Inter Miami projected lineup vs. FC Cincinnati: Who starts?

After a two-week international break, Inter Miami will be back on the pitch this Sunday, where they'll face off in a highly anticipated MLS Cup Eastern Conference semi-final matchup away at FC Cincinnati.

In a “do or die” game for the Herons, many fans wonder how the Men in Pink will keep the winning momentum going after comfortably dispatching Nashville SC in the previous round.

The final game of that best-of-three first-round series saw Inter Miami play without striker Luis Suárez, who was fined and subsequently suspended for the match because of violent conduct in game two.

The Uruguayan's absence led to a vacuum at the center forward spot. Many fans and pundits alike thought attacker Tadeo Allende could fill that spot, or even youngster Allen Obando.

Instead, the keys to the 'Ferrari,' so to speak, were handed over to recent signing, 19-year-old forward Mateo Silvetti.

What followed was, perhaps, one of Inter Miami's best performances of the season.

The Herons played with a fluidity and dynamism that any fan would be proud of. They ended the game with an xG (expected goals) total of 2.12 compared to Nashville's 0.58.

Not only was the attack running like a well-oiled machine, but defensively, Miami's backline has held its own, keeping a clean sheet for the first time since October 11th against Atlanta United.

That said, and looking ahead to Sunday's game, will Inter Miami's starting eleven look the same?

Speaking to reporters ahead of the match, Mascherano had this to say about a potential permanent lineup change:

"I am not going to discuss one player over another, and I think it would be disrespectful to Luis’ storied career. No two games are the same. Cincinnati is not Nashville. Sunday you’ll see what I decide.
"

Whether or not his comments indicate that Suarez will start, Sunday's match won't be the time for tinkering or trying out new formations/tactics. In a win-or-go-home game, the club must put their best foot forward if they want to reach the Eastern Conference final.

That said, here's how Inter Miami could line up on Sunday.

Goalkeeper/Defense

The backline and goalkeeping positions are fairly self-explanatory.

The quartet of Jordi Alba, Noah Allen, Maxi Falcon, and Ian Fray has been solid, and there's no reason to switch it up unless an injury has occurred.

The mixture of experience and attacking prowess between fullbacks Fray and Alba, and the steadiness/physicality of Allen and Falcon, provides Miami with the ideal combination needed in every defensive line.

In goal, Rocco Rios Novo has been keeping it steady since replacing Oscar Ustari, and that won't change anytime soon.

Reading from left to right: Rios Novo; Jordi Alba, Noah Allen, Maxi Falcon, Ian Fray.

Midfield

Much like the backline and goalkeeper, since Rodrigo de Paul's signing in the summer, the midfield duo (or trio, depending on the formation) will remain consistent.

Sergio Busquets, Rodrigo de Paul, and Baltasar Rodriguez will likely be the starting three in the center of the pitch.

Though Yannick Bright and Telasco Segovia are young talents with a very high upside for the Herons, over the last few months, Mascherano has leaned more towards attacking midfielder Baltasar Rodriguez to play as an 'advanced eight'.

Unfortunately, that means Bright and Segovia narrowly miss out on a starting spot. However, they will probably be the first two off the bench if Miami needs their services.

Reading from left to right: Baltasar Rodriguez, Sergio Busquets, Rodrigo de Paul

Attack

Now, in what will be the hottest debated topic heading into the match, who should/will Mascherano start at center forward?

Though Mascherano's comments suggest that reintegrating Suarez back into the starting eleven is imminent, I'd like to play devil's advocate here. Throughout the season, Mascherano has shown that he's largely unafraid to drop players (within reason) if the situation calls for it.

For example, players like Telasco Segovia, Marcelo 'Chelo' Weigandt, Yannick Bright, and Gonzalo Lujan were all locked in as starters for the first couple of months this year.

Due to various circumstances, poor performance, or team chemistry, many players lost their positions to those who were in form or preferred by Mascherano.

Ian Fray and Noah Allen stepped in for Weigandt and Lujan. Bright was relegated to the bench because of de Paul, and Rodriguez was used as a quasi-attacking midfielder, so Messi wasn't forced to drop back into midfield as often.

In the curious case of Silvetti vs. Suarez, it wouldn't be crazy to say that Mascherano could go with the 'hot hand' (foot, really), and start the young Argentine over the experienced Uruguayan. Adding on, MLS is a league where sometimes, physicality and speed reign supreme over technicality.

Miami thrives when runners are put alongside Messi, leading to counterattacking opportunities like this:

However, in a game where a loss means a team's MLS Cup dreams are over, Mascherano may go ahead and start Suarez due to his experience and chemistry with his ex-Barcelona teammates.

In the end, it could go either way. But, ultimately, Silvetti may get the start.

Reading from left to right: Mateo 'Toto' Silvetti, Lionel Messi, Tadeo Allende