at least three goals. We expect a ton of action and it's hard to predict a winner. Their performances and stats in the MLS are nearly identical ahead of this game.
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