Preview: Atlanta United vs. Inter Miami - prediction, team news, lineups

Looking to pick up a third consecutive victory, Inter Miami visit the Mercedes Benz Stadium on Thursday to face off against Atlanta United.

The hosts currently hold a five-point lead over the visitors who are looking to make a late push to secure a playoff spot as the regular season enters into its final knockings.

Match preview

© Reuters

Atlanta United were denied a fifth home win on the bounce following a 1-1 stalemate against New York City FC on Thursday.

Gonzalo Pineda's men took the lead in the 17th minute through Marcelino Moreno and were set to claim all three points before Gudmundur Thorarinsson restored parity in the final minute of normal time.

Currently seventh in the Eastern Conference, albeit only on goal difference, the Five Stripes are on course to reach the postseason, but there is still work to do with three round of matches still left to play.

Lying in store next for them is a crunch clash versus an opposing side who they have beaten just once in the last six meetings between the teams.

However, that solitary victory came in the most recent encounter last month, when Thursday's hosts claimed a narrow 1-0 triumph.

© Reuters

Inter Miami were victorious on home turf for the second home game running courtesy of an emphatic 5-1 win over FC Cincinnati on Sunday.

Gonzalo Higuain scored twice either side of a Brandon Vazquez leveller to put his side in control before further goals from Indiana Vassilev, Lewis Morgan and Julian Carranza saw Phil Neville's men run riot at the DRV PNK Stadium.

Following a six-game losing run, the Herons have amassed six of the subsequent six points available, but it appears to be too little too late, as they are five points off the last playoff spot having played an extra game.

Thursday's visitors, who have scored the fewest goals away from home in the entire conference, will need to get going at the attacking end if they are to come out on top and keep their playoff hopes alive.

Team News

Marcelino Moreno has found the back of the net in each of his last two matches and will look to continue his fine form in front of goal.

Moreno's strike partner Josef Martinez scored the winner in September's clash between the sides and is expected to be recalled back into the starting XI after having to make do with a cameo off the bench last time out.

Following his brace versus Cincinnati, Gonzalo Higuain has now scored 11 times in 28 outings for the away side while also supplying nine assists in that time.

Kieran Gibbs and Ryan Shawcross will both miss the game through injury, and they are joined on the sidelines by Joevin Jones, Jorge Figal and Victor Ulloa.

Atlanta United possible starting lineup:
Guzan; Walkes, Franco, Robinson; Lennon, Rossetto, Sosa, Bello; Araujo, Martinez, Moreno

Inter Miami possible starting lineup:
Marsman; Shea, Makoun, Mabika, Leerdam; Gregore, Matuidi, F.Higuain; G.Higuain, Morgan, Pizarro

We say: Atlanta United 2-1 Inter Miami

With a playoff place on the cards for both sides, we expect an enthralling and end-to-end affair with neither team prepared to settle for a point. We are also backing the hosts to emerge victorious at the end of the 90 minutes.