Inter Miami Oppo Research: CF Montreal
+ A Jordi Alba injury update (he's fine, lol.)
photo credit: CF Montreal
Welcome back to another edition of “Oppo Research” where I break down every opponent Inter Miami will face during the 2024 MLS regular season.
This weekend, the Herons will take a trip to our northern neighbors where they’ll, once again, take on CF Montreal.
The match-up will be the second time the clubs play this season, with Montreal winning the first clash 3-2 on March 10th.
This time around, Miami is in much better form and will look to make up for dropped points earlier in the season.
Manager: Laurent Courtois
Projected Formation XI vs. Inter Miami: 3-4-1-2
Previous Result: 4-1 loss vs. Nashville SC
Current Record: 3W-3D-4L
Key Players:
Bryce Duke, 24, attacking midfielder. The former Inter Miami player is the heart of Montreal’s attack. Starting in almost every game for Laurent Courtois, the US international will be the key pivot from Montreal’s defense to attack.
Ariel Lassiter, 29, winger. As another ex-Inter Miami player, Lassiter will undoubtedly look to play his best football against the Herons. His recent conversion into a left-wing back will see him play a more defensive role, however.
Mathieu Choiniere 25, midfielder. Arguably one of the more talented midfielders in MLS, Choiniere will be a thorn in Miami’s side come Saturday. His high volume of chance creation will see him dictate from the middle of the park for Montreal.
Joel Waterman, 28, center-back. The Canadian international will attempt to stop Miami’s high-octane attack. Though it is unlikely they’ll be able to keep a clean sheet, Waterman is a solid ball-playing defender that will keep Miami on their toes.
Weaknesses:
Montreal’s off-the-field issues seem to be a heavy cloud lingering over the club. Not only has star midfielder Mathieu Choiniere requested a trade, but the club’s Chief Sporting Officer has recently been let go.
“Another perfectly normal season at the Football Club,” one fan lamented.
“Can we get some accountability from the CF Montreal and address the media on this and the Choiniere debacle?”, another fan complained.
Jordi Alba update:
The Spaniard was seen back at Inter Miami training and is expected to play some part in the team’s match in Canada this weekend.
Do you think Miami will get a good result vs. CFM this weekend? Let’s discuss it in the comments!
I think we’ll be fine. We’re on a roll and that win against the Red Bulls was a big boost. I say 4-1 Miami!
Yes, Miami wins by 2-3 goals, esp. with Jordi back. Cremaschi deserves more playing time. Gressel deserves less playing time. Callender is improving clearing the ball. All else is getting better. After last game Messi is on the beginning of another possible Bal on dor year.