Two MLS title favorites clash with just a short time until the playoffs begin as Inter Miami travel to meet defending champions Columbus Crew on Wednesday evening.
With their postseason status locked in, the top two sides in the East are now simply battling for seeding as they finish up the home stretch of the regular season. Inter Miami can lock up the Supporters' Shield and the top playoff seed with a win, which would leave them in the clear at the top of the standings.
Lionel Messi is healthy for the stretch run, but could be rested by Tata Martino if the club decides to limit his usage before the all-important postseason begins.
The Crew sit second in the East, but their position is less secure than their opponents, with just a single point separating them from FC Cincinnati below.
Both sides have looked vulnerable in recent weeks. Inter Miami have been pegged back to three straight draws, with squad restrictions limiting the availability of several key players. The Crew, meanwhile, were plastered by Seattle in early September before being held by D.C. United to a 2-2 draw last time out.
LIVE BLOG: Follow along with updates and highlights as Inter Miami visit the Columbus Crew
Columbus Crew vs. Inter Miami live stream, TV channel
- Date: Wednesday, October 2, 2024
- Time: 7:45 p.m. ET / 4:45 p.m. PT
- TV channel: FS1
- Streaming: Fubo, MLS Season Pass
This match is set to be televised in the United States on FS1, which is available to stream on Fubo, who are offering a free trial for new users.
The match can also be accessed for subscribers on MLS Season Pass, who have slashed their subscription rates to the lowest offering of the season. New subscribers can now get MLS Season Pass for just $9.99, while existing Apple TV subscribers can now sign up for MLS Season Pass for free for the remainder of the season. MLS Season Pass is your exclusive home for every single MLS regular season and postseason match, meaning you get every match and moment of the MLS Cup playoffs for one low price.
What time is Columbus Crew vs. Inter Miami kickoff?
This MLS regular season match kicks off from Lower.com Field on Wednesday, October 2 at 7:45 p.m. local time in Columbus, Ohio.
Here's how that time translates across the time zones in North America:
| Date | Kickoff time | |
| Eastern Time | Wed, Oct. 2 | 7:45 p.m. |
| Central Time | Wed, Oct. 2 | 6:45 p.m. |
| Mountain Time | Wed, Oct. 2 | 5:45 p.m. |
| Pacific Time | Wed, Oct. 2 | 4:45 p.m. |
MORE: Find out which games are streaming free on MLS Season pass from Apple TV each week
Columbus Crew vs. Inter Miami lineups & team news
Columbus boss Wilfried Nancy has enjoyed exceptional availability from his squad for much of the season, with just backup goalkeeper Evan Bush the only long-term absence for much of the year.
Defensive midfielder Sean Zawadzki has missed each of the last two matches with a rib injury, and could miss out again today, but otherwise they are in great shape with the playoffs approaching.
Columbus Crew starting lineup (3-4-3): Schulte (GK) — Moreira, Camacho, Amundsen — Farsi, Matan, Nagbe, Arfsten — C. Hernandez, C. Ramirez, Rossi.
The defensive line for Tata Martino has neared a breaking point with the playoffs looming. Tomas Aviles is suspended for picking up yet another yellow card last time out against Charlotte FC, while Nicolas Freire is out for the year with a torn ACL and David Martinez continues to recover from a groin injury. Serhiy Kryvtsov, Noah Allen, or Ian Fray are likely to step in at center-back alongside Sergio Busquets.
Thankfully, Lionel Messi is fit for the stretch run, and starts despite the now weekly possibility of being rested for the playoffs. Facundo Farias remains out with a torn ACL and Leo Afonso is not yet back from his groin injury. Matias Rojas has recovered from his ankle injury and should start up front.
For today, Julian Gressel is rested in midfield, replaced by Yannick Bright.
Inter Miami starting lineup (3-5-2): Callender (GK) — Allen, Busquets, Fray — Weigandt, D. Gomez, Bright, Redondo, Alba — Messi, Suarez.
Columbus Crew vs. Inter Miami prediction, betting odds & lines
- Score prediction: Columbus Crew 3-1 Inter Miami
Inter Miami have their sights set on the MLS Cup title, and will be considered favorites as the likely regular season champion, but they have their flaws that Columbus can and likely will exploit. Tomas Aviles is suspended as his disciplinary struggles continue, leaving a hole in the back line that will be tough to fill.
| BetMGM (USA) | |
| Columbus Crew win | -110 |
| Draw | +290 |
| Inter Miami win | +240 |
| Both teams to score | Y: -210 N: +145 |
| Over / Under 2.5 goals | O: +120 U: -175 |
| Columbus Crew -0.5 goals | -120 |
| Inter Miami +0.5 goals | -120 |
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