Javier Mascherano claimed that he would “love more resources” ahead of Inter Miami’s meeting with D.C. United on Saturday.

Miami ran out 3-1 winners against the Seattle Sounders last time out in what was the first meeting between the two sides at Chase Stadium, as the Herons avenged their Leagues Cup final defeat, with Lionel Messi on the scoresheet. 

After Tuesday’s win, Mascherano’s side jumped up the Eastern Conference standings, and now sit in sixth place with as many as three games in hand on the teams above them.

With seven games remaining to decide their playoff fate, Miami are looking to cement their postseason spot.

D.C. United are a favourable opponent, with Miami going unbeaten against the Black and Red across their last four head-to-heads (winning two and drawing two).

"We have many absences right now, and of course, I’d love more resources and depth. But I’m the coach, and I will go to the end with the players I have," said Mascherano.

"Do you think a coach doesn’t want more players? Every coach wants depth. But it’s not my responsibility—you’ll have to ask the front office.

"I’m happy with the base we have, but the truth is we’re short on numbers. Right now, we’ve got five or six players out, and that leaves us exposed."

Miami will be without Luis Suarez and Tomas Aviles due to suspension, plus Fabrice Picault and David Ruiz, who have both been ruled out through injury. 

"We have seven finals left, and we want to win all seven," Mascherano added.

"And we need to keep collecting points. Nobody likes to be in this position, even if we have three games in hand compared to our rivals, because I truly believe the team doesn’t deserve it."

Meanwhile, D.C. United have only pride to play for, after being mathematically ruled out of the playoff picture following a run of nine MLS games without a win between the start of June to the middle of August (losing eight and drawing one), 

Rene Weller's side have gone unbeaten in their last four games (winning one and drawing three), with their most recent outing, against Orlando City, finishing 1-1.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Inter Miami – Lionel Messi

At the age of 38, Messi is still a superstar, and he sits second in MLS goalscoring charts with 20 goals in 21 appearances, one behind Sam Surridge (21), who has featured in nine games more.

The footballing icon has registered the most goal involvements (32) in MLS so far this season, having scored and assisted one in his last outing against the Sounders.

D.C. United – Gabriel Pirani

Despite the Black and Red enduring a forgettable campaign, having scored the fewest goals (27) in the entire Eastern Conference, Pirani has contributed to nine (six goals and three assists), with only Christian Benteke chipping in with more (10, eight goals and two assists).

MATCH PREDICTION: INTER MIAMI WIN

Miami have been strong at home this season, winning eight, drawing three, and losing just two of their 13 MLS matches in Florida.

By contrast, D.C. United have struggled on the road, with only three wins alongside three draws and nine defeats.

The Herons also have the upper hand in recent meetings, going unbeaten in the last four against the Red and Black, who haven’t claimed a league victory in this fixture since June 2023.

In that span, Miami have scored seven times while conceding four. Their recent win over Seattle also stretched their home unbeaten streak to six games.

No side has clinched the Supporters’ Shield in back-to-back seasons since the LA Galaxy did so back in 2010 and 2011, and even with multiple games in hand on the teams around and above them, Miami are incredibly unlikely to be retaining the title this term.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Inter Miami – 72.3%

Draw – 15.9%

D.C. United – 11.8%