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DC United vs Inter Miami Lineups, Injuries, Predictions & Head-to-Head Stats
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DC United hosts Inter Miami on Sunday, August 23, 2025, in a game between two teams going in opposite directions.

The match is at Audi Field on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. (ET), 5:30 p.m.(PT). The Black-and-Red are at the bottom of the Eastern Conference, still searching for their first league win since June.

A midseason coaching change brought Rene Weiler to the touchline but the results haven’t followed. Miami are balancing their MLS season with a strong Leagues Cup run and Gerardo Martino’s team is in the Supporters’ Shield race.

Team News and Predicted Lineups

Weiler’s team is still dealing with injuries. João Peglow and Kristian Fletcher are out with knee issues, Randall Leal is recovering from a leg problem and Hosei Kijima is out with a thigh injury.

Lukas MacNaughton’s return is a boost at the back but overall depth is thin. DC should line up in a 4–4–2 with Luis Barraza in goal, Schnegg, Rowles, MacNaughton, Antley in defense, Hopkins, Servania, Peltola, Herrera in midfield and Pirani and Christian Benteke up top.

Inter Miami has its own injury concerns but the team is stacked with talent. Lionel Messi will miss a second straight game as he continues to recover from a tendon issue and Jordi Alba is out after picking up a knock.

Goalkeeper Drake Callender is still unavailable so Óscar Ustari will likely start. Martino should line up in a 4–2–3–1 with Weigandt, Falcon, Luján, Allen across the back, Busquets and Cremaschi in midfield, Allende, Segovia and Picault in supporting roles and Luis Suárez up top.

Head-to-Head and Form

Historically this series has been at the advantage of DC United. DC has won four times, Inter Miami three, with two draws. But recent results tell a completely different story.

Miami is unbeaten in five of the last six and has won three of those. DC’s struggles continue as they have lost 6-1 against San Jose Earthquakes in their game.

The form heading into Sunday shows the big gap between the two teams. Miami has won five of its last six across all competitions and is rolling along without Messi. DC has one draw in their last six and are one of the most vulnerable teams in the league.

Predictions

Everything points to Inter Miami as the clear favorite. Even without Lionel Messi and Alba, Martino’s team has shown the balance and depth to keep going and Suárez, Allende and Segovia are leading the line.

DC’s defense and lack of consistency up top will be exposed again.

A Miami win feels inevitable and most are predicting them to win easily. A 0–3 or even a 0-4 scoreline is the popular pick and unless DC can frustrate their visitors early, anything other than a Miami win would be a shock.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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