Charlotte FC vs Inter Miami: Preview, predictions and lineups

Inter Miami will look to continue their winning ways without superstar Lionel Messi when they take on Charlotte FC this week at Bank of America stadium.

Despite the likes of Messi, Luis Suarez and Matias Rojas not featuring for the Herons as they're at Copa America 2024, the Herons have won all three matches played without their formidable front three. Gerardo 'Tata' Martino's side have managed three straight MLS victories without his preferred attacking trio, with 2-1 triumphs over Philadelphia Union, Columbus Crew and Nashville SC.

Charlotte's last three outings have included just about everything with a draw, a win and a loss. The Eastern Conference outfit settled for a 2-2 draw against Orlando City before coming out on top 2-0 vs Philadelphia the following week. The Crown fell 1-0 to Houston Dynamo over the weekend but will look to do everything in their power to slow down the Herons and defend their home ground.

Here's 90min's guide to Charlotte FC vs Inter Miami.

What time does Charlotte FC vs Inter Miami kick-off?

• Location: Charlotte, North Carolina
• Stadium: Bank of America Stadium
• Date: Wednesday, July 3
• Kick-off Time: 7:30 ET / 4:30 PT / 12:30 BST (Thursday)

Charlotte FC vs Inter Miami H2H record (Last Five Games)

• Charlotte FC: 2 wins
• Inter Miami: 2 wins
• Draws: 1

Last meeting: Charlotte FC 1-0 Inter Miami (21 October 2021) - MLS

Current form (all competitions)

How to watch Charlotte FC vs Inter Miami on TV and live stream

Charlotte FC team news

Striker Karol Swiderski -- who spent the second half of the Serie A season on loan at Hellas Verona -- made a few appearances at Euro 2024 with Poland, but his nation's campaign has come to a quick ending after they managed just one point in the group stage against France, Netherlands and Austria. It's unknown whether Swiderski will be available for selection this week or if he'll be sent out on loan again/permanently transferred away.

Midfielder Junior Urso is the only injury concern in the Charlotte camp as the veteran player is still recovering from a leg problem.

Charlotte FC predicted lineup vs Inter Miami

Charlotte FC predicted lineup vs Inter Miami ( 4-2-3-1 ): Kahlina; Byrne, Malanda, Privett, Uronen; Bronico, Petkovic; Abada, Bender, Vargas; Agyemang.

Inter Miami team news

As Argentina expectedly secured safe passage to the Copa America quarter-finals, Messi will remain with his national team and is therefore unavailable for selection once again. The same goes for Suarez and Uruguay as the 15-time winners have all but confirmed their place in the last eight of the competition

Fortunately for Martino but unfortunately for Rojas, Paraguay were the second team eliminated from the tournament and Rojas could return to action this week but a substitute appearance at the weekend seems more likely.

Marcelo Weigandt is the only Heron who misses out through injury, as the attacking full-back remains sidelined with a hamstring problem.

Inter Miami predicted lineup vs Charlotte FC

Inter Miami predicted lineup vs Charlotte FC ( 4-3-3 ): Callender; Fray, Aviles, Kryvtsov, Alba; Redondo, Busquets, Gressel; Gomez, Campana, Taylor.

Charlotte FC vs Inter Miami score prediction

The streaking Herons will be eager to continue on the winning path to keep their place atop the Supporters' Shield standings as they have just a two-point lead over second-placed FC Cincinnati with 44 points from 21 matches.

Miami have proven they have what it takes to pull off wins away from home without their veteran stars, and that theme will continue with a narrow victory over an improved Charlotte side. The hosts will open the scoring early on, but Diego Gomez and Leo Campana will each get on the scoresheet to lift Miami to their fourth-straight 2-1 win.

Prediction: Charlotte FC 1-2 Inter Miami