A Floridian derby with playoff implications awaits as Orlando City host Inter Miami in what promises to be a lively clash. Just a point separates the two sides in the MLS Eastern Conference standings, though Inter Miami have three games in hand over their rivals.
Orlando come into this one riding high after a 5-1 demolition of Necaxa in the Leagues Cup, powered by a Luis Muriel hat-trick. The Lions have also proven they can hurt Miami, winning their last league meeting 3-0 back in May. Inter Miami, meanwhile, eased past Pumas UNAM 3-1 in their latest outing, extending an impressive run of just two defeats in their last 16 matches in all competitions.
Otra noche mágica de fútbol en el @chase_stadium 🪄🏟️ pic.twitter.com/Hs6ucdnNoz
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) August 7, 2025
Both sides have been scoring consistently, but Orlando’s ability to turn home advantage into goals — coupled with Inter’s absences, including Lionel Messi — makes this encounter finely poised.
Date: Monday, August 11, 2025
Kickoff: 2:00 AM CET / 8:00 PM ET (Sunday)
Venue: Exploria Stadium, Orlando
Where to Watch: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV
Wilder Cartagena (Achilles), Duncan McGuire (Shoulder) and Yutaro Tsukada (ACL) are all sidelined for Óscar Pareja’s men. Luis Muriel will lead the attack after his Leagues Cup heroics.
Orlando Predicted City XI: Gallese; Smith, Schlegel, Jansson, Santos; Araujo, Angulo; Ojeda, Enrique, Torres; Muriel
Javier Mascherano is without Lionel Messi (muscular) and goalkeeper Drake Callender (groin). Luis Suárez and Rodrigo de Paul are expected to play key roles in the absence of the Argentine star.
Inter Predicted Miami XI: McCarthy; Yedlin, Kryvtsov, Avilés, Alba; Busquets, Gressel, Taylor; Allende, Suárez, Farias
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The last time these two sides met, Orlando ran out emphatic 3-0 winners — and they will be confident of a repeat performance at home. While Inter Miami have been in excellent overall form, Messi’s absence remains a major blow to their creativity and cutting edge. Expect Orlando to take advantage, with Muriel and Torres likely to trouble the Herons’ backline. Miami should still get on the scoresheet, but Orlando’s firepower and recent home dominance could prove decisive.
Score Prediction: Orlando City 3-1 Inter Miami
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