Inter-Miami went down 1-2 to Houston Dynamo in the USL Cup final in midweek, but the latter was actually the better team and deserved the win.
Mays and Jordy Eibar are out for the Cup Final, and I don't think they'll play against New York City either. From all perspectives, I think this game is more important than the Cup Final, and it's a must-win game for Miami if they want to make the playoffs.
Bouskis needs to control the midfield and protect the defense behind him. The reason I feel his experience is quite crucial is that he has played in a number of key competitions in his career and knows how to beat the opposition.
Of course, it's going to be tough for Miami without Misi up front, but Ryan Taylor and Farias will need to put in good performances and create chances to score from the wing. I think Rihannadu Gambina will start as a center forward, so when the chances come, he needs to take them and turn them into goals.
New York City is a team without stars, but after a disastrous first half of the season, the team has finally righted the ship and come together as one, and they are now working hard to make the playoffs. They have not conceded a goal in 4 of their last 5 league matches and have won 3 of them, so they will be hard to break down.
Young striker Bacca has been an excellent acquisition, scoring 3 goals in his last 5 matches and linking up well with midfield commander Santiago Rodriguez. Dexterous flanker Anzus Jaeson is another player who I think has improved and has the ability to cause problems on the left side of the pitch for Miami.
