How Inter Miami can expose Orlando City's biggest weaknesses on Wednesday | OneFootball

With less than a day remaining, Inter Miami is set to face Orlando City in the semifinals of the Leagues Cup. The Herons come into the match following a draw against D.C. United.

Remember that, due to its red card against Tigres, Javier Mascherano won't take part in Inter Miami’s bench. Despite not having their manager, the Herons have the players to counter whatever Orlando City could throw at them.

Still, it is not a bad time to remember the two major strengths of the Lions and how Inter Miami could neutralize them:

Press the build-up

In the paper, Orlando City establishes a 4-2-3-1 formation. However, once they regained possession of the ball, they modified it to a 3-5-2. During that transition, Segovia, Allende, or De Paul can complicate Orlando.

Completing this change in a smooth and precise way is complicated. Plenty of times, wingers or midfielders are not aware, and that’s where Inter Miami must take advantage.

When the Lions begin building from the back, Inter Miami should mark and press the fullbacks to expose the forwards and midfielders. Forcing the ball to the center-backs, who will end up with a long ball because of the pressure.

By pressuring high, Inter Miami forced Orlando City players to lose the connection between lines. Leaving the team cut in half, without a midfield.

Fast recovery in the midfield

The midfield is one of Orlando’s most vulnerable parts. When their two midfielders descend to get the ball, they leave plenty of space for De Paul, Bright, or Busquet. If they are aware and cut the passes between lines, Inter Miami has a golden opportunity near the opposing goal.

When the Herons players recover the ball, the team needs to switch and start a fast and vertical transition.

Not only is Inter Miami positioned to attack when the Lions’ fullbacks push high, but they have also managed to stop their opponent’s forward play.

Considering these factors, this approach is the ideal solution to both stifle the rival offense and start their own attack.