Inter Miami vs Philadelphia Union – Live Stream: Odds, Picks, Prediction, Will Lionel Messi Play?

Inter Miami remain committed to the MLS Supporters’ Shield and could get a major boost in the home stretch. Lionel Messi is fit again and can be included in the squad for the first time since injuring his ankle in the Copa America final this summer. With the injury keeping him out for four games, the Herons have had time to learn how to play without Messi, but his return will still be welcome. After four straight wins, the opportunity to add a player with 12 goals and nine assists back to the team could be just what is needed to keep the streak going.

Here are our storylines, how to watch the game and more:

So you can watch and the odds

• Date: Saturday, September 14th | Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
• Location: Chase Stadium – Fort Lauderdale, Florida
• Live stream: MLS Season Pass
• Opportunities: Inter Miami +230; Draw +380; Philadelphia Union +550

Storylines

Inter Miami: Without Messi, it was Luis Saurez who led Miami. With 16 goals and five assists this season, Suarez has not only played his way into the MLS Golden Boot conversation, but is also right in the middle of the MVP discussion. Yannick Bright has also improved in midfield. A product of the MLS SuperDraft, Bright is one of the key players in the Herons’ midfield and shows the many paths to professional soccer in America.

Philadelphia Union: Star goalkeeper Andre Blake has been suspended for the game and it looks like Union’s run of six consecutive playoff appearances is on the line. Union are currently two points away from a playoff spot, but they need to move up top of the Eastern Conference to do so. There comes a point where it feels like the burden is too much for Jim Curtin’s men to bear and a resounding defeat to Miami could be that point.

forecast

With the two teams entering the game with different strategies, it’s hard to imagine anything happening other than Miami putting a wrong number on the scoreboard. Choose: Inter Miami 4, Philadelphia Union 0