Inter Miami II vs Carolina Core Predicted Lineups and Team News

Inter Miami II welcome Carolina Core to Chase Stadium in MLS Next Pro group-stage action, with both sides desperate to stabilise difficult seasons. Inter Miami II sit on 4 points from 12 matches, with a goal difference of -22 and a league form line of “LLLLWLLLLLLL” that underlines just how tough 2026 has been so far. Carolina Core are better off but still far from comfortable: 12 points from 15 games, a -9 goal difference, and a similarly erratic “LLLLLLWLLWLLLW” record.

Despite the struggles, this fixture has quietly become one of the more intriguing matchups in the competition. The head-to-head history leans slightly towards Inter Miami II in terms of wins, but Carolina Core have often been competitive, including a penalty shootout defeat in March 2026. With both teams conceding heavily yet capable of scoring in bursts, this clash at Chase Stadium should produce a tight, tactical contest where predicted lineups and selection calls could swing the balance.

Given Inter Miami II’s poor defensive record (37 goals conceded in 12 league matches, averaging 3.1 per game) and Carolina Core’s marginally stronger balance (29 conceded in 14, 2.1 per game), the away side are marginal favourites. Predictions data backs that up, giving Carolina Core a strong chance to avoid defeat. That context will heavily shape the expected starting lineup choices on both sides, as coaches look to find the right mix of youth, structure, and attacking threat.

Inter Miami II Team News & Expected Lineups Today

No significant absences reported. With no confirmed injuries or suspensions listed, Inter Miami II should have their full development squad available. That gives the coaching staff flexibility to respond to a run of five straight defeats and a home record of five losses from five, with 14 goals conceded at Chase Stadium.

Based on their form, Inter Miami II are expected to set up with a more conservative, compact defensive block than earlier in the season, trying to limit the space between the lines and protect a back line that has struggled badly, particularly just after half-time. Expect an emphasis on energetic midfielders and mobile forwards who can press selectively and counter quickly, rather than a wide-open attacking shape. The starting lineup is likely to lean on slightly older squad members for stability, supported by a core of high-upside teenagers.

Inter Miami II Predicted Lineups & Starting Lineup

Predicted Starting XI:
GK: L. Barker;
DF: Ezequiel Abadia-Reda, N. Almeida, T. Hall, A. Ristano;
MF: S. Morales, P. Plambeck, M. Rodriguez, A. Shaw;
FW: L. Delinois, D. Rey

This predicted lineup for Inter Miami II prioritises experience where possible in a young roster. In goal, L. Barker is a logical choice as a leading option among several teenage keepers. The defensive line of Ezequiel Abadia-Reda, N. Almeida, T. Hall, and A. Ristano is built from players in the defender pool who can provide a mix of physical presence and ball progression, crucial for a side that concedes heavily and needs to reduce individual errors.

In midfield, S. Morales and P. Plambeck offer work rate and structure, helping screen the defence and recycle possession. M. Rodriguez and A. Shaw add more attacking intent from central or half-space areas, expected to support transitions and link with the front line. Up front, L. Delinois and D. Rey stand out in the attacker group as likely focal points: Delinois can operate as a leading striker or wide forward, while Rey’s profile suggests a more mobile, channel-running role. Without explicit top scorer or top assist data, the emphasis is on assembling a balanced unit that can finally convert Inter Miami II’s reasonable scoring rate (around 1.2 goals per game) into points.

Carolina Core Team News & Expected Lineups Today

No significant absences reported. Carolina Core also appear to have a full squad available, an important boost for a team that has lost 11 of 14 league games but still shows signs of life, especially at home. Their last five matches indicate a 40% form rating, with 7 goals scored and 7 conceded, suggesting they are more competitive recently than their overall record implies.

Given their stronger defensive metrics compared to Inter Miami II and their slight edge in the predictions, Carolina Core are expected to travel with a proactive but controlled approach. The coaching staff will likely target Inter Miami II’s vulnerability after half-time and in central defensive zones. In lineups today, expect a solid back four, a hard-working midfield led by experienced operators, and a front line built around their more seasoned attackers, aiming to press intelligently and exploit transitions rather than commit too many bodies forward recklessly.

