New York City FC vs. Inter Miami CF Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 25 September 2025

The upcoming clash between New York City FC and Inter Miami CF promises to be a thrilling encounter. With both teams hot on each other’s heels in the Major League Soccer standings, this match carries significant weight. NYCFC sits in 7th place with 53 points, just one point ahead of Inter Miami in 8th.

Historically, matches between these teams have been closely contested. Both teams have shown proficiency in scoring, with Alonso Martinez and Lionel Messi leading the goal charts for their respective sides.

NYCFC is the bookmaker’s favorite with odds of 2.23 for a home win. However, Inter Miami’s recent form, featuring key players like Sergio Busquets and Rodrigo De Paul, can’t be overlooked. Given both teams’ scoring trends and recent performances, betting on both teams to score seems a safe bet.

As the season enters its crucial phase, each point is paramount. Expect an intense and competitive match at Citi Field.

New York City FC vs Inter Miami CF Prediction & Betting tip

Best Bet Recommendation: Both Teams to Score (Yes)
Reasoning:

1. Scoring Consistency: Both New York City FC and Inter Miami CF have been scoring consistently, with NYCFC scoring 10 goals and Inter Miami scoring 10 goals in their last 5 matches.
2. Head-to-Head History: In 4 out of the last 5 meetings between these teams, both have found the back of the net, indicating a strong trend for both teams to score.
3. Key Players: With top scorers like Alonso Martinez and Lionel Messi available, both teams have the firepower to score.

Overall, the combination of recent form, head-to-head history, and scoring trends makes "Both Teams to Score (Yes)" the most supported bet for this match.

New York City FC vs Inter Miami CF Odds

For this matchup, New York City FC are the bookmaker favourites with odds of 2.23 for a home win. Given their slightly superior position in the league, it’s understandable why they’re favored.

However, Inter Miami CF isn’t far behind with odds of 2.78, signifying this encounter could go either way. The option for a Draw sits at 3.72, reflecting the tightly contested nature of prior encounters between these two teams.

Bettors might be particularly interested in betting on both teams to score, considering the odds and both teams’ consistent scoring trends this season.

New York City FC Team Analysis

New York City FC Recent Performance

In their last five matches, New York City FC has shown impressive form with four wins and one loss (WLWWW). They have been particularly sharp in attack, netting an average of 2.00 goals per game during this period. Their recent triumphs include a solid 2-0 victory over Charlotte FC and a hard-fought 3-2 win against Columbus Crew.

Defensively, Pascal Jansen’s squad has also demonstrated resilience, keeping clean sheets in two of their last five matches. This strong defensive showing has been underpinned by the performances of goalkeeper Matt Freese and defenders like Thiago Martins and Raul Gustavo.

As they look to solidify their position in the league, the upcoming match at Citi Field promises to be another test of their current form and tactical approach.

New York City FC Key Players

For New York City FC, the spotlight will undoubtedly be on their top scorer Alonso Martinez, who has netted 17 goals this season. Martinez’s scoring prowess will be pivotal, especially against a Miami side that has shown vulnerability in defense.

In midfield, the creativity of Maxi Moralez will be crucial. His playmaking abilities and vision can break down Inter Miami’s defensive lines. Defensively, Thiago Martins and Raul Gustavo have been solid, helping the team keep two clean sheets in their last five matches.

Key individual battles will likely feature Alonso Martinez against Miami’s center-backs like Maximiliano Falcón, which could determine the efficacy of NYCFC’s attack.

Expected lineup for New York City FC:

• Goalkeeper: Matt Freese
• Defenders: Tayvon Gray, Thiago Martins, Raul Gustavo, Kevin O’Toole
• Midfielders: Andrés Perea, Justin Haak, Maxi Moralez, Hannes Wolf, Nicolas Fernandez Mercau
• Forward: Alonso Martinez

New York City FC Suspensions & Injuries

New York City FC will be missing several key players due to injuries, including Malachi Jones, Keaton Parks, and Nico Cavallo, all sidelined with leg injuries and expected to return in early October 2025. These absences could impact their depth in midfield and defense.

Parks, in particular, has been instrumental in the midfield, and his absence might necessitate tactical adjustments from coach Pascal Jansen. However, NYCFC has shown resilience, with other players stepping up impressively in recent matches.

While there are no suspensions currently affecting the team, managing these injuries will be crucial for NYCFC as they aim to maintain their strong form and fend off a closely trailing Inter Miami.

