Ultimate Guide to Nashville SC vs Inter Miami in MLS Cup Playoffs: Preview Predictions Lineups
Inter Miami will aim to secure a historic playoff advancement on Saturday when they face Nashville SC. This matchup is game two of their first-round series in the Major League Soccer (MLS) Cup playoffs. A win for Miami would mark the first time the club has reached the postseason’s second round, following their exit last year.
Nashville SC vs. Inter Miami Overview
After impressive victories during the regular season and in their first playoff game against Nashville, Inter Miami looks to maintain their momentum. Their first playoff victory came after a tough loss to Atlanta United last year at the same stage.
Previous Encounters and Current Form
- Last meeting on October 24, 2025: Inter Miami 3–1 Nashville SC
- Previous results this season:
- Inter Miami 3–1 Nashville SC (10/24/25)
- Inter Miami 4–0 Atlanta United (10/11/25)
- Nashville SC 2–5 Inter Miami (10/18/25)
- Nashville SC 1–1 CF Montréal (10/4/25)
Key Players in the Spotlight
Both teams possess star players who can change the course of the game. For Inter Miami, Lionel Messi is a vital contributor, having scored twice in the previous playoff match. Alongside him, players like Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets are expected to bring experience and energy as they approach the end of their careers.
Nashville SC will look to Hany Mukhtar and Sam Surridge, both crucial to their offense. Mukhtar scored a late goal in the first game, while Surridge, with 24 regular-season goals, aims to deliver a stronger performance.
Injuries and Lineups
Nashville SC will contend with the absence of several key players: Ahmed Qasem, Jonathan Pérez, Julian Gaines, and Wyatt Meir due to injuries. The expected lineup for Nashville SC in a 4-3-3 formation includes:
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Joe Willis |
| Defenders | Nájar, Palacios, Zimmerman, Lovitz |
| Midfielders | Brugman, Acosta, Muyl |
| Forwards | Shaffelburg, Surridge, Mukhtar |
Inter Miami is mostly healthy, missing only players Allen Obando and David Ruiz. Their predicted lineup in a 4-4-2 formation could be:
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Jonathan Novo |
| Defenders | Fray, Falcón, Allen, Alba |
| Midfielders | De Paul, Bright, Busquets, Allende |
| Forwards | Messi, Suárez |
Match Expectations
This playoff game will be critical for Nashville SC as they look to prolong their season. However, Inter Miami enters as the favorites, showing considerable strength in their recent matchups.
Predicted score: Nashville SC 1, Inter Miami 2. The atmosphere at GEODIS Park is expected to be intense, as Nashville strives to avoid elimination.
