Atlanta United played to a disappointing 2-0 loss to Charlotte FC as their three-match win streak came to an end. Now, Atlanta heads to South Florida to face Lionel Messi and an Inter Miami team that just hung seven goals on CF Montréal in their last outing. We do know that Breel Embolo and Mauricio Amaro are available for selection. What role will they play (if any)? Can Atlanta silence Miami on the road, which it’s done a couple of times before, and get back on track to remain in the playoff chase?
Get ready for Atlanta United at Inter Miami
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The scoop on Inter Miami
12-4-6, 42 points, 2nd in East
Last result: W 7-1 vs. CF Montréal (August 29)
…hold on — Inter Miami just scored again.
Miami’s pasting of Montréal on August 29 was cathartic for Herons fans. The club was winless in its last five and was falling further and further behind in the Supporters’ Shield race. In one match, though, those negative feelings turned positive. It obviously begs the question of whether or not it was just a matter of Miami beating up on a bad team which, if it was, probably doesn’t bode well for Atlanta United.
Messi, who scored four goals against Montréal, means this group is the favorite in just about every match it plays. But there are definite flaws up and down this roster. The Herons’ 41 goals allowed are tied for fourth in MLS. Casemiro and Sergio Reguilón haven’t quite had the impact they were expected to have. Goalkeeping, whether it’s former Five Stripe Rocco Ríos Novo or Canada international Dayne St. Clair, has been inconsistent. Messi is the obvious difference-maker, but even he can’t do it alone.
(Speaking of former Atlanta United players, Miami signed Matías Galarza before the closing of the transfer window, but after weeks off the field, he almost certainly won’t be available.)
Atlanta United at Inter Miami injuries, availability
As mentioned above, Embolo and Amaro are both available for selection. Neither is expected to start, however. Along with Embolo and Amaro, there’s more good news: Jay Fortune has been upgraded to questionable as he’s been working his way back from a hamstring injury.
For Miami, Reguilón has a hamstring injury and is out. Gonzalo Lujan is dealing with a lower-leg injury that forced him to exit Miami’s match against Toronto FC on Aug. 22. Micael suffered an ankle sprain during Leagues Cup and has been out ever since. Longer-term, Tadeo Allende is out for the year while he recovers from surgery on his right knee.
Atlanta United’s projected lineup against Inter Miami (4-3-3)
GK: Lucas Hoyos
D: Elias Báez, Júnior Alonso, Paulo Díaz, Tomás Jacob
M: Tristan Muyumba, Cooper Sanchez, Will Reilly
F: Fafá Picault, Alexey Miranchuk, Miguel Almirón
Score prediction: Inter Miami 3-1 Atlanta United
Inter Miami has its issues, and Atlanta has gotten a few over on them over the past few seasons, but they’re still a much better team. The Herons will make it two wins in a row with a relatively comfortable victory over Atlanta.
Maybe, just maybe, the addition of Embolo and Amaro will be able to keep this closer (and maybe get a result).