Inter Miami returns to work this week to face the Columbus Crew in the League Cup Round of 16.
The Herons came out on top against MLS opposition Toronto FC in the Round of 16, winning 4-3 in front of their home crowd at Chase Stadium. However, things will be more difficult against the reigning MLS Cup champions in Columbus on their home turf without Lionel Messi still recovering from an ankle injury.
Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino could use veteran midfielder Sergio Busquets as a full-back after Hector Martinez was sent off in the first half after being denied a chance to score against Toronto. With Busquets at the back, Martino could opt to give Yannick Bright a start in midfield after his impressive recent performances.
Here’s how Miami can match the Crew.
GK: Drake Callender – Even though Miami scored three goals against Toronto, Callender was flawless as he came up with some clutch saves late.
RB: Marcelo Weigandt – Weigandt gets the nod at right back and will look to put in an improved performance following a poor performance vs Toronto.
CB: Tomas Aviles – The young defender more than played his part in defeating TFC with several key challenges and interceptions and will have to do the same if Miami is to win in the Round of 16.
CB: Sergio Busquets – Busquets moved back into the heart of the defense when Martinez came off with a suspension.
LB: Jordi Alba – The veteran defender will come out on top in a Miami shirt with four assists against TFC.
CM: Matias Rojas – Rojas opened the scoring in the Round of 16 and will look to do the same against Columbus, finding pockets of space behind the defense.
CM: Yannick Bright – Martino has given Bright chances ahead of senior games and may have no choice but to play the 22-year-old in the middle of the park as Busquets is likely to start in defence.
CM: Federico Redondo – The 21-year-old is new to the tight midfield and will face a tough task against veteran Darlington Nagbe.
RW: Julian Gressel – Gressel will be out for a limited game against Toronto where he was taken off at halftime due to a red card, but there is a good chance he will play a big part on Tuesday night.
ST: Luis Suarez – El Pistolero is on top and will hope to score again.
LW: Diego Gomez – The Paraguayan international scored on his return from the Olympics, picking up where he left off as he looks for more silverware with Miami.
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