Nashville enters the final day of the MLS regular season still unsure of their play-off spot, with three clubs right behind them ready to capitalize on any slip-ups.
A win against Inter Miami would seal their spot and ease Tennessee’s nerves.
Inter Miami, meanwhile, is aiming to finish second in the Eastern Conference. Maximum points at GEODIS Park could secure that position if results elsewhere hold true – a feat that would give them home-field advantage later in the playoffs.
The stakes could hardly be higher. Nashville sits sixth in the standings, tied on points with the teams chasing them, but with more wins giving them a narrow advantage.
BJ Callaghan’s men are unbeaten in three matches in all competitions and have the third-best home record in the conference, losing just twice in 16 games.
However, Nashville’s record against Miami is dismal: they have lost the last four meetings between the two teams and have not beaten the Herons in their last eight attempts.
Yet, buoyed by the success of the US Open Cup earlier this month and a large crowd, they hope to defy history.
For Javier Mascherano’s Miami, the objective is clear: continue to win. Even if the Supporters’ Shield is out of reach, they can still finish second and head into the play-offs in fine form.
The Herons have scored a league-high 76 goals and are coming off back-to-back 4-0 victories, with Lionel Messi continuing to lead the charge.
Team news for Nashville vs. Inter Miami
Nashville’s injury list remains long. Julian Gaines (thigh), Wyatt Meyer (foot), Jonny Perez (thigh) and long-term absentee Taylor Washington (knee) are all out.
Ahmed Qasem could return after missing three matches, but he could only be on the bench, while midfielder Matthew Corcoran is back from international duty with the United States Under-19s.
Sam Surridge will once again be the hosts’ key man. After winning the US Open Cup Golden Boot, the English striker sits third in the MLS scoring charts with 23 goals.
For Miami, Messi continues to grab the headlines with 26 goals, while Jordi Alba contributed 14 assists from left back. The veteran trio of Messi, Busquets and Alba will once again be at the heart of Mascherano’s plans.
Allen Obando and David Ruiz are still out with hamstring problems, and Mateo Silvetti is unavailable as he plays in the U20 World Cup final with Argentina. Ruiz, however, recently extended his contract until 2028, highlighting his growing importance.
Rodrigo De Paul, Telasco Segovia and Ian Fray will all return from international duty, and Maxi Falcon is back from suspension after serving a one-match suspension.
Expected lineups for Nashville vs. Inter Miami
Nashville: Willis; Bauer, Maher, Zimmerman, Lovitz; Brugman, Acosta, Muyl; Boyd, Mukhtar, Surridge
InterMiami: Rivers; Fray, Allen, Maxi Falcon, Alba; De Paul, Bright, Busquets, Segovia; Messi; Suarez
How to watch Nashville vs Inter Miami: TV channel, online streaming
The match will be available to stream live on Apple TV via MLS Season Pass for a global audience.
Kick-off is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. local time (9:30 p.m. ET / 2:30 a.m. BST).
The stats of the Nashville vs. Inter Miami match
- Nashville just won two of their last eight MLS games
- Inter Miami won four consecutive face-to-faces against Nashville
- The Herons scored 76 league goals this season – the most in MLS
- Nashville boasts of third best record at home in the Eastern Conference (W10 D4 L2)
- Lionel Messi leads the MLS scoring charts with 26 goalswhile Sam Surridge has 23
Prediction
Nashville’s strong home form could make this matchup competitive, but Miami’s firepower and confidence are hard to ignore.
With Messi and Suarez fully fit and a full squad returning, the visitors look set to prevail – continuing their dominance in this match and securing a morale-boosting finish ahead of the playoffs.
Nashville 1-2 Inter Miami
