Inter Miami CF, led by global superstar Lionel Messi, is set to face Cavalier FC of Jamaica in the first leg of their Concacaf Champions Cup Round of 16 tie. The match, scheduled for Thursday evening at DRV PNK Stadium (often called Chase Stadium) in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, will be a significant test for both teams as they progress through this prestigious tournament.
Inter Miami enters this match following a strong start to the season, with victories in both the Concacaf Champions Cup and MLS.
Inter Miami arrives in this match having displayed positive form in both the Concacaf Champions Cup and the MLS. After a strong pre-season that included wins and draws against several international clubs, Inter Miami commenced their official season with a 1-0 away victory over Sporting Kansas City in the Concacaf Champions League Round of 32 first leg.
They followed this with a 2-2 draw against New York City FC in their opening MLS game. They successfully advanced to the Round of 16 with a decisive 3-1 win in the return leg against Sporting Kansas City and then secured a 4-1 victory over Houston Dynamo.
Cavalier FC, currently fourth in the Jamaican Premier League after 26 matches, will be seeking to cause a major upset. They have accumulated 44 points from 11 wins, 11 draws, and 4 losses, scoring 42 goals and conceding 28.
However, they’re significantly behind the league leaders, Mount Pleasant, who have amassed 62 points. Their recent form includes a 2-1 victory over Chapelton and a 1-0 defeat to Harbour View. Despite their relatively less impressive recent results, their presence in the Concacaf Champions Cup highlights the strengths they possess and their ability to achieve positive results against stronger opposition.
Predicted starting lineups for both teams
Inter Miami’s Predicted Starting XI: Oscar Ustari; Marcelo Weigandt, Gonzalo Luján, David Martínez, Jordi Alba; Sergio Busquets, Federico Redondo, Tadeo Allende, Benjamín Cremaschi; Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez. Manager: Gerardo Martino.
Cavalier FC’s Predicted Starting XI: Vino Barclett; Jaheem Frazer, Richard King, Jeovanni Laing, Christopher Ainsworth; Shamar Watson, Dwayne Allen, Jerome McLeary; Jalmaro Calvin, Chad James, Shaquille Stein. Manager: Rudolph Speid. The significant difference in squad experience between the two sides is readily apparent.
