| Inter Miami vs FC Dallas | |
|
MATCH INFO |
|
|
MATCH :
|
Inter Miami vs FC Dallas
|
|
COMPETITION :
|
Club Friendlies
|
| DATE: |
23-01-2024
|
|
TIME:
|
04.30 AM IST (UTC +5:30)
03.00 AM UAE
|
|
STADIUM
|
Cotton Bowl Stadium
|
Predicted Lineups
Inter Miami possible starting lineup:
Callender; Yedlin, Kryvstov, McVey, Negri; Mota, Duke, Taylor, Pizarro, Stefanelli; Martinez
Dallas possible starting lineup:
Paes; Jesus, Ibeagha, Tafari, Farfan; Lletget, Quignon, Pomykal; Arriola, Velasco, Ferreira
head coach Tata Martino's side heading into the new season after their sensational summer 2023 transfer window helped procure a Leagues Cup title and a Concacaf Champions Cup berth.
Messi, who won his world-record eighth Ballon d'Or award last fall, is joined by three ex-FC Barcelona teammates: Alba, Busquets and Suarez. Those soccer legends have plenty of young stars around them, including Argentine youth international Facundo Farías and US international Benjamin Cremaschi, while two-time MLS Cup champion Julian Gressel joined in free agency this winter. FC Dallas haven't made major waves this offseason, yet return many key players from their 2023 squad that reached the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs and pushed Inter Miami to penalty kicks in the Leagues Cup Round of 16.
USMNT forward Jesús Ferreira leads the attack, having tallied 30g/12a over the last two seasons, while Bernard Kamungo's inspirational story is poised to keep ascending this year.
However, FC Dallas will be without Alan Velasco after the Argentine youth international suffered an ACL tear last October and will likely miss a large chunk of the 2024 season. Perhaps USMNT veteran Paul Arriola or offseason U22 Initiative signing Enes Sali, a 17-year-old Romanian international, can help fill the void.Neville has a number of injury issues to deal with heading into Saturday's game, with Noah Allen still unavailable, having picked up an MCL injury in pre-season, while Ian Fray misses out due to a knee problem.
Gregore has been a vital player for Inter Miami over the past couple of years, with the midfielder making 31 appearances in the regular season last term, but he has been ruled out for six months with a foot injury.
Leonardo Campana remains a doubt, having missed the last six games, while Robbie Robinson is also unlikely to be involved, although he is making progress in his return from a hamstring problem.
Dallas only have one player missing out through injury, as Tarik Scott had to undergo surgery for an ACL injury back in February, and the winger will miss out for a considerable period of time.
Having scored the Hoops' only goal after being brought on as a substitute last time out, Quignon could well be rewarded with a start in central midfield, replacing Edwin Cerrillo.
FC Dallas:
- The team had a sensational transfer window in the summer of 2023, securing the Leagues Cup title and a Concacaf Champions Cup berth.
- Notable signings include Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, and Luis Suarez from FC Barcelona, alongside young talents like Facundo Farías, Benjamin Cremaschi, and Julian Gressel.
- Key returning players from the 2023 squad that reached the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs include USMNT forward Jesús Ferreira, who has been a prolific scorer in the last two seasons.
- Alan Velasco, an Argentine youth international, will be sidelined due to an ACL tear, leaving a void in the squad.
- Potential replacements to fill the void include USMNT veteran Paul Arriola and 17-year-old Romanian international Enes Sali.
Inter Miami:
- Head coach Neville is facing injury issues, with Noah Allen (MCL injury), Ian Fray (knee problem), and Gregore (foot injury, ruled out for six months) unavailable.
- Leonardo Campana remains a doubt, having missed the last six games, while Robbie Robinson is making progress in his return from a hamstring problem.
- Tarik Scott underwent ACL surgery in February and will be out for an extended period.
- Quignon, who scored as a substitute in the last game, may get a start in central midfield, potentially replacing Edwin Cerrillo.
Overall, both FC Dallas and Inter Miami are dealing with various challenges, including injuries and the need for strategic adjustments. The addition of star players to FC Dallas has certainly raised expectations, while Inter Miami will need to navigate their injury concerns to maintain competitiveness. The upcoming season promises to be intriguing for fans of both teams.