Inter Miami have set the pace this season in Major League Soccer. Lionel Messi’s team has obtained 34 points this term, but FC Cincinnati are keeping pace.
The Orange and Blue are just one point behind the Herons.
Inter Miami will take a two-game winning streak up against Atlanta United. United have won just three of 14 matches this season. The Five Stripes are in trouble in the early stages of the season. Atlanta won their previous fixture against Miami, 5-2, but that came last season.
Atlanta United took just two points from their last six games. They were outscored 8-4 across those six matches.
Miami took 16 points from the last six games. They outscored their last six opponents 16-6. Lionel Messi did not play in Miami’s weekend 2-1 win away to Vancouver Whitecaps. Could he return against United?
New York Red Bulls went unbeaten in five of their last six matches against Charlotte FC in all competitions. These teams played three times in 2023 in MLS, with New York claiming one win and two draws. Both teams scored in all three matches.
Charlotte will start the weekend unbeaten in five straight MLS games. They claimed three wins and two draws in the five fixtures.
New York Red Bulls are fresh off a 2-1 loss to New York City in the Hudson River Derby. The defeat ended a two-game winning streak for the Red Bulls.
FC Cincinnati could go top of the MLS table with a win over Nashville and Miami dropping points to Atlanta United. Cincy are in fine form, with six straight MLS wins. They outscored those six opponents 13-6.
Nashville SC are not in good shape, although they are unbeaten in three straight games. The Coyotes sacked coach Gary Smith recently and currently employ interim coach Rumba Munthali. Nashville drew their last two league matches.
Cincinnati won both MLS matches against Nashville last season. They outscored Nashville 4-1. The teams also met in the Leagues Cups tournament, with the game ending 1-1 at the end of extra time. Nashville won on penalties.
The Western Conference’s top team, Real Salt Lake, will visit Seattle Sounders. Salt Lake went unbeaten in five of their last six games against the Sounders. Four of those five matches were wins.
Salt Lake went unbeaten in their last three games versus Seattle, keeping a trio of clean sheets. The Claret and Cobalt took 14 points from their last 18 points on offer. They scored 15 goals and conceded nine times.
Seattle’s form has improved in recent weeks. They picked up 11 points from the last six games. The Sounders are coming off a 2-1 away win over St Louis City.