Carolina Core Predicted Lineups & Starting Lineup

Predicted Starting XI:
GK: N. Holliday;
DF: N. Brown, N. Evers, C. Orbaugh, Santiago Yepes Valle;
MF: R. Aguirre, M. Alenga, C. Lundeen, M. Zerkane;
FW: J. Ibarra, A. Sumo

Carolina Core’s predicted starting lineup leans heavily on older, more experienced players to manage the game away from home. In goal, N. Holliday is a natural candidate among the keepers. The defence of N. Brown, N. Evers, C. Orbaugh, and Santiago Yepes Valle offers a blend of physicality and youth, with Evers in particular a likely organiser at the back. This unit will be tasked with maintaining a relatively high level of defensive stability against an Inter Miami II side that, despite poor results, averages over a goal per game.

In midfield, R. Aguirre and M. Alenga provide energy and ball-winning, while C. Lundeen and M. Zerkane add composure and passing range. This quartet should give Carolina Core the platform to control phases of possession and dictate tempo. Up front, J. Ibarra and A. Sumo stand out in the attacker pool as probable key threats: both are in their mid-20s and profile as players capable of leading the line, holding the ball up, and finishing chances. With Carolina Core scoring most frequently between 31 and 60 minutes, this front line will be expected to capitalise on those key windows against a fragile Inter Miami II defence.

Injuries and Suspended Players Impact

With no listed injuries or suspensions for either side, squad availability should not be a limiting factor in this fixture. Instead, the impact comes from selection decisions and tactical choices rather than enforced absences. Coaches can rotate, reward form, or adjust shapes without being constrained by fitness issues.

Inter Miami II Absences:

• No significant absences reported.

Carolina Core Absences:

• No significant absences reported.

Tactical Analysis: How the Lineups Match Up

The tactical battle is likely to hinge on whether Inter Miami II can protect their defence well enough to stay in the game. Their league numbers show 37 goals conceded in 12 matches, with a particular vulnerability between 46 and 60 minutes, where they have allowed 9 goals. The predicted back four and double pivot are set up to close central spaces and reduce transitions through the middle, while the inclusion of two forwards should allow them to press the Carolina Core centre-backs selectively and threaten on the break.

Carolina Core, by contrast, arrive with a more balanced profile: 18 goals scored and 29 conceded across 14 fixtures, and a last-five defensive record of just 7 goals against. Their predicted midfield four offers a clear advantage in experience and physical maturity, which should help them control second balls and dictate where the game is played. If they can pin Inter Miami II back and force them into a low block, the combination of J. Ibarra and A. Sumo up front could exploit lapses in concentration, especially around the end of each half where Inter Miami II concede heavily. However, Carolina Core’s own away form is poor, with no wins and 18 goals conceded in 8 away fixtures, so their defensive line must be alert to counters led by L. Delinois and D. Rey.

Match Prediction and Verdict

Analysis points to Carolina Core having the edge in this matchup. Their overall defensive structure is stronger, their recent form is better, and the predictions model gives them a 45% chance of victory with another 45% on the draw, compared to just 10% for an Inter Miami II win. Inter Miami II’s home record is particularly concerning, with five defeats from five and 3 goals conceded per game on average at Chase Stadium.

That said, Inter Miami II have a favourable recent head-to-head record and may see this as an opportunity to reset their season. If their predicted lineup can tighten up defensively and take advantage of Carolina Core’s poor away record, they could keep the game close. Nonetheless, over 90 minutes, Carolina Core’s more experienced core and better balance across the pitch should be enough to avoid defeat and likely edge a low-scoring contest.

Predicted Outcome: Inter Miami II 1–2 Carolina Core

How to Watch Inter Miami II vs Carolina Core Worldwide

Here is how you can watch the match and see the official lineups today live:

• Spain: Local sports network / streaming platform
• UK: Domestic football streaming service
• USA / North America: National soccer broadcaster or league streaming platform
• South America: Regional sports channel with MLS Next Pro rights
• MENA: Pan-regional sports network or digital streaming service