Columbus can keep Toronto in its own third through central combinations and wide recycling. Toronto's first pass after a clearance gives the visitors a route behind those advanced wingbacks. New York's press poses a separate test for Miami's build-up. Once that first wave is crossed, both sides have direct paths to the box.
Columbus showed sustained home pressure against Charlotte, but the cup final brought many attempts and few clean finishes across extra time. Toronto can move through Dorsch or Osorio into Corbeanu's wide delivery, with Sallói offering a later run after a clearance. That route matters against Crew players who spent a long cup final working to regain and recycle the ball.
Gomis is newly out after playing Toronto's last match, while Kuscevic and Laryea are available again after suspension. Columbus have already played without Abou Ali and Camacho, and several core starters played the full cup final. Toronto's restored cover and a current route to its own box entries give the visitor a strong chance to stay close. That's why I'm siding with Toronto.
New York can press with Hall and send Donkor or Ruvalcaba into wide space, but its recent large shot counts have not consistently become clean finishes. Miami's Messi, Suárez and Berterame linked all three goals at Atlanta, using quick ground passes to reach the box. New York's advanced shape also leaves room behind the first press for De Paul or Messi to receive.
Miami's listed missing forwards already missed Atlanta, while the three attacking partners played substantial minutes there. Falcón's new suspension follows only a short appearance, and New York's Horvath has already been the keeper through its recent games. Miami's current final-pass combination fits the space opened by New York's pressure. That's why I'm siding with Inter Miami.
