Inter Miami face New England in a pivotal Eastern Conference match

New England Revolution host Inter Miami at Gillette Stadium on Sunday at seven p.m. Eastern Time in their final home match of the regular season. The matchup comes with the MLS Eastern Conference standings still up for grabs.

New England enter the match with 58 points from 18 wins, 10 losses and 4 draws, and have secured home-field advantage in the first round of the playoffs. Inter Miami have 56 points from 15 wins, 6 losses and 11 draws, giving them a chance to cut the gap to two points or fewer, while the hosts aim to hold their position and finish their home schedule on a strong note.

The teams’ numbers reflect a contrast in styles: Inter Miami have scored 75 goals in 32 matches, while New England have conceded 44, the third-lowest total in the league. Their first meeting this season ended in a 1-1 draw. Inter Miami drew 2-2 with Cincinnati midweek after losing to the New York Red Bulls last weekend, while New England beat the New York Red Bulls 3-2 in their midweek match.

Lionel Messi stands out as Inter Miami’s leading attacking threat, having scored 25 goals and provided 15 assists for a total of 40 goal contributions. He has taken 176 shots, including 73 on target. New England, meanwhile, rely on goalkeeper Matt Turner, who made 14 saves across his matches last week and has recorded 134 saves this season.

These factors set Inter Miami’s attacking strength against New England’s defense, with the question being whether the visitors can turn their scoring advantage into an away win or the hosts can bolster their home record.