Only four teams have earned more points on the road than Inter Miami (18): Cincinnati (22), Chicago Fire (19), and Philadelphia Union (19). The Miami-based club will look to return to winning ways away from home to maintain momentum and avoid slipping down the table.
The Red Bulls emerged from their win over New England with no new injuries.
However, Cameron Harper (knee), Lewis Morgan, and Serge Ngoma (both with thigh problems) are expected to miss Saturday’s match against Mascherano’s side.
Choupo-Moting’s brace brought his league tally to 13 goals, and along with Forsberg—who contributed two goals and an assist—the duo could pose a major threat to an injury-hit Miami side.
Inter Miami, on the other hand, are dealing with a number of absentees: Noah Allen (hamstring), Drake Callender (hernia), Ian Fray (adductor), and Baltasar Rodriguez are all expected to be sidelined, while Allen Obando (hamstring) will be assessed ahead of the game.
Veteran goalkeeper Oscar Ustari is also out after being subbed off in the opening half-hour against Cincinnati, with Rocco Rios Novo likely to start in his place.
After drawing a blank midweek, Messi will be eager to get back on the scoresheet. The Argentine superstar currently has 16 league goals—just one behind Nashville’s Sam Surridge.
While Luis Suárez has only found the net five times this season, his creativity has been invaluable. The 38-year-old has notched nine assists in 17 matches and will look to be a decisive factor this weekend.
Predicted Lineups
New York Red Bulls:
Coronel; Duncan, Nealis, Eile, Valencia; Donkor, Edelman; Sofo, Forsberg, Carmona; Choupo-Moting
Inter Miami:
Novo; Weigandt, Avilles, Falcon, Alba; Allende, Cremaschi, Busquets, Segovia; Messi, Suárez
