A horrendous start to the season for Inter Miami shows no signs of letting up, as Major League Soccer's money-men look to pick up their first win of the season against New England Revolution.
The Revs have also struggled to properly click into form this season, but a match-up against the Eastern Conference's bottom-placed side represents the perfect opportunity to get back on track.
Match preview
Four straight defeats since the opening day draw against Chicago Fire have punctuated what has been a horrific start for Miami manager Phil Neville.
With one of the most lucrative wage bills in the entire league, a five-game winless start for the Herons has come as a surprise to some, with Miami among those tipped for the playoffs at the beginning of the campaign.
Only two teams in the conference have shipped more goals than Miami's tally of 13, whereas their total of three goals scored is comfortably the worst in the league.
It appears that things could get worse for Miami, before they begin to get better, as the last time that these two teams met at Fort Lauderdale, the Revs ran out emphatic 5-0 winners.
Granted, in their only other meeting last season Miami did take three points, with a surprise 1-0 victory away to the Revs the only glimmer of hope that Inter have going into Saturday's clash.
Also looking to correct a troublesome campaign so far are the Revs, who sit just three points above bottom-placed Miami.
One win from five was not the start that last season's Supporters' Shield winners were expected to have, yet there does remain time for the New England outfit to right their wrongs.
Hoping to end a run of three straight defeats, the Revs will travel to Miami searching for their first victory since the second game of the season, when they triumphed 1-0 over Western Conference side FC Dallas.
A victory on Saturday would put the Revs to within touching distance of the playoffs, yet any further dropped points will likely see the leading cast edge themselves even further out in front.
- D
- L
- L
- L
- L
- D
- W
- L
- L
- L
- W
- W
- L
- L
- L
- L
Team News
A bumper injury list only adds to the Miami woes, as manager Neville looks to find a way out of the current rut they are in.
Both Ryan Sailor and Victor Ulloa are unlikely to feature for Miami until the end of the month, as the midfield duo continue their recovers from leg injuries.
A niggle is keeping Joevin Jones out of the team, but the midfielder is expected to come back into the fold during the next couple of weeks.
The same cannot be said for Ian Fray, who is recovering from an ACL injury and is likely to be out until October at the earliest.
For the Revs, a suspension for Adam Buksa will keep him out of the Miami clash, as the visitors will have to find a way to play without their most dangerous attacking threat.
In his place, veteran striker Jozy Altidore should lead the line for the Revs, with Justin Rennicks joining the former Sunderland man in attack.
The only other absentee for the Revs will be Matt Turner, with the goalkeeper recovering from a foot problem.
Inter Miami possible starting lineup:
Marsman; Yedlin, Lowe, McVey, Allen; Mota, Gregore, Taylor; Lassiter, Higuain, Robinson
New England Revolution possible starting lineup:
Knighton; Bye, Farrell, Kessler, Jones; Polster, Lletget, McNamara; Gil, Rennicks, Altidore
We say: Inter Miami 1-2 New England Revolution
New England have been well below their lofty standards so far this season, and the Revs supporters will be keen to see their side return to the form that took them to the Supporters' Shield last season.
Miami have been woeful at times and it is unlikely that they will be able to end their run against the Revs.
Top tip
body check tags ::
Previews by email