New York City FC Tactics and Formation

New York City FC Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-3-3
• Key Forward: Alonso Martinez has been a standout performer with 17 goals this season.
• Midfield Trio: Comprised of Andrés Perea, Justin Haak, and playmaker Maxi Moralez, this midfield unit is central to NYCFC’s attacking and defensive transitions.
• Defensive Strength: The team has kept two clean sheets in their last five games, exemplifying a solid backline featuring Thiago Martins and Raul Gustavo.
• Notable Strategy: Strong attack during the 61-75-minute interval, reflecting their ability to pressure opponents and capitalize on fatigue.

Overall, NYCFC’s tactical approach under Pascal Jansen emphasizes a balanced style, blending tight defensive setups with potent attacking plays. This match against Inter Miami CF will likely test their ability to maintain this equilibrium.

Inter Miami CF Team Analysis

Inter Miami CF Recent Performance

Inter Miami CF has had a mixed bag of results lately, securing three wins but also suffering two defeats in their last five matches (WLLWW). Despite these losses, they have displayed a solid attacking front, averaging 1.80 goals per game.

Their victories over DC United (3-2) and Seattle Sounders FC (3-1) showcase their attacking capabilities, with Lionel Messi leading the charge. However, defensive lapses have been a concern, as they failed to keep any clean sheets in these matches.

As they aim to climb the standings and overtake the closely ranked New York City FC, this upcoming match will be crucial for Javier Mascherano’s men.

Inter Miami CF Key Players

For Inter Miami CF, the mercurial Lionel Messi stands out as their top scorer with 22 goals this season. Messi’s experience and scoring prowess will be pivotal in breaking down NYCFC’s defense.

In midfield, the contributions of Sergio Busquets and Rodrigo De Paul are key. Busquets’ defensive midfield role and De Paul’s playmaking abilities will be crucial in maintaining midfield control and creating opportunities.

Defensively, Gonzalo Lujan and Maximiliano Falcón will need to be at their best to counter NYCFC’s attacking threats, particularly Alonso Martinez.

Expected lineup for Inter Miami CF:

• Goalkeeper: Oscar Ustari
• Defenders: Marcelo Weigandt, Gonzalo Lujan, Maximiliano Falcón, Noah Allen
• Midfielders: Rodrigo De Paul, Sergio Busquets, Yannick Bright
• Forwards: Tadeo Allende, Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba

Inter Miami CF Suspensions & Injuries

Inter Miami CF is dealing with several injuries and a key suspension ahead of their match against New York City FC. Allen Obando and David Ruiz are both out with hamstring injuries, expected to return in early and mid-October respectively. Additionally, Fafa Picault is sidelined with a hip injury, also expected back by mid-October.

Furthermore, Telasco Segovia is serving a suspension due to an accumulation of yellow cards and will miss this fixture. These absences could impact Inter Miami’s squad depth, particularly in midfield and defense.

Managing these unavailable players will be a crucial test for coach Javier Mascherano as they seek to maintain their competitive edge and close the gap on their rivals in the standings.

Inter Miami CF Tactics and Formation

Inter Miami CF Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-3-3
• Key Forward: Lionel Messi, who has been a standout performer with 22 goals this season.
• Midfield Trio: Sergio Busquets, Rodrigo De Paul, and Yannick Bright form the backbone of the midfield, offering a blend of defensive solidity and creative flair.
• Defensive Strength: While they haven’t kept any clean sheets in their last five games, the defensive duties will rely on the performances of Gonzalo Lujan and Maximiliano Falcón.
• Notable Strategy: Aiming to score early and take control of the match, as they have shown an ability to score consistently despite defensive lapses.

With this setup, coach Javier Mascherano will be looking to balance the attacking prowess of Messi and the midfield’s control, hoping to exploit any weaknesses in New York City FC’s defense.

New York City FC vs Inter Miami CF Head-to-Head Statistics

The head-to-head statistics between New York City FC and Inter Miami CF reveal a history of closely contested matches. In their last five meetings:

• Inter Miami CF 2 – 2 New York City FC (23 Feb 2025)
• New York City FC 1 – 1 Inter Miami CF (21 Sep 2024)
• Inter Miami CF 1 – 1 New York City FC (30 Mar 2024)
• Inter Miami CF 1 – 2 New York City FC (11 Nov 2023, Club Friendlies)
• Inter Miami CF 1 – 1 New York City FC (30 Sep 2023)

These fixtures have consistently seen both teams finding the back of the net, highlighting a trend of mutual scoring. Out of these five encounters, four ended in a draw, signifying the competitive nature of this matchup. With NYCFC and Inter Miami CF both close in the standings and demonstrating consistent scoring ability, fans can anticipate another tight and thrilling contest at Citi Field.

Odds accurate as of 23.09.2025 00:33, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.