Inter Miami vs. Atlanta United Predicted Lineup: MLS Cup Playoffs

Inter Miami hosts Atlanta United in the all-important game three of the Eastern Conference Round One MLS Cup Playoffs series at Chase Stadium.

The Herons suffered a 2-1 defeat in the second away game when Atlanta’s Xande Silva scored the winner in stoppage time to send the series back to Miami. The South Florida team couldn’t prevail against its southern rivals, but can still advance to the Eastern Conference semifinals with a win on Saturday evening.

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Miami coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino will likely be without veteran midfielder Sergio Busquets, who is still recovering from an illness. Fellow midfielder Yannick Bright is also questionable for the game after suffering an injury in the first half of the second game in Atlanta.

Miami could face Atlanta in the decisive third game.

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GK: Drake Callender—Callender didn’t have the best performance last time out and will look to shake that off for the important third game.

RB: Marcelo Weigandt– The attacking full-back’s performance in the second game largely went under the radar and he will look to make more of an impact in the final game of the series at home.

CB: Tomas Aviles—The young defender wants to limit Atlanta’s strike partnership to scoring opportunities alongside Martínez.

CB: David Martinez—Martínez showed great composure to lead Miami in Atlanta with a chip finish into the open net in the final game, but he hopes his fellow attackers can get the job done in the third.

LB: Jordi Alba—The experienced full-back keeps his place on the left side of the defense and looks to play crosses and cut-back passes for his teammates.

CM: Benjamin Cremaschi—Cremaschi’s energy and pressing are a must against an Atlanta team that can switch quickly on counterattacks.

CM: Federico Redondo– With Busquets out due to illness, Redondo takes on the general role in midfield in front of the defense.

CM: Julian Gressel– Gressel could be in line for his first minutes of the postseason, with Bright likely out. His exceptional performance from wide areas could be crucial for Miami.

RW: Lionel Messi—The 37-year-old wasn’t as effective as we saw from him in the final third of last game, as Brad Guzan once again kept him off the scoresheet. Expect Messi to step it up a notch or two to lead Miami to victory.

ST: Luis Suarez– The former Gremio striker hopes to score the final goal after his blank goal in the second game. Miami needs his performance to advance to the next round.

Left: Diego Gomez—Martino wants to rely on Gómez’s relentless pressing to help Miami defend at the top and force Atlanta into turnovers in their own half.

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