Inter Miami vs. Portland – News and Probable Lineups

As the Portland Timbers prepare to visit Nu Stadium in South Beach, they’ll face Inter Miami in their third meeting of the regular season to commence the MLS action on Sunday.

Following a 5-3 triumph at FC Cincinnati on Wednesday, the reigning league champions now sit in second place on the Eastern Conference table, while the Timbers find themselves in 12th place in the West after a 2-2 draw against CF Montreal.

Match overview

This season, Miami have generally favored an aggressive attacking strategy, a bold yet mostly effective tactic.

Despite conceding three goals or more in their last three league fixtures, the Herons have responded by scoring a total of 12 goals during that period.

A victory on Sunday would mark their longest winning streak of the season (three matches) and their first MLS victory at Nu Stadium.

Additionally, they will seek to avoid losing consecutive home league matches for the first time since May to June 2023 (three games), following a 4-3 defeat to Orlando City earlier this month.

Head coach Angel Guillermo Hoyos has witnessed his team score multiple goals in every MLS match this season, except for one, and they have not been shut out since he took over.

The only previous occasion they hosted Portland was in 2022 at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, where Miami secured a 2-1 win.

Consistency remains a challenge for the Timbers in the Pacific Northwest, as they have yet to record back-to-back league victories this season.

Former Inter Miami manager Phil Neville has observed his team drop points in six of their seven away matches this season, conceding at least once each time.

With 14 points from 12 domestic encounters, the Timbers trail by five points compared to this time last season.

This year, they have not earned any points when trailing at halftime, and have failed to score on the road in three matches.

Last year, this squad struggled to win a single away match against an Eastern Conference opponent, not scoring in any of those fixtures.

Portland has never secured an away point in MLS against a club from Florida, although they claimed their first-ever meeting against the Herons with a 1-0 win at home.

Team News

A knee injury is expected to sideline Tadeo Allende from the Miami lineup this weekend, with Noah Allen also doubtful due to an adductor injury.

Lionel Messi scored twice during the midweek match, while Mateo Silvetti, German Berterame, and an own goal from Cincy keeper Roman Celentano contributed to the other goals for the Herons.

There is one injury concern for the Timbers, as Omir Fernandez is doubtful for the clash in Miami due to a foot issue.

Kevin Kelsy and Cole Bassett found the net for them in Montreal on Wednesday, coming back twice to secure a draw.

Inter Miami probable starting XI:

St. Clair; Fray, Falcon, Michael, Reguilon; De Paul, Bright, Segovia; Messi, Suarez, Berterame

Portland Timbers probable starting XI:

Panthemis; Bye, Surman, Miller, Fory; Caicedo, From the Shore, Bassett; Antony, Kelsy, Velde

With Messi spearheading the attack, the Herons are soaring, and given the defensive uncertainties of the Timbers, Miami is likely to create several opportunities.