Inter Miami vs. D.C. United – News and Probable Lineups

The first weekend in MLS following the conclusion of the autumn international break kicks off on Saturday as Inter Miami hosts DC United at Nu Stadium in Florida.

As they prepare for this fixture, the reigning champions find themselves level on points for second place in the Eastern Conference after suffering a 2-1 defeat against the Columbus Crew in their previous outing in September. Meanwhile, DC sits in 11th position after they ended their last match with a 3-3 draw against the Vancouver Whitecaps.

Match overview

A two-week pause could have been just what Miami needed, as they were in a prolonged slump ahead of the autumn international window.

This Saturday, Kily Gonzalez’s squad will look to break a five-match winless spell in this tournament and secure their second league victory since early August.

Having dropped 21 points in that time, the reigning MLS Cup winners have fallen to third in the East based on goal differential, with just four points separating them from the fifth-placed Chicago Fire.

Although they have only encountered one defeat in their last nine league games at Nu Stadium, Inter Miami has yielded eight points at home since August when they were ahead in the second half.

For them to exceed their regular season points tally from 2025 (65), the Herons need to win all of their remaining seven matches before the end of the season.

Should they manage at least a draw or win this weekend, they would extend their unbeaten streak over DC to seven games in this competition, having claimed victory in their last two encounters by a single goal each.

For DC United, the stakes are high as they risk missing out on the post-season for the seventh consecutive year.

Rene Weiler’s team currently sits three points below the playoff line in the Eastern Conference with eight matches still left to play.

While playoff contention remains feasible, their recent form has not been beneficial, with just one victory in their last nine regular-season matchups (2-1 against the Columbus Crew).

Five of their remaining fixtures will be away from home as they seek to end a five-match winless streak on the road this Saturday.

This year, the Black and Red have relinquished seven points on the road after scoring first, but a win this weekend would equal their total of away victories in this competition from last season (three).

On Saturday, they have the chance to secure their first away win against a team based in Florida since 2023, when they triumphed 2-1 over the Herons in June in Fort Lauderdale.

Team News

Ian Fray may be unavailable for Miami due to a groin strain, while Mateo Silvetti is dealing with a shoulder issue, Tadeo Allende has a knee injury, and Israel Boatwright is on the mend from a cruciate ligament tear. Santiago Morales will also be serving a suspension.

Lionel Messi, who recently played his last match for Argentina on Tuesday, scored their only goal against the Crew and has netted in four straight competitive matches for the Herons.

As for DC, Gabriel Segal is doubtful for this weekend as he recovers from an ankle injury sustained earlier in the summer, while Tai Baribo could also miss out due to fitness concerns.

Kimito Nono scored two goals in their draw against the Caps, with the other coming from captain Lucas Bartlett.

Inter Miami probable starting XI:

New Rivers; Lujan, Casemiro, Micael, Reguilon; From Paul, Bright, Ayala; Messi, Suarez, Pinter

DC United probable starting XI:

Johnson; Hefti, Bartlett, Rowles, Kurokawa; Nono, Hopkins, Dozzell, Kijima; Stroud, Peglow

While neither team is in top form, Miami has consistently found ways to achieve results at home, and the expectation is that they will rebound this weekend.