Inter Miami vs Columbus Crew

Chase Stadium sets the stage for a mouth-watering Major League Soccer showdown between Inter Miami and Columbus Crew.

Inter Miami defied the absence of headline performer Lionel Messi to overturn a 1-0 halftime deficit in a 2-1 win at Philadelphia Union over the weekend, halting a two-game winless MLS streak (D1, L1). Back to the top of the Eastern Conference, Gerardo Martino’s team can’t afford to get complacent as despite boasting a two-point lead on 2nd-placed F FC Cincinnati, they’ve played two more games. The upcoming return to the home comforts of their Chase Stadium doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll take three points after going winless in their last two MLS home outings (D1, L1), both of which saw them concede precisely three goals. However, the Herons can take heart from their near-faultless home record against Columbus in the United States’ top division (W2, D1).

In the meantime, Columbus confirmed their form resurgence at the weekend, fighting back from 1-0 down to dispatch New York City 3-2 on the road and make it four successive league victories. It was also a fourth league win on the road for the reigning MLS Cup holders, who enter this round stranded in 6th in the Eastern Conference. But despite a substantial 11-point deficit on Inter Miami, Wilfried Nancy’s men are still in contention for a top-table finish in this section, considering they have four games in hand on the Fort Lauderdale outfit. Columbus’ free-scoring form away from home has seen them bag 2+ goals on their last four MLS travels, suggesting they’re in pole position to punish Inter’s notoriously sloppy backline for any mistake.