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November 7 2024, 21:47 · Alex Lawes
Updated: November 7 2024, 22:53

Inter Miami vs Atlanta United Game 3 Preview: Team News & Prediction | 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs | Round One

Inter Miami vs Atlanta United Game 3 Preview: Team News & Prediction | 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs | Round One

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The opening two matches of this MLS first round playoff tie has seen Inter Miami win their home leg by two goals to one and then Atlanta United win their home leg by the same scoreline at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium ahead of the decider in back in Fort Lauderdale. 

Kick-off date/time: Sunday 10th November, 2024: UK – 1:00am / Saturday 9th November, 2024: US ET – 8:00pm / US PT – 5:000pm

How to watch/stream live: UK – Apple TV / US – Apple TV / Australia – Apple TV

Inter Miami Preview: Frustration in Atlanta

Inter Miami enjoyed an impressive regular season as they finished at the top-of-the-table in the Eastern Conference with an eight-point lead, winning the 2024 Supporters’ Shield and becoming the favourites to win the playoffs in Major League Soccer.

The star-studded Floridians, who are built around Lionel Messi, will be a little frustrated that this tie has not been put to bed and that they have work to do after leading by a goal to nil in the second-leg before a second-half turnaround by Atlanta. 

Atlanta United Preview: Given themselves a lifeline

Coached by Rob Valentino, the Georgians squeezed themselves into the playoffs with a ninth placed finish, finishing just above DC United on goal difference and then needing to overcome Montreal on penalties in the Eastern Conference wildcard round.

That is what makes it such a surprise that Atlanta came from a goal down to defeat Inter Miami by two goals to one in their second-leg and mean they head into the decider at the Chase Stadium at all-square.

Inter Miami Team News: Homegrown injuries

Both Ian Fray and Noah Allen are out injured but the aforementioned stars of Inter Miami are available with the involvement of the likes of Jordi Alba, Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez expected. 

Predicted XI (3-4-3): Callender; Tomas Aviles, Allen, Martinez; Weigandt, Federico Redondo, Bright, Jordi Alba; Messi, Luis Suarez, Diego Gomez

Unavailable: Fray (Injured), Allen (Injured)

Questionable: 

Atlanta United Team News: No changes needed

Atlanta United could make a couple of changes to get their second-half performance back for this one. They do have a few injury issues for this one with Edwin Mosquera, Quentin Westberg and Brooks Lennon all sidelined for Atlanta.

Predicted XI (3-5-1-1): Guzan; Ronald Hernandez, Williams, Luis Abram; Lobzhanidze, Slisz, McCarty, Fortune, Amador; Miranchuk; Silva

Unavailable: Edwin Mosquera (Injured), Westberg (Injured), Lennon (Injured)

Questionable:

Inter Miami vs Atlanta United Prediction

Inter Miami were dominant in the Eastern Conference this season and were generally excellent with the influence of those aforementioned star players. Atlanta United, with their back three, will sit back and seek to nick this game to cause a major upset. However, the hosts will be frustrated enough that the tie has not been put to bed just yet to will surely see to that with a victory in this one down in Florida. 

Inter Miami vs Atlanta United Tip: INTER MIAMI TO WIN