New York Red Bulls vs Inter Miami Prediction: NYRB to miss Swede on home soil

Inter Miami's star-studded squad arrives into Harrison, New Jersey this weekend for their MLS fixture with the New York Red Bulls, but the biggest of names - Lionel Messi - will be absent.

Ahead of Saturday evening's clash at the Red Bull Arena (KO, 18:00), we have detailed all the latest match odds and team news - including news of the main man's unavailability - and delivered our New York Red Bulls vs Inter Miami prediction.

Inter Miami are currently top of the Eastern Conference after winning three of their first five matches, while the New York Red Bulls are in sixth having collected seven points from their four games, but can go level with their next opponents with a victory on Saturday.

Team News

The Red Bulls' big transfer window capture was that of Emile Forsberg from sister club RB Leipzig and the Swede has settled well, registering a goal and assist already. However, the 32-year-old has been called up for his national team and will miss Saturday's MLS fixture.

Likewise, goalkeeper Carlos Coronel (Paraguay), defenders Noah Eile (Sweden U21) and John Tolkin (USA U23), as well as forward Cory Burke (Jamaica), are all on international duty and cannot be considered for club selection this weekend.

The former two - alongside Forsberg - started last Saturday's 3-0 defeat at Columbus Crew, with Burke appearing as a second-half substitute, so there will be a number of changes made to their starting XI against Inter Miami.

Midfielder Daniel Edelman is also ruled out after his late dismissal in Columbus, though he has been called up for the USA U23 side anyway.

The biggest team news of all comes from the visitors, who will be without Messi. The Argentine was called up for his nation and was due to miss a third straight MLS game anyway, but he has now picked up an injury which has forced him to withdraw from the World Cup winners' squad.

Luis Suarez is available for selection though after the MLS Player of the Matchday for Matchday Five - his second such award since his recent move from Brazilian giants Gremio - wasn't named in Marcelo Bielsa's Uruguay squad.

Suarez didn't start last weekend's 3-1 win at DC United with Leonardo Campana starting - and scoring - in his place, but he did join the ex-Wolves striker on the pitch and scored once in his presence before finding another after the Ecuadorian had been replaced.

The duo could be paired in attack with a trio of outfield starters against DC - David Ruiz (Honduras), Diego Gomez (Paraguay) and Federico Redondo (Argentina U23) - on international duty.

The ex-Barcelona presence in the Miami outfit is further strengthened by Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, who joined the David Beckham-owned club midway through last season. Alba only appeared off the bench last weekend but should join Busquets in the starting line-up on Saturday.

CJ dos Santos is set to line up in goal with Drake Callender (USA) called up by his nation.

Match Odds

The New York Red Bulls have been installed as 6/5 favourites for this fixture, which implies they have a 45.5% chance of victory, with Inter Miami priced at 15/8 - or a 34.8% chance - to win again in Messi's absence.

The draw can be backed at 23/10, both teams to score is 8/13 and it's 8/11 for over 2.5 goals.

Draw or Inter Miami and both teams to score @ 6/4

With so many key players out on both sides, Saturday's result is a difficult one to call. There should certainly be a goal or two for both NYRB and Inter, though.

The Red Bulls beat FC Dallas 2-1 in their only game at the Red Bull Arena so far this term, while both of the Herons' away outings in MLS have seen both teams score (3-1 v DC, 1-1 v Los Angeles Galaxy).

Both side are missing their first-choice goalkeeper as well as a few defenders, adding to the feeling that this won't be a game defined by the defence.

I do think the visitors can at least avoid defeat though; even without Messi, there are goals in their ranks with Suarez, Campana and Robert Taylor. Forsberg could be a big miss for the hosts, and the experience of Busquets and Alba can see Gerardo Martino's men leave New Jersey with at least a point.

Luis Suarez to score anytime @ 6/4

There were big question marks over Inter's decision to sign Suarez and add to their list of veterans. The Uruguayan was superb for Gremio last year but his physical condition has declined markedly.

However, the 37-year-old has responded to the sceptics with four goals and three assists in his first five MLS matches, two of which have only seen him appear as a late substitute.

His last start in the competition saw him strike away at Nashville and he looks the most likely to find the net for his side on Saturday.

Check out the rest of our Football Betting Tips here.