DC United vs Inter Miami

DC United’s pursuit of a playoff berth in the Eastern Conference continues at home as they welcome Major League Soccer strugglers Inter Miami to Audi Field.

DC United eked out a 1-0 win at Dallas in midweek MLS action, maintaining a patchy league form that has seen their last four matches fluctuate between victories (2) and defeats (2). Since three of those four results (wins/losses) saw the winner on the day keep a clean sheet, a fast start could prove crucial for United’s hopes of racking up two consecutive league wins for the first time since April. However, the hosts’ indifferent three-match home MLS form (W1, D1, L1) leaves the points open for the taking. However, Wayne Rooney’s men have reigned supreme in this fixture, registering four victories in their six previous MLS meetings with Inter (D1, L1), though their only defeat came in this corresponding match-up last season (2-3).

Meanwhile, Inter Miami’s underwhelming season continued with a 2-2 home draw against Columbus Crew on Wednesday, keeping them pinned to the bottom of the Eastern Conference. New manager Gerardo Martino has shared the spoils in his first two MLS games in charge of the ‘Herons,’ extending their wait for a league victory to four (D2, L2). But the visitors must start winning if they’re to close a staggering nine-point deficit on the playoff line. That could prove easier said than done on the road, considering their embarrassing record of eight defeats from nine MLS travels this season (W1), including four losses in a row since a 2-1 win at Columbus in April. Three of those four results saw them concede 2+ goals, highlighting their defense as the team’s weakest link.