In this edition of Oppo Research, Hudson River Blue spoke to Daniel Granada of The Battered Herons Podcast to learn more about Inter Miami, New York City FC's opponent on Sunday afternoon. Here is your NYCFC vs Miami preview.
• League Form: D-W-W-L
• Record: 2W, 1D, 1L | 7 points, 3rd place
• Scoring Leader: Lionel Messi, 3 goals
• Assist Leader: Telasco Segovia, 3 assists
1. Life after Busquests and Alba has been rough
Hudson River Blue: After opening the season with a one-sided loss to LAFC, Inter Miami is undefeated in its last three games. How do you assess Miami’s start to the season?
Daniel Granada: It’s been a rough start. The attack isn’t in sync, it could be due to the lack of preseason training together, or getting used to life after Busquests and Alba. They are putting a lot of responsibility on Noah Allen to fill in the Alba shoes, and that’s not his game.
2. Germán Berterame needs time to grow into the XI
HRB: Big winter signing Germán Berterame has struggled so far, remaining scoreless through four games. What’s going on with Berterame?
DG: I’ve spoken to a few people from Mexico and they told me he’s a poacher and won’t create for others, this attack often faces teams that play a low block and mark Messi with one or two players which leads to other players needing to create space with runs or wide play and those are underrated things Luis Suarez provided that Berterame hasn’t on top of not having chemistry because he didn’t get his visa in time to train with the team proper to the season.
3. No Javier Mascherano? No problem
HRB: After picking up a red card against Charlotte, Javier Mascherano won’t be on the touchline against NYCFC on Sunday. How, if at all, does this affect things for Miami?
DG: It won’t affect the team at all.
4. The X-Factor: Mateo Silvetti
HRB: What’s the X-factor that could decide this game?
DG: [Mateo] Silvetti starting over [Tadeo] Allende. Allende is the most overrated and unproductive player on Inter Miami.
5. Predicted score
HRB: Prediction time: Final score?
DG: If they play their regular starters, I think Miami draw 2-2; if you get the B Team, I think NYCFC wins 2-0.
