Expect Nashville to line up in their usual 4-4-2, with Surridge and Saad leading the line, Espinoza and Muyl providing width, and a double pivot of Tagseth and Corcoran shielding the back four. Callahan's side are compact, organised, and dangerous on the break — they'll look to frustrate Miami, force turnovers in midfield, and hit early balls into the channels. At GEODIS Park, they'll feel they can squeeze the life out of this game and nick a goal from a set-piece or a moment of individual quality.

Inter Miami, under their expected 4-3-3, will bring the ball out from the back with Ríos Novo in goal, a back four of Mura, Caicedo, Micael, and Allen, and a midfield trio of De Paul, Casemiro, and Bright. Up top, Suárez, Pinter, and Silvetti will look to stretch Nashville's back line, with Messi pulling the strings from deep. Miami want to dominate possession, play through the thirds, and create overloads in the half-spaces. But that leaves them exposed on the counter, and Nashville's 4-4-2 is perfectly set up to exploit that — if they can win the ball high and get Surridge running at a retreating defence.

The key battle will be in midfield: Casemiro's experience against the energy of Tagseth and Corcoran. If Miami's double pivot gets overrun, Nashville will have a field day. If Casemiro and De Paul control the tempo, Miami will pick Nashville apart. Set-pieces could be decisive too — Nashville are physical, and Miami can be bullied in the air.