Inter Miami and Palmeiras will both be looking to advance to the last 16 when they lock horns in Monday’s Club World Cup clash at Hard Rock Stadium.

The two teams are sitting in the top two of Group A after taking four points from their opening two matches of the tournament.

Match preview

Inter Miami may have been an invited team, but they have undoubtedly been the best-performing MLS side across the first two matchdays.

After playing out a goalless draw with Al Ahly, the Herons went on to stun Portuguese giants Porto in their second group game in Atlanta.

Telasco Segovia found the net in the opening stages of the second period to cancel out Samu Aghehowa’s opener, before Lionel Messi produced a stunning free-kick in the 57th minute to give his side a precious lead.

Messi’s 50th goal in an Inter Miami shirt ultimately proved to be the difference at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, making it five games without defeat since they lost 3-0 to Orlando City on May 19 (W3, D2).

Javier Mascherano’s side head into matchday three knowing a point would be enough to secure second spot, while a win would see them advance to the last 16 as group winners.

Even if they lose, the MLS side will finish in second place in Group A, as long as Al Ahly do not beat Porto in the group’s other game and overturn the goal difference deficit between the two sides.

Palmeiras may have lost two of their last five matches, but they have won nine of their previous 12 competitive games, which should give them hope of picking up another win on Monday.

They are one of four teams yet to concede at the Club World Cup, with their strong backline playing a key role in their impressive start to the tournament.

The Brazilian side settled for a goalless draw in their opener against Porto, before they swept past Al Ahly via a 2-0 scoreline to pick up their first win of the tournament.

Palmeiras found the net on two occasions in the second period, thanks to a Wessam Abou Ali own goal and a Jose Manuel Lopez effort.

The Verdao are sitting just above Inter Miami due to their small goal difference advantage, knowing they need just a draw to advance to the knockout stage as group winners.

If Palmeiras lose to the Herons, they will only drop out of a qualification spot if Porto beats Al Ahly and produces the required swing in goal difference to overtake the Verdao.

Team News

Inter Miami will be without goalkeeper Drake Callender and Gonzalo Lujan, while Yannick Bright is unlikely to feature after missing the first two matches of the tournament.

The Herons will have to assess the defensive duo of Marcelo Weigandt and Ian Fray, who are both doubts after being forced off in the second half against Porto.

Jordi Alba returned from injury to feature as a late substitute on Thursday, and the experienced left-back could come into the side for the final group game.

As for Palmeiras, they remain without the services of forward Bruno Rodrigues, who is continuing to work on his recovery from a knee injury

After seeing his record consecutive clean sheets, head coach Abel Ferreira should stick with a back three of Agustin Giay, Gustavo Gomez and Murilo Cerqueira.

Midfielder Mauricio and forward Flaco Lopez are pushing for starting spots after featuring as half–time substitutes against Al Ahly.

Inter Miami possible starting lineup:

Ustari; Aviles, Falcon, Allen, Alba; Allende, Cremaschi, Busquets, Segovia; Messi, Suarez

Palmeiras possible starting lineup:

Weverton; Giay, Gomez, Murilo; Torres, Rios, Moreno, Piquerez; Estevao, Mauricio; Lopez