Sabasports
Match Preview
Major
League Soccer: New York Red Bulls vs Inter Miami CF
Kickoff
Time: 2024-03-24 02:00 (HKT)
Source: USA
TODAY Sports /Amber Searls
This
season, New York Red Bulls have been performing consistently and have only
suffered a defeat against the reigning MLS champions, Columbus Crew. The team’s
new midfield commander, Emil Forsberg, a Swedish international who was acquired
from Leipzig Red Bull, has been impressive. He has contributed one goal and one
assist so far. However, it is unfortunate that Forsberg will miss the upcoming
game due to his national team commitments. Other players who are unavailable
due to national team duties include Jamaican center forward Cory Burke,
main goalkeeper Carlos Coronel, and Swedish U21 central defender Noah Eile.
Additionally, their main defensive midfielder, Daniel
Edelman, is suspended due to a red card. These absences have weakened New York
Red Bulls’ overall strength and prevented them from fielding their strongest
lineup. In terms of their tactical approach, New York Red Bulls primarily rely
on defensive counterattacks. They have an average ball possession rate of only
45% per game, which ranks 24th among the 28 Major League teams. However, once
they regain possession, they look to quickly transition to the frontcourt. They
have been successful in winning 17.3 aerial duels on average, placing them
second in the league in this category.
Inter Miami
have adopted a star-focused approach, signing high-profile players such as
Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets. This strategy has
resulted in an overall improvement in their strength, reflected by their
current position at the top of the league standings. In the seven rounds of the
new season, Inter Miami have demonstrated a stable offense, scoring goals
consistently. Despite being 37 years old, Suarez has shown his enduring
quality, making a significant impact as a substitute in the previous league
match by scoring two goals to secure a victory for them. In the league so far,
Suarez has contributed four goals and three assists, stepping up as the new
leader in Messi’s absence due to injury. Inter Miami’s success is not limited
to their star players. In the fifth round of the MLS Best 11-man lineup
selection, they had three players chosen: Suarez, 21-year-old midfielder
Federico Redondo, and 23-year-old center Leonardo Campana. This indicates that
alongside the star signings, young players have also emerged and begun to
shine. Inter Miami’s coach, Gerardo Martino, brings a strong background to
them. He previously led the Mexican national team in the 2022 World Cup in
Qatar and is well-versed in North American leagues. Martino is known for his
ability to make effective substitutions and adjustments to change the course of
a game. From a technical and tactical standpoint, Inter Miami prioritize ball
possession, maintaining an average possession rate of 56% per game.
It is indeed
an intriguing clash between two different tactical approaches. Inter Miami’s
passing and controlling tactics, combined with their star-studded lineup, give
them an advantage in terms of initiative and overall strength. On the other
hand, New York Red Bulls’ defensive counterattack strategy may be compromised
due to the absence of key players called up for national team duty. This could
make it challenging for them to form a solid defensive system. Considering
these factors, it is reasonable to expect that Inter Miami will have the upper
hand as the game progresses. Their strong squad depth, led by players like
Suarez, and their emphasis on possession-based play should give them an edge in
dictating the rhythm of the match. As a result, it is likely that Inter Miami
will be able to secure points on the road.
New York
Red Bulls’s Last 5 Games: LWWDD
24-03-17
Columbus Crew 3-0 New York Red Bulls
24-03-10
New York Red Bulls 2-1 FC Dallas
24-03-03
Houston Dynamo 1-2 New York Red Bulls
24-02-26
Nashville SC 0-0 New York Red Bulls
23-11-05
New York Red Bulls 1-1 FC Cincinnati (PEN 7-8)
Inter Miami
CF’s Last 5 Games: WWLDW
24-03-17 DC
United 1-3 Inter Miami CF
24-03-14
Inter Miami CF 3-1 Nashville SC
24-03-11
Inter Miami CF 2-3 CF Montreal
24-03-08
Nashville SC 2-2 Inter Miami CF
24-03-03
Inter Miami CF 5-0 Orlando City
Head To
Head Record:
23-08-27
New York Red Bulls 0-2 Inter Miami CF
23-06-01
Inter Miami CF 0-1 New York Red Bulls
22-08-28
New York Red Bulls 3-1 Inter Miami CF
22-05-23
Inter Miami CF 2-0 New York Red Bulls
21-10-10
New York Red Bulls 1-0 Inter Miami CF
Prediction: Inter Miami to win or Draw