New York City FC travel down south to take on Inter Miami in a MLS Matchday 35 clash on September 30 at DRV PNK Stadium.
The Herons went for glory last time out without stars Jordi Alba and Lionel Messi, and it didn't all go to plan. Miami missed out on a chance to hoist their second trophy in team history, but they'll be looking to have short memories as they're back in action three days later at DRV PNK Stadium.
Miami are still on the outside looking in when it comes to the 2023 MLS Cup playoffs, but they still have a chance to qualify with five games left to go in the regular season. Miami sit in 14th place in the Eastern Conference with 32 points, and although they've made up some ground in the playoff race, they might just have to win out to make the dance.
NYCFC are on a five game unbeaten run and have a slight grip on the last playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, ninth place, with just three games to go in their campaign with 37 points collected. If their remaining contests don't go to plan, there's still a chance that a team like Miami could sneak up on them in the standings as they have two games in hand, especially if the Herons pick up a win against the Boys in Blue.
What time Inter Miami vs New York City FC kick-off?
- Location: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
- Stadium: DRV PNK Stadium
- Date: 30 September 2023
- Kick-off time: 19:30 EST / 16:30 PT / 00:30 BST *1 October 2023
- Referee: Victor Rivas
Inter Miami vs New York City FC H2H record
- Inter Miami: 1 win
- NYCFC: 7 wins
- Draws: 0
- Last Meeting: NYCFC 1-0 Inter Miami (MLS) - 11 March 2023
Where to watch Inter Miami vs New York City FC on TV/live stream
Inter Miami team news
Miami head coach Gerardo 'Tata' Martino made it clear that had the game against Houston Dynamo not been a final, then there would've been zero chance of the 36-year-old taking part in some shape or form. But since Messi was essentially a game-time decision, there could be a chance for him to feature against NYFC - although likely from the bench as a substitute.
Alba is expected to be back in action in the next week or so, so there might be a slim chance for the veteran full-back to also appear in the squad on the bench against NYC.
Inter Miami predicted lineup vs New York City FC
Inter Miami predicted lineup vs New York City FC ( 4-3-3 ): Callender; Yedlin, Aviles, Miller, Allen; Arroyo, Busquets, Ruiz; Farias, Martinez, Taylor.
New York City FC team news
The Boys in Blue have a trio of players that are on track to return to action in the middle of October. Cody Mizell and Keaton Parks both have leg injuries that they're recovering from, while Alfredo Morales is dealing with a groin injury.
Inter Miami vs New York City FC score prediction
Given that the Herons are playing at home, there's a chance for them to come away with three points. But due to fixture congestion, several of the players selected in Martino's starting lineup will be feeling the effect of playing three games in one week, while the visitors should be fresher for the contest having last played on September 24, nearly a full week's rest.
There will be goals from both sides, and the home side might have just enough in them to snatch a point in their hunt for a postseason spot.
Prediction: Inter Miami 2-2 NYCFC
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This article was originally published on 90min as Inter Miami vs New York City FC - MLS preview: TV channel, live stream, team news & prediction .
