Puebla vs Inter Miami: Preview, predictions and fixtures: Leagues Cup 2024

Inter Miami will begin defending their League Cup title when they face Liga MX side Puebla this Saturday evening at Chase Stadium.

Puebla secured a 1-0 win over Santos Laguna in their first match of the 2024 Liga MX Apertura campaign but failed to get three points in their next three games. The team lost 4-1 to Necaxa, and ended up drawing 2-2 with Club Leon before defeating Atlas 2-1. Jose Manuel de la Torre's side will look to turn things around against Miami to give themselves a chance to get out of East Group 3.

The Herons have been in good form as of late — except for a 6-1 loss to FC Cincinnati a few weeks ago. Tata Martino's side sit top of the Supporters' Shield with just four defeats this season but face a tough task of repeating as League Cup champions without star player Lionel Messi.

Here it is 90 minPuebla vs Inter Miami guide.

* This is the first meeting between Puebla and Inter Miami.

Current form (all competitions)

Puebla has no new injury concerns in their camp, which means de la Torre should have his full squad to be selected against Miami.

Puebla predicted to face Inter Miami (4-1-4-1): Rodriguez; Ferrareis, Gularte, Orona, Angulo; De Buen; Ormeno, Castillo, Gonzalez, Alvarez; Cavallini.

Messi, 37, remains on the sidelines with an ankle injury, while Luis Suarez is sidelined after playing the full game in the 2-1 win over Chicago. Although Messi may miss this game, Suarez's status is still up in the air. Both players missed the MLS All-Star game against Liga MX's All Stars and will be ready to return to action soon.

Defender Serhiy Kryvtsov is another key name expected to miss the next month or so with a knee injury, which could mean more minutes for midfielder Sergio Busquets.

Players like Diego Gomez (Paraguay) Benjamin Cremaschi (USA) are competing in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games and will not be available for selection in the next few weeks.

Inter Miami predicted to face Puebla (4-3-3): Applicant; Weigandt, Aviles, Allen, Alba; Redondo, Busquets, Rojas; Gressel, Campana, Taylor.

Although Puebla's recent form has been poor, they still have a few players in the final third who can make things happen. However, Miami will be very tough for the visitors as Robert Taylor and Matias Rojas will both find the points for a comfortable win.

Prediction: Puebla 0-2 Inter Miami