Oppo Research: 5 Things about Inter Miami

In this edition of Oppo Research, Hudson River Blue spoke with Michelle Kaufman of The Miami Herald to learn more about Inter Miami, New York City FC's opponent on Wednesday night at Citi Field. Here is your NYCFC vs Inter Miami preview.

1. Inter Miami can push up the table

Hudson River Blue: After losing 3-0 to Charlotte on September 13, Inter Miami ripped off back-to-back wins. Miami have two games in hand and can jump up the Eastern Conference, but do you think they will take advantage?

Michelle Kaufman: Yes, I do think as long as Lionel Messi is healthy, Miami will be able to continue winning matches and climb into a high spot in the playoff race. They were able to beat Seattle and DC with a depleted roster (suspensions, injuries) and will be getting some of those players back, including Luis Suarez. The team is highly motivated.

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2. Jordi Alba and Lionel Messi are a dynamic duo

HRB: With 22 goals, Lionel Messi is in a good position to win the MLS Golden Boot this season. Head coach Javier Mascherano has recently played Jordi Alba on the left wing — how impactful has boosting the connection between Messi and Alba been?

MK: Jordi and Leo have telepathy after so many years playing together. Jordi was already linking with Messi from the left side as a left back and is able to do so even more with a more advanced position on the field.

3. Miami's defense is very vulnerable

HRB: Miami’s defense hasn’t been great, though, conceding 46 goals this season and six in its last three games. Miami hasn’t kept a clean sheet in MLS since July 26, so how much faith do you have in the backline going forward?

MK: No question the team's biggest weakness is its defense, particularly on the counterattack. Miami is a very skillful team, but does not have great speed. Messi and Suarez don't typically drop too far back to defend, so they are left a bit vulnerable to the counter. They have been able to overcome this by scoring more goals.

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4. The X-Factor: Lionel Messi

HRB: What's the X-factor that could decide this game?

MK: This seems obvious, but the X-Factor is Messi. The team goes as he goes. Opponents that have been able to swarm, contain, and frustrate him beat Miami. He and his teammates will not be as comfortable playing on Citi Field's narrow, small pitch.

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5. Predicted score, Starting XI

HRB: Prediction time: Starting XI? Final score?

MK: Predicted score: Miami wins 2-1.