Can Inter Miami Cope Without Injured Messi Against New York Red Bulls?

New York Red Bulls vs Inter Miami CF - 23/03/2024

Inter-Miami-CF_YES Market Media / Shutterstock.com

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The Major League Soccer action continues this weekend, but the league’s biggest star will be absent from Saturday’s showdown in the Big Apple.

With Lionel Messi sidelined due to a hamstring injury, Inter Miami will have to make do without their top performer against the New York Red Bulls.

Will the Herons be impacted by Messi’s absence? Can the Red Bulls take advantage? Read on to find out what Forebet’s algorithm predicts.

The Red Bulls made an impressive start to the 2024 MLS season, taking seven points from their opening three matches to remain unbeaten.

Last weekend, however, RBNY were handed a reality check by the Columbus Crew, as the defending champions claimed a 3-0 victory at Lower.com Field.

Not only did the Red Bulls concede 13 shots against Columbus, but they also managed to register just three attempts in reply.

Still, each of their last three matches have produced over 2.5 goals, meaning Saturday’s showdown will likely be a high-scoring affair.

While RBNY have only played four games this season, Inter Miami have played five, recording three wins, one draw and one loss so far.

After kicking off their campaign with a three-game unbeaten streak, the Herons lost 3-2 against CF Montreal before defeating DC United 3-1 last weekend.

Sitting atop the Eastern Conference, Inter Miami boast the best offensive record in the entire league, having scored 13 goals in five games (2.6 goals per game).

Having netted over 1.5 goals in four of their five matches this season, the Herons are expected to find the back of the net this weekend.

Head-to-head: Since Inter Miami joined the league in 2020, they have lost five of their eight meetings with the New York Red Bulls.

The eight previous meetings have produced a total of 21 goals (2.6 goals per game), meaning Saturday’s clash should be a high-scoring affair.

Team news: The hosts are currently without Serge Ngoma (hamstring), while Ryan Meara (groin), Sean Nealis (adductor) and Dante Vanzeir (hamstring) are doubts.

As for the visitors, Lionel Messi (hamstring), Franco Negri (knee), Robbie Robinson (knee), Benjamin Cremaschi (hernia), Facundo Farias (knee) and Ian Fray (knee) are all absent.

Inter Miami have made a strong start to the season, but their record against the Red Bulls is below par. Plus, Messi will be a big miss for the Herons.

With that in mind, Forebet predicts that Inter Miami will suffer a narrow defeat on Saturday, with the Red Bulls scoring over 1.5 goals en route to victory.

Squadra Casa - Ospite

Probabilità in %

1X2

Pron

Pronostico ris.

Somma gol

Tempo

Coeff.

Risultato

Coeff. vivo

Us1

New York Red BullsInter Miami CF 23/03/2024 19:00

402436

1

2 - 1

2.88

9°

2.25

2.25 3.60 2.90 no no no

FT

4 - 0(1 - 0)

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- - -