Overview
Inter Miami is regaining their rhythm after a series of declines, while Atlanta United needs a positive result to continue the race for a MLS play-off spot.
After a 7-1 victory over Montreal, Inter Miami ended a 5-match winless streak in all competitions. This result helps Lionel Messi's team maintain second place in the Eastern region, while creating a 5-point gap with Chicago Fire.
This is only Inter Miami's fourth home win in the MLS this season. Kily Gonzalez's team will have to win all remaining matches at Chase Stadium if they want to equal the record of 11 home wins set in the 2025 season.
Attacking ability is still Inter Miami's greatest strength. They score an average of 2.5 goals per game in MLS 2026, the best record in the league. The big win against Montreal further strengthens the confidence of the home team's attack before welcoming Atlanta.
Inter Miami also has a chance to beat Atlanta for the third consecutive time in official season matches. In the last time the two teams met at Chase Stadium, Miami won 4-0.
However, Atlanta United did not come to Florida just to suffer. Gerardo Martino's team is facing great pressure in the play-off race. They are currently 4 points behind this group after a 3-game winning streak was stopped in the 22nd round.
Atlanta has had 5 wins in the MLS this season, more than the achievement of the entire 2025 season. However, their biggest problem is their away attacking ability. Atlanta has only scored 10 goals in away matches in the MLS this year, in the lowest group of the league.
The defense has also not brought peace of mind when Atlanta concedes goals in every away game this season. More worryingly, they conceded 8 goals in just the last 3 away games.
Gerardo Martino will have the opportunity to face the team that helped him win the Supporters' Shield in 2024 and set a record of 74 points in the MLS. Atlanta also aims for two consecutive away wins for the first time since 2024.
With Inter Miami being excited after their explosive performance against Montreal, Atlanta will have to play with high concentration if they want to score points.
Personnel situation
In terms of force, Inter Miami may be without Sergio Reguilon, Santiago Morales, Micael and Gonzalo Lujan due to injury problems. Mateo Silvetti is still recovering from a shoulder dislocation injury, while Tadeo Allende has a knee problem.
Messi is the focus of Inter Miami after scoring 4 goals in the victory over Montreal. Luis Suarez, Casemiro and Alexander Shaw also scored in this match.
On Atlanta United's side, Ajani Fortune is uncertain to play due to a hamstring injury, while Luke Brennan is having ankle problems.
Mauricio Amaro is likely to debut in Atlanta after just being granted a visa. Meanwhile, Breel Embolo is likely not yet ready to complete the procedures to participate in this weekend's match.
Expected lineup:
Inter Miami: St. Clare, Fray, Caicedo, Falcon, Allen, De Paul, Casemiro, Segovia, Messi, Berterame, Suarez.
Atlanta United: Hoyos, Jacob, Diaz, Alonso, Edwards, Sanchez, Muyumba, Reilly, Santos, Picault, Almiron.
The match between Inter Miami and Atlanta United takes place at 6:30 am on September 6 (Vietnam time).
