Sports Mole takes an in-depth look at how Inter Miami could line up for Saturday’s MLS clash with Toronto.
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While Inter Miami still have a chance to claim the MLS points record should they win their final two matches we expect to see a few key players on the bench Saturday when they face Toronto.
Among those we do not expect to feature is captain Lionel Messi, who was selected to the Argentina squad for World Cup qualifying next week, and a player head coach Tata Martino cannot afford to lose through injury.
Seeing as the Herons have already clinched the Supporters Shield crown, we would be surprised to see Messi or their leading goalscorer, Luis Suarez, feature.
Meanwhile, on the injury front, David Martinez has an adductor strain, CJ dos Santos has a sore hand, and Lawson Sunderland is recovering from a hamstring problem and are all expected to sit this weekend.
ACL injuries will keep Nicolas Freire and Facundo Farias out of the Miami fold for this contest, while we will not see Leo Afonso, who has a groin strain.
Sergio Busquets‘s versatility has proven valuable throughout the season, which is why we expect the former Barcelona midfielder to feature along with full-back Jordi Alba.
If Suarez and Messi are relegated to the bench as we anticipate, then Leonardo Campana may be elevated to the starting 11 in their place, along with Robert Taylor, both of whom have stepped it up when those two were absent.
Drake Callender has been solid between the sticks and should continue to see minutes for this team in goal for their final two league fixtures.
Julian Gressel could reclaim his place out wide in the attack, while we are tipping Diego Gomez to also feature in the opening lineup.
Inter Miami possible starting lineup:
Callender; Weigandt, Fray, Allen, Alba; Bright, Busquets, Ruiz; Gressel, Campana, Gomez
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