Inter Miami take on Atlanta United at the DRV PNK Stadium on Saturday evening, in the latest round of MLS fixtures.
The hosts are 12th in the Eastern Conference, after a slow start to the season, while the visitors are faring well, currently sitting up in third place.
Match preview
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Inter Miami could not have got off to a better start this season, winning their first two games, but they have struggled ever since, having acquired just nine points from their opening nine games.
The Herons went on a run of failing to score in five out of six games from the middle of March until the end of April, losing six games on the spin, but they have started to show signs of improvement recently.
Phil Neville's side defeated Miami FC on penalties in the US Open Cup, after drawing 2-2 in normal time, and they followed that important victory up with another win last time out, which came in unexpected fashion.
Given that Columbus Crew have made a solid start to the season, now sitting in sixth place, Inter Miami were not expected to take anything from their trip to Lower.com Field, but they emerged with a 2-1 victory thanks to a brace from Leonardo Campana.
However, the Herons are now tasked with another tough test on Saturday, having won just one of the last six encounters between the two sides, and their opponents have started the season very well.
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Indeed, Atlanta have made a fantastic start to the season, picking up 18 points from their first 10 games, which leaves them just three points behind top-of-the-table New England Revolution.
The Five Stripes have been prolific in front of goal, having scored 19 goals up to this point, the second-highest amount across both the Eastern and Western Conference, but they have been a little suspect defensively.
Gonzalo Pineda's side have conceded 16 goals so far this season, the second-highest amount in the Eastern Conference, with a large amount coming in a heavy 6-1 defeat against Columbus Crew near the end of March.
Atlanta's form has dropped off a little as of late, crashing out of the US Open Cup in unexpected fashion, losing 2-1 at home against Memphis 901, and they suffered their second away defeat of the season last time out.
In a trip to Nashville SC, the Five Stripes dominated possession and had more shots than their opponents, but they ultimately lost 3-1, failing to capitalise on a chance to potentially move top of the league.
Team News
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Inter Miami have a couple of long-term absentees who will continue to miss out, with defender Ian Fray still suffering with a knee injury, while captain Gregore has been ruled out for the season with a foot injury.
Left-winger Robbie Robinson will also continue to be unavailable, so Nicolas Stefanelli is likely to keep his place in the side, with Christopher Mcvey replacing Corentin Jean on the opposite flank, playing provider for Campana in attack.
As for Atlanta, Osvaldo Alonso cannot feature due to a long-term knee injury, with veteran goalkeeper Brad Guzan also set to miss out, so Clement Diop is expected to continue between the sticks.
Thiago Almada has been fantastic so far this season, weighing in with five goals and six assists in eight MLS appearances, and the Argentinian is a sure-fire starter in attacking midfield, although Miguel Berry could come in for Machop Chol at striker.
Inter Miami possible starting lineup:
Callender; Yedlin, Kryvtsov, Miller, Negri; Arroya, Mota, McVey, Cremaschi, Stefanelli; Campana
Atlanta United possible starting lineup:
Diop; Lennon, Robinson, Purata, Gutman; Sosa, Rossetto, Araujo, Almada, Wiley; Berry
We say: Inter Miami 2-2 Atlanta United
Inter Miami's form has picked up as of late, while Atlanta United's has dropped off, so we think the most likely result is a draw.
Games involving Atlanta have generally included a lot of goals, so it would not be a surprise if it is an end-to-end encounter, with both teams getting on the scoresheet.
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