CINCINNATI — FC Cincinnati has picked up six crucial points in its last two matches, but Wednesday night's trip to Inter Miami will be a different beast altogether. The Orange and Blue will face Lionel Messi and one of MLS's most dangerous offenses as they try to strengthen their hold on a playoff spot.

Cincinnati enters the match in eighth place in the Eastern Conference with 42 points, three ahead of the New York Red Bulls and four ahead of the Columbus Crew. With three matches remaining, FCC controls its own destiny but still has work to do.

The Orange and Blue are coming off consecutive victories over D.C. United, including Saturday's 2-0 road win. Evander scored once and assisted on Tom Barlow's goal, earning MLS Team of the Matchday honors while becoming just the second player in league history to record at least 15 assists in three consecutive seasons.

That offensive production will be needed against an Inter Miami team that has scored a league-leading 73 goals this season. Messi leads MLS with 25 goals and has added 15 assists, while Luis Suárez has contributed 15 goals and 12 assists.

Miami enters Wednesday in third place in the East with 55 points. The defending MLS Cup champions have already secured a playoff berth but are still fighting for a better postseason seed. They will also be looking to rebound from Saturday's 2-0 loss to the Red Bulls.

For Cincinnati, the challenge will be defending Miami's attacking talent without sacrificing opportunities going forward. FCC has struggled defensively at times this season, if not for most of the season, but  Saturday's shutout was an encouraging sign.

Head coach Pat Noonan also faces a difficult balancing act with three matches in eight days. Wednesday is Cincinnati's final road match of the regular season before returning home to face Philadelphia on Saturday and Nashville on November 7.

"Players are going to have to be ready because we're going to need the fresh legs," Noonan said Tuesday, acknowledging the physical demands of the schedule.

Wednesday also offers Cincinnati an chance to secure a playoff berth. A victory over Miami, combined with a Columbus loss at FC Dallas, would clinch a postseason spot for the Orange and Blue.

Even a draw would give Cincinnati a valuable point against one of the league's strongest teams, although it would leave the playoff race unresolved heading into the final two matches.

Match Information

Prediction

Miami has the more dangerous attack and the advantage of playing at home, but Cincinnati is beginning to find some consistency at the right time. Evander and the Orange and Blue should be able to create enough chances to keep pace with Messi and company. A road point against one of MLS's best teams would be a good result for FCC.

FC Cincinnati 2, Inter Miami 2