The MLS caravan seems to be picking up steam as we are already into Gameweek 4. The weekend will be headlined by the D.C. United and Inter Miami marquee game as Troy Lesesne’s side hosts the Herons at home. Inter Miami is currently at the top of the MLS Eastern Conference standings, and a win over D.C. will see them consolidate their spot at the top of the standings. However, the task won’t be as easy as it sounds, with the team suffering a massive blow just 24 hours before the game.

Tata Martino’s side might be in action without their biggest star, as the team has maintained a concerted stance on Lionel Messi. The Argentine picked up a knock during the team’s win over Nashville in the CONCACAF Champions Cup and had to be taken off the field during the second half. Despite that, the team has some exceptional quality in their ranks and will fancy their chances as they take on D.C. With the field set for the high-voltage encounter, here’s all you need to know before the game!

D.C. United vs Inter Miami: Team updates & Lionel Messi’s availability

D.C. United could be in for a rough night. The team will likely take to the field without the services of top scorer Christian Benteke, who has been sidelined due to an injury. The side will also be without Mohanad Jeahze and Russell Canouse, with the two out with extended injuries. Meanwhile, goalkeeper Tyler Miller and Steve Birnbaum are unlikely to play on Saturday because of injury concerns.

Inter Miami, too, took a massive blow before the game, with Lionel Messi set to watch the game from the sidelines. The team management is unwilling to take any risks with the player’s fitness. “I don’t want to take any risks, but I imagine that he won’t be available for Saturday’s game,” said manager Tata Martino.

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The trio of Robbie Robinson, Benjamin Cremaschi, and Facundo Farias will also be absent from the team due to extended time on the sidelines. While Franco Negri and Ian Fray have been recovering from their respective knee injuries, the two defenders are unlikely to take to the field against D.C. United.

As for their head-to-head record, Inter Miami has met D.C. United on eight previous occasions. However, the Herons have only managed one win in that time, drawing two matches, and losing five to the Black and Red. That being said, and considering their injury updates, what could be their potential starting XIs?

Predicted lineups

DC United predicted lineup: (4-3-3) Bono; Herrera, Bartlett, McVey, Santos; Klich, Peltola, Fletcher; Murrell, Dajome, Pirani.

Inter Miami predicted lineup: (3-4-3) Callender; Freire, Kryvtsov, Allen; Ruiz, Busquets, Redondo, Alba; Campana, Suarez, Taylor.

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D.C. United vs Inter Miami: When and where to watch

The fixture between D.C. United and Inter Miami will come to our screens live from the Audi Field on March 16 from 02:00 PM EST. Fans in the United States will be able to enjoy the game via Apple T.V. and Fox Sports. Meanwhile, fans worldwide can catch the live coverage of the game exclusively on Apple T.V.

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