Columbus Crew vs. Inter Miami free live stream: How to preview the potential MLS title without cable in the US

Two MLS title favorites meet just before the playoffs begin as Inter Miami travels to defending champion Columbus Crew on Wednesday night.

With their postseason status secured, the top two teams in the East are now fighting just for seeding as they complete the home stretch of the regular season. With a win, Inter Miami can secure the Supporters' Shield and the top playoff spot and thus stay at the top of the standings.

Lionel Messi is healthy for the long haul but could get a break from Tata Martino if the club decides to limit his use before the start of the crucial postseason.

The Crew sit in second place in the East, but their position is less secure than their opponents', with just a single point separating them from further down FC Cincinnati.

Both sides have appeared vulnerable in recent weeks. Inter Miami must resort to three straight draws as roster restrictions limit the availability of several key players. The Crew, meanwhile, were thwarted by Seattle in early September before being held to a 2-2 draw in their last game against DC United.

LIVE BLOG: Follow updates and highlights as Inter Miami visits Columbus Crew

Columbus Crew vs Inter Miami Live Stream, TV Channel

• Date: Wednesday, October 2, 2024
• Time: 7:45 p.m. ET / 4:45 p.m. PT
• TV channel: FS1
• Streaming: Fubo, MLS Season Pass

This game is scheduled to be broadcast in the United States on FS1, which is available for streaming on Fubo, which offers a deal free trial for new users.

The game is also accessible to MLS Season Pass subscribers who have reduced their subscription prices to the lowest offering of the season. New subscribers can now get the MLS Season Pass for just $9.99, while existing Apple TV subscribers can now sign up for the MLS Season Pass for free for the remainder of the season. The MLS Season Pass is your exclusive home for every single MLS regular season and off-season game, meaning you get every game and every moment of the MLS Cup playoffs for one low price.

When is the kick-off between Columbus Crew and Inter Miami?

This MLS regular season game begins on Wednesday, October 2nd at 7:45 p.m. local time in Columbus, Ohio at Lower.com Field.

This is how this time is transferred to the time zones in North America:

MORE: Find out which games are streaming for free each week with Apple TV's MLS Season Pass

Columbus Crew vs. Inter Miami lineups and team news

Columbus coach Wilfried Nancy enjoyed exceptional availability in his squad for much of the season and only had one backup goalkeeper Evan Bush the only extended absence for much of the year.

Defensive midfielder Sean Zawadzki has missed each of the last two games with a rib injury and could miss again today, but otherwise they are in great shape with the playoffs approaching.

Columbus Crew starting lineup (3-4-3): Schulte (GK) – Moreira, Camacho, Amundsen – Farsi, Matan, Nagbe, Arfsten – C. Hernandez, C. Ramirez, Rossi.

Tata Martino's defensive line is nearing a breaking point with the playoffs looming. Tomas Aviles is suspended for receiving another yellow card in the last game against Charlotte FC Nicolas Freire is out for this year due to a torn cruciate ligament David Martínez continues to recover from a groin injury. Serhiy Kryvtsov, Noah Allenor Ian Fray will probably fill in as a central defender Sergio Busquets.

Fortunately, Lionel Messi is fit for the endurance run and starts despite the weekly opportunity to be rested for the playoffs. Facundo Farias stays out with a torn cruciate ligament and Leo Afonso is not yet back from his groin injury. Matias Rojas has recovered from his ankle injury and should start up front.

For today, Julian Gressel is rested in midfield, replaced by Yannick Bright.

Inter Miami starting lineup (3-5-2): Callender (TW) – Allen, Busquets, Fray – Weigandt, D. Gomez, Bright, Redondo, Alba – Messi, Suarez.

Columbus Crew vs. Inter Miami prediction, betting odds and lines

• Result prediction: Columbus Crew 3-1 Inter Miami

Inter Miami has their sights set on the MLS Cup title and will be favorites to become the likely regular season champions, but they have their weaknesses that Columbus can and likely will exploit. Tomas Aviles is suspended as his disciplinary problems continue, leaving a hole in the defense that will be difficult to fill.